• Foreign-buyer status vs Spanish buyers

• Foreigners - whether from the EU or outside - are allowed to buy property in Spain without special restrictions.
• But you will need a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) - a tax-ID number used for any legal/financial transaction in Spain.
• It’s strongly recommended - almost essential - to hire a local lawyer (solicitor) who knows Spanish property law. They’ll check that the property is legally clean: correct registration, no unpaid debts or liens, proper urban-planning/legal compliance.

1. Preliminary research & property selection
• Decide whether you want a resale (“segunda mano”) property or a new build from a developer. Each comes with different taxes and costs.
• Ask for recent charges: check that community fees, municipal taxes (like IBI), and any outstanding debts are paid. Your lawyer should request official records (e.g. from the Land Registry / “Registro de la Propiedad”).
2. Make an offer and reservation contract (if applicable)
• It’s common to pay a small deposit to the agency or seller to reserve the property, indicating serious interest.
• Once the deposit is accepted, begin due diligence (with lawyer help): obtain a “nota simple” or equivalent to check property status.
3. Signing at the notary and registration
• The final deed (“escritura pública”) must be signed before a notary. After that, register the property in your name at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad).
4. Post-purchase: taxes, community fees, utilities
• Property becomes subject to ongoing expenses: local property tax (IBI), garbage/municipal fees, community charges if part of a condominium/urbanization, utilities, maintenance.
• If you don’t live there full-time (i.e. you’re a non-resident), you may need to declare non-resident income tax.

Costs beyond the listing price tend to add up - typically around 10%–15% of the property value.
Here’s a breakdown:

As a rule of thumb: always plan for at least 10%–15% extra beyond the asking price to cover all these additional expenses.

• Focusing only on the asking price and forgetting additional costs - many buyers underestimate the total amount needed.
• Skipping proper due diligence or legal checks - buying without verifying registry status, debts, planning permissions, or community obligations can lead to big headaches.
• Underestimating ongoing costs - community fees, maintenance, taxes, utilities can add up, especially in urbanisations or holiday-home developments.
• Picking an unreliable agent or not getting independent legal advice - used estate agents may not always act in buyer’s interest.

• Use a lawyer independent of the estate agent or seller. This ensures unbiased due diligence and protects your rights.
• Always request and review the official registry certificate (“nota simple”) before committing.
• Compare resale vs new builds - depending on your goal (living, holiday home, rental, long-term investment) the right type may differ.
• Factor in not just the purchase but maintenance and ongoing costs (community fees, IBI, utilities) - especially in coastal areas or developments.
• If you intend to rent out (vacational or long-term), check local regulations, rental license requirements, renovation rules (especially relevant inland and in smaller municipalities).