Think buying a home in Spain takes years? It doesn’t have to. With expert support and a clear plan, you could complete your purchase in just six months. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key stages of the Spanish buying process – from early research and choosing a location to securing legal support, signing contracts and getting the keys. We’ve also included a cost breakdown, timeline and tips to help you move forward with confidence.
The idea of buying property overseas can feel overwhelming – especially if it’s your first time navigating a foreign system. But with the right steps and support in place, owning a home in Spain is not only achievable, it’s often faster and more straightforward than you might expect. This six-month timeline breaks the process down into clear stages so you can plan ahead, avoid common pitfalls and enjoy the journey to your new home.
- Step one: dream, research, define your goals
- How Your Overseas Home helps buyers
- The six-month buying timeline
- Final steps to ownership
- Typical buying costs in Spain
Download the Spain Buying Guide
Step one: dream, research, define your goals
Your Spanish property journey might begin after years of daydreaming, or it could follow a fantastic holiday that left you wondering what life would be like if you didn’t have to fly home. Either way, it all starts with research.
Begin by asking yourself some key questions. Will this be a holiday home or do you eventually plan to live there full time? Will you rent it out when you’re not using it? Do you need to be close to an airport, or would a quiet inland village suit you better? These decisions will shape where and what you buy – and how much it might cost.
It’s also worth thinking about your property must-haves versus your nice-to-haves. Would a balcony be lovely, or is it essential? Would a sea view be nice, or non-negotiable? Creating a shortlist of priorities can help focus your search and prevent decision paralysis later.
Importantly, you’ll need to define your budget. That means more than just how much you can afford to spend on the property. You’ll also need to factor in purchase taxes, legal fees, travel and currency exchange risks. If you’re planning to use a mortgage, now’s the time to look into your options and gather documents.
How Your Overseas Home helps buyers
Your Overseas Home exists to make this process not just achievable, but enjoyable. Our property portal has thousands of listings across Spain – including inland townhouses, beachfront apartments and countryside villas. You can filter by location, price, property type and even features like pools or proximity to golf courses.
But we go beyond listings. Our experienced consultants are available for a friendly chat to help you clarify your needs, answer early-stage questions and connect you with trusted lawyers, estate agents and currency specialists. We know every buyer’s journey is different, and we’re here to support yours from first idea to moving day.
Our webinars – including twice yearly Virtual Events – offer a shortcut to expert insights. These free online sessions let you ask questions directly to professionals, compare regions and get clarity on everything from legal steps to tax rules.
The six-month buying timeline
While some buyers take years, many go from idea to ownership in as little as six months. Here’s what a realistic six-month buying journey looks like for a resale property…
Your path to Spanish homeownership – in just six months!
Six to five months out
- Define your ideal property: location, size, features, usage plans.
- Start speaking with estate agents and Your Overseas Home consultants.
- Talk to a currency specialist about using a forward contract to fix your exchange rate and protect your budget.
- Hire an independent lawyer before you view – this will protect you from common pitfalls and help structure the purchase in the most tax-efficient way.
- Join a Virtual Event for up-to-date insights from experts.
Four months out
- Plan and book a viewing trip to visit shortlisted properties. Seeing the area and homes in person can clarify your decision quickly.
- Reconnect with your team – lawyer, estate agent, mortgage adviser – before you travel so you’re ready to act.
- Apply for your NIE (número de identidad de extranjero), the tax ID needed to buy property in Spain. You can apply at a police station or via a lawyer.
- Not ready to commit yet? Book a second trip. Many buyers take two to three visits before finding the right property.
Three months out
- Make an offer on your chosen property. If accepted, you’ll sign a reservation agreement and pay a holding fee of between 1% and 5% of the price of the house.
- Your lawyer will start legal checks: verifying ownership, debts, permissions and drafting contracts.
- If you want peace of mind, arrange a building survey – particularly important for rural or older homes.
Two months out
- Sign the deposit contract (contrato de arras) and pay around 10% of the purchase price.
- Fix your exchange rate now if you haven’t already. The euro can shift quickly – small changes can cost you thousands.
- Your lawyer will coordinate with the notary and prepare the escritura pública (title deed) for final signing.
- Start planning your move: book an international removals firm, look into utilities and Wi-Fi and start shopping for décor if needed.
Final steps
- Sign the escritura pública at the notary’s office. You can attend or give your lawyer Power of Attorney to do this on your behalf.
- Pay the remaining balance and associated taxes (including ITP and stamp duty), plus legal and notary fees.
- Congratulations! You’ll receive the keys and officially become a homeowner in Spain.
Typical buying costs in Spain
Here’s a breakdown of what to expect financially:
| Cost type | Estimated amount | When it’s paid |
|---|---|---|
| Reservation deposit | 1-5% of the property’s value | On offer acceptance |
| Main deposit (10%) | Varies by property price | With contrato de arras |
| Transfer tax (ITP) | 6-10% | At completion |
| Notary fees | 0.2-0.5% | At completion |
| Stamp duty and admin | Up to 1.5% | At completion |
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