How to buy a property in Spain as a non-resident

Buying a property in Spain as a non-resident or resident foreigner is entirely possible and increasingly common. Whether as an investment, second home, or vacation home, the process requires meeting certain legal and administrative requirements. Below, we explain the steps:

1. Define the type of property and location

Before beginning the process of buying a property in Spain as a foreigner, it is important to be clear about the type of property you are looking for (apartment, house, land, etc.), your budget, and the area where you want to buy. Factors such as climate, accessibility, services, and appreciation potential are key.

Buyspain specializes in purchasing properties in the Bajo Aragón region of Spain, but our services are provided throughout the Iberian Peninsula.

2. Obtain the NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)

This is a mandatory requirement for any economic transaction in Spain. The NIE will be required to sign the purchase agreement, open a bank account, and pay taxes.

At Buyspain, we help you obtain the NIE (National Identity Document) whether from Spain or your home country. We handle the application process on your behalf. Click here for more information on how we can help you obtain the NIE.

3. Open a bank account in Spain

Although it is not required by law, it is highly recommended to have a Spanish bank account to manage property-related payments (taxes, utilities, community fees, etc.).

4. Check the legal status of the property

Before buying a property in Spain as a non-resident or resident foreigner, it is important to ensure that the property is free of liens or debts and that it has the necessary licenses and permits. Ideally, you should have professionals advise you throughout the process.

At Buyspain, we handle these legal procedures in Spain for you. Click here to see how we conduct the legal investigation of the house or property so you can buy a property in Spain as a non-resident or resident foreigner without any problems.

5. Signing the Public Deed Before a Notary

The buyer, seller, and notary sign the public deed of sale. At that point, the remaining price is paid and possession of the property is handed over, thus completing the action of purchasing a property in Spain as a non-resident or resident foreigner.

Buyspain offers the service of signing on your behalf, whether you are in Spain or not. To do so, you simply need to grant us powers of attorney. Click here to learn how to grant powers of attorney to sign on your behalf.

Sometimes, it is necessary to sign a preliminary contract that sets out the terms of the sale and usually includes a 5% to 10% down payment of the sale price. This serves to reserve the property and prevent the seller from offering it to other buyers. If this is the case, Buyspain will take care of everything.

6. Registration and Tax Payment

Once the deed is signed, all that remains is to pay the taxes and register it with the Property Registry.

Once you become a homeowner, you’ll need to register or change ownership of utilities such as water, electricity, gas, and community property. You’ll also need to manage annual taxes such as the IBI (Property Tax) and the non-resident tax.

Final recommendation for buying a property in Spain as a non-resident or resident foreigner

Working with specialized professionals will ensure a safe, transparent, and surprise-free process.

Are you thinking about buying a home in Spain as a foreigner, non-resident, or resident?
Contact us and we’ll help you every step of the way! We put our experience and professionalism at your disposal.