Name: Moving to France: visa application & medical insurance
Start: 2023-06-22T15:30:00+01:00
End: 2023-06-22T16:00:00+01:00

Question 1

What is the property buying process in Spain?

Accepted Answer

A typical Spain purchase follows:

(1) offer accepted,

(2) reservation agreement and deposit,

(3) legal due diligence (Land Registry checks via nota simple, debts, planning/licences, community fees),

(4) private contract (often “arras”) with a larger deposit,

(5) completion at the Notary where funds are transferred and the escritura is signed, and

(6) registration at the Registro de la Propiedad.

You should avoid paying significant deposits before a lawyer confirms title, charges, and planning status—especially for rural homes or properties with extensions.

Download Spain Buying Guide to learn more about the process from start to finish.

Question 2

Can foreigners buy property in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes—foreigners can buy property in Spain, including as non-residents. The process is the same as for locals, but you’ll typically need an NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), a Spanish bank account for payments, and clear proof of funds for anti-money-laundering checks. The purchase completes when the title deed (escritura) is signed in front of a Spanish Notary (Notario) and then registered at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad). For some properties (e.g., in rare designated security zones), additional authorisations may apply—your lawyer can confirm during due diligence.

We recommend consulting with a local lawyer to understand any restrictions that may apply to your situation.

Question 3

What taxes and fees should I budget for when buying property in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Costs depend on whether the home is resale or new build and the region. Resales usually involve ITP (transfer tax) set by the autonomous community; new builds often involve VAT/IVA plus AJD (stamp duty) (the Canary Islands use IGIC instead of IVA for many items). In addition, budget for Notary fees, Land Registry fees, legal conveyancing, and translations if needed.

After purchase, typical ongoing costs include IBI (property tax), community fees (if applicable), utilities, and non-resident tax obligations if you don’t live in Spain full-time.

Question 4

Can non-residents get a mortgage in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Often yes—many Spanish banks lend to non-residents, typically based on income, age, credit profile, and the property valuation. Non-resident mortgages commonly require more documentation (proof of income, tax returns, bank statements, ID) and may offer a lower loan-to-value than resident mortgages.

Expect the bank to commission an official valuation and to review the property’s legal status before final approval. If speed matters, get a mortgage assessment early and coordinate timelines with your lawyer so the financing conditions match the purchase contract dates.

We recommend speaking with a mortgage broker to understand the application process and get access to the latest mortgage deals in Spain.

Question 5

Is buying property in Murcia a good option for value compared with other parts of Spain?

Accepted Answer

Murcia is often viewed as good value, especially compared with more saturated coastal hotspots. That said, prices vary widely between coastal areas (Costa Cálida), cities, and resort developments. For buyers, “value” should include legal certainty and running costs: confirm title, debts, and that the home has the right planning and occupancy documentation. If your priority is lifestyle (beach access, golf, year-round living), compare neighbourhood services, transport links, and community charges—some resort communities have higher ongoing fees that matter as much as the purchase price.

Question 6

Can I legally rent out a home in Murcia as a tourist rental?

Accepted Answer

Often yes, but tourist rentals usually require registration and compliance with regional rules (guest reporting, safety/standards, consumer information).

Your biggest “go/no-go” factors are usually:

(1) whether the property type/location is eligible

(2) whether the building’s community rules restrict short stays, and

(3) whether you can meet compliance obligations as a non-resident owner.

Before you buy, ask for written clarity on registration requirements and check if any local restrictions apply to the specific municipality or resort complex.

For full buying process in Spain, download our Spain Buying Guide.

Question 7

Is the buying process in Tenerife the same as mainland Spain?

Accepted Answer

The core legal process is the same—offer, contract(s), due diligence, notary signing, and land registry registration. The key differences are usually practical (local market norms, property types, and timelines) and tax administration, which can differ from the mainland. If you’re comparing Tenerife with Málaga or Alicante, ask local estate agent for a tailored cost estimate based on whether the home is resale or new build, and confirm exactly what documents will be needed to connect utilities and register ownership smoothly after completion.

For full buying process in Spain, download our Spain Buying Guide.

Question 8

Can I rent out my Tenerife property as a holiday let?

Accepted Answer

Possibly, but holiday rentals in Tenerife often require registration and compliance with local rules, and some properties (especially in certain complexes) may have additional restrictions. Before buying, confirm:

(1) whether the property can be registered for short-term rental

(2) whether the building/community rules permit it, and

(3) what your ongoing obligations are (guest reporting, standards, local taxes).

If a listing highlights “great Airbnb returns,” treat it as a marketing claim until you verify eligibility in writing—this is one of the most important checks for investment buyers.

Question 9

Is off-plan buying common on the Costa del Sol, and how do I reduce risk?

Accepted Answer

Off-plan purchases are common around Málaga and Costa del Sol, but you should treat the contract stage with caution. Confirm the developer has the correct building licence, that deposits are protected (often via bank guarantee/insurance), and that completion is tied to clear milestones and documentation.

Your lawyer should review the specification (what’s included), delivery dates, snagging process, and penalties for delays. Also ask what document confirms the home can be occupied and connected to utilities after completion, and verify how the deed signing at the notary will work if you’re abroad.

If you are looking for help with new build or off-plan properties in Spain, please contact our in house property consultants

Question 10

What should I check when buying in an urbanisation in Alicante (Costa Blanca)?

Accepted Answer

Alicante has many properties in urbanisations with shared pools, gardens, and maintenance. Before buying, request confirmation of community fees, any planned major works, and whether the seller is up to date on payments. Your lawyer should verify title in the Land Registry and check for charges and debts attached to the property.

Also review community statutes for rules on pets, noise, renovations, and rentals—these can affect resale and your day-to-day use. For the property itself, ensure any extensions or terrace enclosures were authorised and properly documented.

If you are looking to buy a property in Spain, download our Spain Buying Guide for more information.

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