The Property Buying Process in Spain, Step by Step

Buying a property in Spain follows a clear process that differs in several ways from buying a home elsewhere. First, you will need an NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), Spain's tax and foreign resident identification number. Without it, you cannot buy a property or open a Spanish bank account. The NIE can be applied for at the relevant police station in Spain or at a Spanish consulate in your home country. Once you've found the right property, a reservation agreement (Contrato de Reserva) is usually signed along with a deposit to take it off the market. This is followed by the private purchase contract (Contrato de Arras), which typically requires a deposit of around 10% of the purchase price. Before signing the final contract, an independent lawyer should check the property's legal status: that it is free of debts and charges, that all building permits are in order, and that there are no outstanding liabilities. The actual transfer of ownership takes place before a Spanish notary (Escritura Pública), where the remaining balance is paid and the deed is signed. Right Casa Estates guides you through every one of these steps and works closely with trusted lawyers and notaries on the Costa del Sol.