Buying Property in Spain: The Complete Guide for Foreign Buyers

From NIE numbers and notary fees to transfer tax and mortgage options — everything you need to know before you make an offer on the Costa del Sol.

Getting Your NIE Number

Before you can buy property in Spain, you'll need a Numero de Identificacion de Extranjero (NIE) - a tax ID number for foreigners. This can be arranged before or shortly after you find a property.

Understanding the Costs

Beyond the purchase price, budget for transfer tax (ITP) on resale properties (around 7% in Andalusia), or VAT plus stamp duty on new builds. Add notary and land registry fees, plus legal fees of roughly 1%.

The Buying Process

1. Reservation contract and deposit 2. Due diligence (legal checks on the property) 3. Private purchase contract, typically with a 10% deposit 4. Completion at the notary

Mortgages for Foreign Buyers

Non-resident buyers can typically borrow up to 60-70% of the property value from Spanish banks, subject to income and affordability checks.

Our team works alongside trusted local lawyers and can walk you through each step.