For international buyers
Buying Property on the Costa del Sol from Abroad
The process
Ten steps to owning a home in southern Spain
- 01
Initial consultation
A call or video meeting to understand your plans, how you will use the property and your timing.
- 02
Define budget, objectives and preferred locations
Total budget including purchase costs, must-haves and nice-to-haves, and the areas that genuinely fit your lifestyle.
- 03
Property selection
A curated shortlist from new developments, pre-launch projects, resale homes and off-market opportunities.
- 04
Remote / video viewings where required
Live video tours and detailed reports so you can shortlist before travelling.
- 05
Personal property tour
An efficient, well-planned tour when you visit — the right properties, not dozens of unsuitable ones.
- 06
Offer and negotiation
Advice on the right offer level and negotiation of price and conditions on your behalf.
- 07
Lawyer / due diligence coordination
Introduction to independent English-speaking lawyers who verify title, debts, licences and contracts.
- 08
Financing guidance where appropriate
Introductions to mortgage brokers experienced with non-resident applications.
- 09
Notary and completion
Coordination of the signing at the notary, payment and handover of keys — in person or by power of attorney.
- 10
After-sales assistance
Help with utilities, community registration, furnishing and local contacts once you own the property.
What buyers ask
Things international buyers need to understand
- Buying costs in Spain
- Budget roughly 10–13% on top of the price: transfer tax (resale) or VAT plus stamp duty (new build), notary, land registry and legal fees.
- NIE (foreigner identification number)
- Required for any property purchase. Obtainable in Spain, at a consulate, or through your lawyer with a power of attorney.
- Spanish bank account
- Normally needed to pay the purchase, taxes and utilities. Most banks open accounts for non-residents with passport, NIE and proof of income.
- Lawyers
- An independent lawyer (not the seller's or developer's) checks title, debts, licences and contracts, and can represent you under power of attorney.
- Mortgage possibilities
- Non-residents can typically borrow up to 60–70% of valuation; residents up to 80%. Terms depend on the bank and your documentation.
- Reservation contracts
- A short agreement with a deposit (often €6,000–€10,000 for resale, more for luxury) that takes the property off the market while due diligence starts.
- Private purchase contracts
- The binding contract, usually with 10% paid, fixing price, completion date and conditions before the notary.
- Taxes and fees
- Transfer tax (ITP) for resale, VAT (IVA) and stamp duty (AJD) for new builds, plus annual IBI and non-resident income tax once you own.
- New-build payment schedules
- Typically a reservation, 20–30% on private contract, further stage payments during construction and the balance on completion, all protected by bank guarantees.
- Buying remotely
- Video viewings, digital documents and a power of attorney allow the entire purchase to be completed without travelling — although a visit is recommended.
- Property visits
- A planned two- or three-day tour usually covers the shortlist properly. I organise viewings, routes and meetings with lawyers and banks.
- Completion at the notary
- The title deed is signed before a Spanish notary, the balance paid and keys handed over. Your lawyer then registers the deed and settles taxes.
Related reading: frequently asked questions, new developments, resale properties and the areas I cover.
Buyer enquiry
Tell me what you are looking for
Not ready for a form? Send a message on WhatsApp.
A short conversation is often the quickest way to understand what is realistic for your budget and plans.