How to buy an apartment in Spain? Practical guide 2025
More and more Poles are wondering how to buy an apartment in Spain. The sunny climate, beautiful beaches, and attractive property prices make Spain one of the most popular destinations for living and investing. In this article we explain how to buy an apartment in Spain step by step, which documents are needed, how long the whole process takes, what additional costs there are, and how to buy an apartment in Spain cheaply and avoid traps.
What will you find in the article?
- What does the process of buying an apartment in Spain look like, step by step?
- What documents are needed to buy an apartment in Spain?
- How long does the whole process of buying an apartment in Spain take?
- What are the additional costs after purchasing a home?
- How to avoid traps when buying property in Spain?
- Summary
What does the process of buying an apartment in Spain look like, step by step?
How to buy an apartment in Spain? The process of buying property in Spain is transparent, but differs from Polish realities. Here are the most important steps:
- Choosing a property
Think about where you want to live and what type of apartment you are interested in. It is worth analyzing locations, prices and the availability of offers. If you want to know how to buy an apartment cheaply in Spain, look for opportunities on the secondary market or among bank-owned properties.
- Reservation of the apartment
After finding the dream home, a reservation agreement is signed and a deposit is paid (usually €6,000 and for more expensive properties between 5 and 10% of the property’s value).
- Checking the legal status
Before signing the contract, it’s worth using the help of a lawyer who will check the land registry, encumbrances, and the property’s legal status.
- Signing the preliminary contract (Contrato Privado)
This document protects both parties. If the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit, and the seller must return it in double (usually 10% of the property’s value).
- Obtaining the NIE number
The NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is an essential document for every foreigner buying property in Spain.
- Finalizing the purchase at the notary
The final purchase-sale agreement is signed in the presence of the notary. Keys are handed over and the remaining price is paid.
- Property registration
The new owner (usually their lawyer in practice) registers the purchase with the property registry (Registro de la Propiedad) and with the tax office.
If you want to know, how to buy an apartment in Spain on credit? Check out our guide!
What documents are needed to buy an apartment in Spain?
How to buy an apartment in Spain and what documents to prepare? Here is a list of the most important formalities:
- NIE number – mandatory for every buyer.
- Passport or identity card – to confirm identity.
- Reservation and preliminary contracts – confirming the purchase terms.
- Proof of funds – required by banks when buying with a loan.
- Extract from the property registry – confirming the property’s legal status.
- Proof of deposit payment – evidence of securing the transaction.
- Bank documents – if you are buying a home in Spain with a loan.
It is worth noting that when buying a home in Spain on the secondary market, additional documents may be required, e.g., proof of taxes paid by the previous owner.
How long does the whole process of buying an apartment in Spain take?
How to buy an apartment in Spain and how long does it take? The entire process, from choosing the property to receiving the keys, usually takes 4 to 10 weeks. The most time-consuming are:
- Obtaining NIE number (1 – 2 weeks)
- Checking the property’s legal status (a few days)
- Handling bank formalities (if you purchase with a loan 2 – 8 weeks)
- Scheduling a visit to the notary (1 week)
- Registration of the purchase (up to 2 months – usually handled by the buyer’s lawyer)
If you want to know, how to rent a home in Spain, read the article on our blog.
What are the additional costs after purchasing a home?
How to buy a home in Spain and not be surprised by additional costs? Besides the purchase price, you must consider:
- Purchase tax (ITP or VAT): 7 – 10% of the property’s value (depending on the region and market).
- Notarial and registration fees: about 1 – 2% of the property’s value.
- Fee for entry in the property registry: about 0.5 – 1%.
- Real estate agent commission: usually paid by the seller, but it’s worth checking.
- Certified translations of documents: if required.
- Property insurance: not mandatory, but recommended.
- Utilities and community fees: dependent on location and standard.
How to avoid traps when buying property in Spain?
How to buy a home in Spain safely? Here are the most important rules:
- Use licensed agencies and lawyers – check reviews and references.
- Verify the property’s legal status – ask for a registry extract and a certificate of no debt.
- Do not pay deposits into private accounts – always use escrow or notary accounts.
- Read contracts carefully – do not sign documents you do not understand.
- Check whether the seller is the real owner – ask for the title deed.
- Avoid offers “too good to be true” – a suspiciously low price is often a red flag.
If you want to know how to buy a home cheaply in Spain, look for opportunities on the secondary market, in foreclosure auctions, or among bank-owned properties, but always stay cautious.
Summary
The key to success is good preparation, knowledge of the procedures and using professional help. The process of buying a home in Spain is transparent, but it requires completing a few formalities and considering additional costs. Remember to always check the property’s legal status and avoid suspicious offers. If you dream of owning a home in Spain, start with market analysis and use our guides to learn how to buy a home in Spain with a loan or how to rent a home in Spain.
