A Complete Guide to Buying Property in Spain as a Foreigner 

Spain is one of the most popular destinations in Europe for property buyers from around the world — and for good reason. With its sunny climate, relaxed lifestyle, and relatively affordable housing market, buying property in Spain as a foreigner is not only possible, but often quite straightforward with the right guidance.

At Elite World Estates, we’ve helped countless international clients purchase homes across the Spanish coast, from holiday villas to long-term investment properties. Here’s your complete guide to buying property in Spain as a non-resident.

Step 1: Determine Your Property Type & Purpose

Before diving into the buying process, clarify your goals:

• Holiday home for seasonal use
  
• Rental investment for income
  
• Relocation or retirement
  
• Golden Visa eligibility through real estate investment
  

Whether you’re looking for a beachfront apartment or a countryside villa, our extensive property listings feature options for every need and budget.

Step 2: Get a Spanish NIE Number

To buy property in Spain, all foreigners need a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) — your foreigner tax ID number. This is essential for legal and financial transactions.

You can apply:

• At a Spanish consulate in your country
  
• Or directly in Spain through a legal representative
  

Step 3: Understand the Costs

In addition to the property price, buyers should plan for these additional costs:

• Transfer Tax (ITP): 6–10% (for resale homes)
  
• VAT (IVA): 10% (for new builds)
  
• Notary fees, registry fees, legal costs: Approx. 2–3%
  
• Ongoing property tax (IBI), community fees, utilities
  

Our experts at Elite World Estates can provide a full breakdown based on your selected property and location.

Step 4: Hire Legal Representation

It’s highly recommended that you hire a bilingual real estate lawyer to:

• Review contracts
  
• Check title and ownership
  
• Handle due diligence and local regulations
  

While we handle the real estate side, we work closely with trusted legal partners to ensure a smooth and secure transaction for our international clients.

Step 5: Open a Spanish Bank Account & Secure Financing

You’ll need a Spanish bank account to pay for your property and associated fees. If you’re financing, Spanish banks offer mortgages to foreigners — typically covering up to 70% of the property value.

Pro tip: Getting pre-approved will make your buying process faster and more efficient.

Step 6: Sign the Contract and Complete the Sale

There are two key contracts in the Spanish property process:

1. Reservation contract: Small deposit to reserve the property
   
2. Escritura (deed of sale): Final contract signed before a notary
   

Once the deed is signed and registered, congratulations — you’re a Spanish property owner!

Why Buy With Elite World Estates?

With deep local knowledge, personalized service, and a curated portfolio of homes across Spain, Elite World Estates makes the buying process simple, secure, and enjoyable for foreigners.

Ready to begin?
Start browsing our latest listings here — or contact us to get tailored guidance based on your country of origin, budget, and goals.