Most buyers start on the portals and end up dealing with whichever agency answered the phone. Tell us what you are looking for and the agencies covering that area will reply with properties, price guidance and their fee.
Agencies that cover your target areaTheir fee, stated in writingProperties matching your requirementsWhether your budget is realistic for that area
The agency's role
What a buying agent does
Buying in Spain involves legal, financial and practical steps that differ by region and by buyer. Most of the work happens before you view anything.
Search and shortlisting
A search built around your requirements rather than the agency's existing stock. A good agency will also tell you when your budget and requirements do not match the area, and what would.
Market price guidance
Asking prices in Spain often sit well above completed sale prices. A local agency can tell you what comparable properties on that street sold for this year, which is the figure your offer should be based on.
Viewings and negotiation
Viewings arranged around your trip, and negotiation handled by someone who understands the seller's position. Foreign buyers without representation tend to negotiate from a weaker position.
Lawyers, notaries and paperwork
Coordination with your lawyer and the notary, the NIE application, deposit contracts and the completion timetable. Delays here are the most common reason a purchase slips.
The process
The buying process
Timings vary by region and by whether you need a mortgage, but the sequence is broadly the same.
01
Send your request
Where you are looking, your budget, the type of property and when you want to move. About two minutes, with no account to create.
02
Agencies respond
Local agencies reply with what they have available, their fee and how they would run the search. You choose which of them to contact.
03
Get your NIE and a Spanish account
The NIE is your foreign identification number, and you cannot complete a purchase without one. Most buyers open a Spanish bank account at the same time. Both run alongside the search.
04
Viewings and an offer
Viewings are usually grouped into one trip. Once an offer is accepted you sign a reservation contract and pay a holding deposit to take the property off the market.
05
Legal checks and the deposit contract
Your lawyer verifies ownership, outstanding debts, licences and whether the build is fully legal. The contrato de arras follows, usually 10% down, with penalties on both sides if either party withdraws.
06
Completion at the notary
You sign the escritura, pay the balance and receive the keys. Taxes and registration follow within a few weeks.
Rules differ by region
Transfer tax, plusvalía and parts of the purchase procedure are set regionally or by the town hall. Advice that applied in Alicante may not apply in Málaga, which is why the agency you use should work that area.
Costs
What buying costs on top of the price
Costs vary by region and by whether the property is new or resale. Use these as planning ranges and confirm the exact figures for your region with your agency and lawyer.
Cost
Typical range
What it covers
Transfer tax (resale)
6–10%
ITP on resale homes, set regionally. Andalucía, Valencia, Catalonia and Madrid all differ.
VAT + stamp duty (new build)
10% + 1–1.5%
IVA on new-build purchases instead of transfer tax, plus AJD stamp duty.
Legal fees
~1%
Your own independent lawyer. Do not use the seller's.
Notary & land registry
~0.5–1%
Signing the deed and registering you as the owner.
Mortgage costs
Varies
Valuation, arrangement fee and insurance. Non-residents are typically offered lower loan-to-value than residents.
Coverage
Coverage across Spain
An agency in Málaga is of little use for a purchase in Alicante. Requests go to agencies working the specific area you are buying in.
Yes. There are no restrictions on ownership based on nationality, for residents or non-residents. Residency status does affect financing, taxes and long-term use, so confirm your position early.
What is an NIE and when do I need one?
The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is your Spanish foreign identification number. You cannot complete a purchase, pay the associated taxes or open most bank accounts without one. Apply early, as late applications are a common cause of delay.
Can I get a Spanish mortgage as a non-resident?
Usually yes, but on different terms. Non-residents are typically offered a lower loan-to-value than residents, so expect to contribute more of your own funds. Rates, fees and paperwork requirements vary between banks.
Do I need my own lawyer?
Yes, and an independent one. Your lawyer checks ownership, outstanding debts, planning permissions and whether what is built matches what is registered. Do not share a lawyer with the seller or use one they appoint.
What does it cost me to use this service?
Nothing. It is free for buyers and there is no obligation to proceed with any agency that replies.
Request agent offers
The form takes about two minutes. It is free and there is no obligation to proceed.
