Step by Step

Your Buying Process in Spain

Buying a house in Spain is different from back home. But with the right guidance it is clear, safe and even enjoyable. Discover every step here — from your first orientation to the keys in your hand.

From Dream to Handover of the Keys

The Spanish buying process in seven clear steps.

1

Orientation & Defining Your Wishes

Together we map out what you are looking for. Which region suits your lifestyle? What is your budget, including additional costs? Do you want a new-build apartment or an authentic village house? With a clear profile we search in a targeted way — no time wasted on properties that do not fit.

Region choice based on your wishes
Budget planning including additional costs
View online or on site
Shortlist of suitable properties
2

Viewings & First Selection

We plan an efficient viewing day — or several — in which you see the selected properties. We drive you around, translate where needed, and point out things you might overlook yourself: the condition of the roof, the community fees, the noise levels in summer. No sales talk — honest advice.

Viewings with Dutch-speaking guidance
Structural points to watch per property
Neighbourhood and amenities check
Honest pros and cons per property
3

Reservation & Due Diligence

Have you found the one? Then we sign a reservation contract and pay a small reservation fee (usually €3,000–€6,000). The due diligence then begins: your independent lawyer checks the title deeds, debts, permits and planning situation. Only when everything is in order do we proceed.

Reservation contract with conditions
Check of the Nota Simple and land registry
Check for debts and liens
Permit check (especially for rural properties)
4

Arranging Your Mortgage & Financing

If needed, we help you with a Spanish mortgage. We put you in touch with reliable banks and mortgage brokers who work with international buyers. Tip: start this in good time — applying for a Spanish mortgage takes an average of 4 to 6 weeks.

Tailored mortgage advice (up to 70% of the appraisal value)
Compare current rates and conditions
Document check: NIE, tax return, proof of income
Also possible: financing in your home country
5

Purchase Contract & 10% Deposit

Now it becomes official. You sign the purchase contract (contrato de compraventa) before the notary and pay 10% of the purchase price as a deposit. This is the moment the sale becomes binding. The contract sets out all agreements, the completion date and any conditions.

Notarial purchase contract in Spanish and Dutch
10% deposit (minus the reservation fee already paid)
Fixed completion date and conditions
Penalty clause for both parties
6

Notary & Transfer of Ownership

The big day. You sign the deed of ownership (escritura) before the Spanish notary. The notary verifies that all formalities have been met. You pay the remaining amount, the taxes and the notary fees. Your lawyer is present to verify everything. Then you receive the keys.

Both the notary and your lawyer present
Payment of the balance + 10–13% additional costs
Notarial registration in the land registry
Receipt of keys and title certificate
7

After the Purchase — Everything in Order

Congratulations, you are an owner. But there is still some administration. We help you transfer the utilities, arrange a Spanish bank account and register with the town hall (empadronamiento). We can also arrange your annual tax return (IRNR) for you.

Utilities in your name
Municipal registration
Arrange IBI and refuse collection tax
Annual IRNR tax return

How Long Does It Take?

On average the buying process takes 6 to 10 weeks — from first viewing to handover of the keys. Below is an indicative timeline.

1-2weeks

Orientation & Viewings

2-4weeks

Reservation & Due Diligence

4-6weeks

Mortgage & Financing

6-10weeks

Notary & Handover of Keys

Ready to Find Your Dream Home?

We guide you at every step — from orientation to handover of the keys. Schedule a no-obligation introductory call with our experts.