Learn how to buy a Spanish property

How to buy a Spanish property

Learn how to buy a Spanish property with confidence using expert tips from Red Rose Property Spain. Discover the buying process, legal requirements, costs, mortgages, and insider advice to find your perfect home in Spain—guided by a trusted, multilingual real estate team.

How to buy a Spanish property – Step-by-Step Guide

By Red Rose Property Spain – Your Trusted Partner in Málaga, Granada, Almería, Murcia & Alicante

Learn how to buy a Spanish property. Buying a property in Spain is an exciting step — whether you’re dreaming of a holiday home on the Costa del Sol, a modern apartment on the Costa Blanca, a countryside home in Granada’s Costa Tropical, or a golf-resort villa on the Costa Cálida. At Red Rose Property Spain, we make the process safe, clear, and enjoyable.

With years of experience guiding international buyers, we offer independent property finding, legal support, mortgage assistance, renovation coordination, and full after-sales care. No matter where you choose to buy — Málaga, Granada, Almería, Murcia, or Alicante — our multilingual team ensures you always feel supported.

As Catherine says in the brochure:

“Buying a home abroad can seem complicated, but with the right guidance it becomes an exciting and enjoyable journey.”

Below is your complete step-by-step guide to buying a property in Spain.

How to buy a Spanish property - Choose the Right Property

What kind of home in Spain are you searching for

The process starts with understanding your lifestyle and goals.
Do you want a holiday home, permanent residence, or investment property?
We help you:

  • Identify the best area for your needs
  • Shortlist suitable homes
  • Avoid time-wasting viewings
We search the entire market, not just our listings.

How to buy a Spanish property - Make the Reservation (€3,000–€5,000)

What kind of home in Spain are you searching for 

When you find the right property, a reservation fee removes it from the market while your lawyer checks the documentation.

Important:

Never transfer money without consulting an independent lawyer first.

How to buy a Spanish property - Mortgage (If Needed)

What kind of home in Spain are you searching for 

If you need financing, mortgage advisors will guide you through Spanish bank requirements.

  • Residents can borrow up to 70%,
  • Non-residents usually 60–65%.

We help you through the entire mortgage application process.

How to buy a Spanish property - Sign the Private Purchase Contract (10% Payment)

What kind of home in Spain are you searching for 

Once legal checks are complete, both parties sign the Contrato de Arras, and you pay 10% of the purchase price, minus the reservation fee.

This contract confirms the terms and protects both buyer and seller. The time between reservation contract and private purchase contract is normally 3 weeks.

How to buy a Spanish property - Obtain Your NIE Number

What kind of home in Spain are you searching for 

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is required for:

  • Buying property
  • Setting up utilities
  • Paying taxes
  • Opening a bank account

Your lawyer can apply for your NIE on your behalf, especially if you give Power of Attorney.

How to buy a Spanish property - Notary & Completion (Escritura)

What kind of home in Spain are you searching for 

This is the final signing where you become the official owner. This is usually 6-8 weeks after signing the Private Purchase Contract.

You pay the remaining property balance, sign the deeds, and receive your keys.

If you’ve granted Power of Attorney, your lawyer can complete this step for you.

How to buy a Spanish property - Registration & Utility Setup

What kind of home in Spain are you searching for 

After completion, your lawyer will:

  • Register the property in your name
  • Arrange water, electricity, and internet
  • Set up direct debits for taxes and community fees

With POA, your lawyer handles everything — even if you are abroad.

Our properties for sale in Spain

How to buy a Spanish property - Documents You’ll Need.

Passport (valid for all buyers).

NIE number.

Spanish bank account.

Proof of income (for a mortgage, when needed).

Marital status documentation.

Power of Attorney (optional but recommended).

Propiedad en venta en Alicante, Costa Blanca

How to buy a Spanish property - Taxes & Purchase Costs (Approx. 11–13%).

Based on your region, taxes vary:

Resale Properties (ITP):
  • Andalucía (Málaga, Granada, Almería): 7%
  • Murcia: 8%
  • Valencia Region (Costa Blanca): 10%
New Build Properties (IVA + AJD):
  • IVA: 10%
  • AJD: 1.5% in Valencia & Murcia
Additional costs include:
  • Notary fees (€500–€1,200)
  • Land Registry (€400–€600)
  • Legal fees (approx. 1%)
  • Valuation (€400–€600 if mortgage needed)

Our Professional Red Rose Property Spain Team

We collaborate with:

  • Independent lawyers (NIE, POA, due diligence, taxes)
  • Mortgage advisors (banks, financing, documentation)
  • Architects & renovation experts

Together, they ensure your purchase is safe, compliant, and stress-free.

Why Buy with Red Rose Property Spain?

  • Independent buyer-focused agency
  • Local experts in Málaga, Granada, Almería, Murcia & Alicante
  • Trusted multilingual lawyers (EN / ES / NL / DE / FR / RU / UKR)
  • Mortgage and financial guidance
  • Renovation & after-sales support
  • Transparent, professional, and friendly service
  • Hundreds of satisfied international buyers

“Buying a property in Spain should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With our years of experience, local knowledge, and trusted network, we guide you through every step with clarity, confidence, and genuine care. At Red Rose Property Spain, we make the entire buying process simple, safe, and fully supported — so you can focus on the joy of finding your new home.”

