1. Get your NIE and a bank account
The NIE is your tax identity number in Spain; you cannot complete without it. It can be obtained through a Spanish consulate or at a police foreigner office in Spain, or via a lawyer with power of attorney. A Spanish bank account lets you pay taxes and set up direct debits for IBI, community fees and utilities. See NIE in Torrevieja.
2. Choose an independent lawyer
Your lawyer (abogado) checks the title, debts, planning legality and licences, drafts or reviews contracts, and handles taxes and registration after completion. Choose one with no link to the selling agent or developer. A power of attorney lets them sign for you if you can’t be there.
3. Agree the price and reserve
A reservation deposit (often €3,000–€6,000) takes the property off the market for a few weeks while checks run. Make sure it is refundable if the legal checks fail.
4. Sign the private contract (arras)
Usually 10% of the price. Under the common arras penitenciales form, if you walk away you lose it; if the seller walks away they typically repay double. The contract sets the completion date and what is included.
5. Complete at the notary
Buyer and seller (or their representatives) sign the escritura at the notary, the balance is paid, and keys are handed over. The notary checks identities and reads the deed; they do not act for you, which is why you need your own lawyer.
6. After completion
Your lawyer pays the transfer tax (9% on resales in the Valencian Community from 1 June 2026) or VAT and stamp duty on a new build, registers the deed and switches utilities, IBI and community fees into your name. Non-residents then file an annual non-resident income tax return on the property. Costs in detail: buying costs 2026.
Mistakes we see most
- Using the seller’s lawyer.
- Buying an enclosed terrace or extra room that isn’t registered.
- Assuming a holiday-let licence transfers automatically.
- Not budgeting for community derramas.
- Expecting residency from the purchase — the golden visa ended in 2025. See visas for home buyers.