Whitewashed villa on the Costa Blanca in afternoon light
Buying in Spain

Buying a home in Spain, step by step

From the first viewing to the keys at the notary: how a purchase works, what it costs and where we help.

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Buying property in Spain follows its own rules. Taxes, contracts and the role of the notary differ from what you are used to at home, and some checks are best done before you pay anything more than a reservation deposit. This page explains the route in plain terms. For your own situation we always prepare a personal overview.

Since 2002More than twenty years of buying and selling in the Vega Baja and on the Orihuela Costa.
Registered agentAPI member no. 992, registered in the Valencian register RAICV 5781, member of GIPE and AIPP.
Resale and new buildA broad offer across the region, so we can compare on your behalf.
Legal and tax know-howExperience with contracts, purchase taxes and non-resident obligations.
The route at a glance

Six steps from search to keys

1

Prepare

NIE number, Spanish bank account, financing and a budget that includes the purchase costs.

2

Search and view

Narrow down area, type and budget, then view a focused selection of homes.

3

Offer and reserve

Agree the price and take the home off the market with a reservation deposit.

4

Legal checks

Ownership, debts, licences and certificates are verified before you commit further.

5

Private contract

The purchase contract fixes price, conditions and completion date, usually with a 10% deposit.

6

Notary and keys

You sign the deed, pay the balance and receive the keys. Registration in your name follows.

Notebook, calculator and passport on a sunny terrace table
01 · Preparation

Get ready before you start viewing

The strongest position to buy from is one where the paperwork and the financing are already arranged. When the right home comes along, you can act straight away. More on the NIE and mortgages on our Move to Spain page.

NIE numberYour Spanish identification and tax number. The notary, the bank and the tax office all ask for it, so apply early.
Bank accountA Spanish account is used to pay the purchase taxes and, later, the running costs of your home.
BudgetPrice plus purchase costs. Need a mortgage? Ask for an indication of your borrowing capacity first.
Bright living room opening onto a terrace with a pool
02 · Search and viewings

Find the right home, not just any home

Start with what matters most: the area, the type of property, outdoor space, distance to the beach, golf or shops, and whether you prefer a resale home or a new build. A focused shortlist makes a viewing trip far more useful than a long list of addresses.

ResaleSee exactly what you buy and move in soon after completion, often in an established neighbourhood.
New buildModern specifications and building warranties, with payments in stages during construction.
Viewing tripTwo or three well-prepared days are usually enough to compare a shortlist on site.
How Soltura helps: we work across the Vega Baja and the Orihuela Costa, with both resale homes and new developments, so your selection is based on your wishes rather than on a single project.
Property documents being checked with a pen and reading glasses
03 · From offer to contract

Reservation, legal checks and the private contract

Once the price is agreed, the purchase is secured in stages. Each stage gives you more certainty, and the checks in between protect you against surprises later on.

ReservationA short contract with a modest deposit takes the home off the market and fixes the price.
Legal checksLand registry extract (nota simple), debts and charges, licences, habitation certificate, outstanding IBI and community fees.
Private contractFixes the conditions and the completion date. A further payment usually brings the deposit to 10% of the price.
How Soltura helps: through Soltura Legal Services, the checks and contracts are handled by people who know Spanish property law and the local town halls, and who explain every document in your own language.
House keys handed over across a table after signing
04 · Notary and keys

Completion at the notary

On completion day buyer and seller, or their representatives, sign the title deed (escritura) before a Spanish notary. The balance is paid, the purchase taxes are settled and you receive the keys. The deed is then registered in your name at the land registry.

Before the dayFinal figures, the payment of the balance and the details for transferring the utilities are prepared.
On the dayThe notary reads the deed and checks identities and payments. You sign and become the owner.
Can’t be there?With a notarised power of attorney, a trusted representative can sign on your behalf.
How Soltura helps: one of our team is with you at the notary and stays until the keys are in your hand.
Purchase costs

What you pay on top of the price

Purchase costs in Spain are often higher than buyers expect. As a rule of thumb, reserve roughly 10 to 13% of the price for a resale home in the Valencia region. The exact amount depends on the type of property, the price and your personal situation.

TaxesTransfer tax (ITP) on a resale home; VAT (IVA) plus stamp duty (AJD) on a new build.
Notary and registryFees for the title deed and for registering the home in your name.
Legal feesIndependent checks, contracts and support through to registration.
Mortgage costsOnly when you finance: valuation, bank fees and the mortgage deed.
How Soltura helps: before you make an offer, you receive a complete cost overview for that specific home, including the tax side for residents and non-residents.
After the keys

Settling into your new home

Utilities, IBI, community fees, annual tax returns and a Spanish will: our after-sales team helps you through the first months. You will find the practical side of living here on our Move to Spain page.

Move to Spain
Your purchase, our guidance

Ready to start your search?

Tell us what you are looking for and when you would like to buy. We will put together a first selection and a clear overview of the steps and costs for your situation.

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This page contains general information and is not personal legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, percentages and procedures can change; we always check your specific situation.