Catherine Palsrok

CEO & Founder of Red Rose Property Spain

Peter and Catherine Palsrok, Red Rose Property Spain
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Tonyy Tonyy
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I just see this review now. I think it was an accident. My excuses. I change it straight to a 5 star as a token of goodwill🙃.
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marcel vreeburg
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Wij hebben ons huis op Camposol in Mazarrón verkocht via Red Rose Property Spain SL. Dit is boven verwachting goed en snel verlopen. Dankzij de inzet van Peter en Catherine was ons huis al binnen 2 weken verkocht!Wat wij als buitengewoon prettig hebben ervaren:Snelle resultaten: Binnen veertien dagen was de verkoop al rond.Heldere communicatie: De uitleg en overleggen waren altijd duidelijk en erg prettig.Punctualiteit: Gemaakte afspraken werden altijd exact en op tijd nagekomen.Peter en Catherine zijn deskundig, betrouwbaar en prettig in de omgang. Wij raden Red Rose Property Spain SL dan ook ten zeerste aan voor iedereen die een woning in deze regio wil verkopen!
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DANIEL WOSTYN
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Un immense merci à Fabien et Marie-Claire, un duo d'exception ! Professionnels, disponibles, à l'écoute et toujours de bonne humeur, ils nous ont accompagnés avec une bienveillance remarquable du début à la fin. Au-delà de leur excellent travail, une véritable amitié est née. Nous les recommandons les yeux fermés. Encore merci pour tout !
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Nella
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Absolutely Amazing. Highly recommend Nothing too much . I got recommend Fabien and Claire.didnt have to much expectation but wau surprise. Very friendly. Time always spot on. Honest .no pressure. They really know the area. Told us all about the place. What's good or bad . So we could decide if we like what we see or not. Truly happy with us when we made decisions to buy. Help with all question. U won't find better agents then Fabien and Clare
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chandana ambrose
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Claire and Fabien were absolutely fabulous and professional. We already purchased our property with their support and we are very happy ! We highly recommend them to anyone looking for a holiday home or a place in the sun !
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Alison Wild
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Claire & Fabian helped us find our dream property, they listened to what we said, nothing was too much trouble. They also worked weekends looking for properties which a lot of estate agents don’t do. After the sale was completed they continued to help us with setting up utilities and finding trusted tradesmen. Couldn’t fault them they go above & beyond
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Sabra Everett
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Claire and Fabien helped us sell and purchase our home in Cabo Roig and Villamartin respectively. They worked tirelessly to ensure we were kept informed and caringly led us through the process. Their communication was second to none and chased the solicitors and the vendors constantly. The fantastic thing was they sold our house in Cabo Roig within a week and we had multiple offers to consider. Nothing was too much trouble for them , they even helped us unload the moving van on the day of the move 💪🏻💪🏻 Thank you both you are both stars 🤩.
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Yvonne Van meel
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Fabien denkt heel goed met je mee en heeft snel door waar je precies naar opzoek bent. Onze zoektocht is geslaagd dankzij de goede zorgen en het oneindige geduld van Fabien. Ook de nazorg samen met de advocaat is top. Fabien is very proactive and quickly understands exactly what you are looking for. Our search was successful thanks to Fabien's excellent care and endless patience. The aftercare with the lawyer is also top-notch.
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Ronald en Monique Voets
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Only one word is needed: Wauw!!🙏🏻🥳 From the moment we met Claire and Fabien, from Red Rose Property’s, it has been a wonderful time. They sold us a beautiful villa in Torrestrella, San Miguel de Salinas. Our dream has come true. The perfect villa for our future needs. Both are so dedicated to their work. In a way that inspires confidence. They are sincere and honest in their business dealings. They listen to what you want. They are always ready to answer your questions. Nothing is too much for them. You can tell from everything they do, that they are very driven to make their customers happy. Their commitment is remarkable. Whether you are a buyer or a seller. That is why we have also put our other house up for sale with them. We look forward to continuing our future contact with them with confidence. Sincerely Ronald an Monique
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Start Your Spanish Property Journey Today

Ready to buy your dream home in Spain?

Your perfect home in Málaga, Granada, Almería, Murcia, or Alicante is waiting — and we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact Us!

Red Rose Property Spain is a multilingual real estate agency, proudly speaking English, Spanish, Dutch, German, French, Russian, and Ukrainian — ensuring clear communication and personalized service for every client.

Registered Address: Avenida de Andalucía 118, 29751 Caleta de Vélez, Málaga, Spain

Phone: +34 602 627 580

Email: Contact us now

CIF Registration: B56558235 / Registered Agente Inmobilario: AG25-S3402

Note: This is our registered business address. Please contact us before any visits, as this location is not open to the public.

FAQ's How to buy a property in Spain

Read the answers to all your questions in our Buyers Guide.

No. With the right legal team and guidance, the process is straightforward. We guide you from the first viewing to the final notary signing and beyond.
Expect to pay 11–13% on top of the purchase price, depending on whether the property is new build or resale.
Yes, the NIE is essential for purchasing property, paying taxes, and setting up utilities. Your lawyer can obtain it for you — even via Power of Attorney.
Yes. With Power of Attorney, your lawyer can sign contracts, obtain your NIE, and complete the sale on your behalf.
Most Spanish banks lend 60–65% to non-residents and up to 70% for residents. Our mortgage advisors help secure the best rates and explain all requirements.
Yes — and it is strongly recommended. A lawyer ensures your property is legally safe, performs due diligence, handles paperwork, and protects your interests.