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🏡 BUYING PROPERTY in Spain – step by step (2026)

  • Writer: Ewa Bochenko
    Ewa Bochenko
  • 5 hours ago
  • 2 min read

👉 Why is buying in Spain a good investment?




Buying a flat in Spain is a dream for many people – but without knowing the process, it's easy to make costly mistakes.


If you want to do it right (and stress-free), you need to know the process.



🧭 Step 1: Determine the purpose of your purchase


Before you start viewing properties, ask yourself:

  • 🏖️ A house to live in?

  • 💰 Investment for rental?

  • 🌴 Second home for the holidays?


👉 Why is this crucial?

Because different locations, different ROI and different properties.



📍 Step 2: Select a location



The most popular places on the Costa del Sol:

  • Marbella – luxury, prestige, high prices

  • Estepona – development + great value for money

  • Fuengirola – perfect for renting

  • Benalmádena – good infrastructure and prices


👉 Pro tip:

Don't buy with your eyes

Buy with strategy


💳 Step 3: Check Budget and Financing


You have 3 options:

  • 💰 cash

  • 🏦 mortgage in Spain (up to approx. 60–70% for non-residents)

  • 🔄 mix


👉 Remember:

  • additional costs: 10–13% of the property price

  • Reservation: approx. €6,000 – €10,000



🧾 Step 4: NIE number – you can't do without it


The NIE number is your "PESEL in Spain".


Needed for:

  • real estate purchase

  • opening an account

  • signing contracts


👉 You can do:

  • personally

  • by power of attorney (faster and more convenient)


⚖️ Step 5: Property Inspection (most important!)



We check:

  • whether the property has no debts

  • is the owner correct

  • is everything legal


👉 Therefore: Always work with a lawyer



✍️ Step 6: Reservation Agreement and Deposit


Standard:

  • you sign the reservation

  • you pay a deposit

  • the property disappears from the market



📑 Step 7: Preliminary Agreement (Contrato de Arras)


  • payment of approximately 10% of the price

  • establishing conditions

  • deadline for finalization


👉 If you withdraw, you lose your advance payment

👉 If the seller withdraws - he gives back x2



🔑 Step 8: Finalization at the notary



Final stage:

  • signing of the notarial deed

  • transfer of funds

  • key collection


⚠️ The most common mistakes buyers make


  • ❌ buying without checking documents

  • ❌ choosing the wrong location

  • ❌ lack of investment strategy

  • ❌ acting without an advisor


👉 The most expensive decisions are those based on emotions


💡 Summary


Buying a flat in Spain is:


✔ simple – if you have a process

✔ safe – if you have people

✔ profitable – if you have a strategy


👉 Do you want to receive tailored property offers on the Costa del Sol?

Leave your contact information and I will prepare some suggestions for you.






 
 
 

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