For general information about Spain (housing, living, and important tips), read about Spain here. A recent report published by Spanish Property Insight showed that 2021 saw record numbers of foreign demand for property purchases in Spain, and the Spanish real estate market regained more activity than it lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
The number of homes purchased by foreigners in Spain last year amounted to 111,743, an increase of 52% compared to the year of the coronavirus pandemic 2020, and 9% compared to 2019.
The statistics showed that foreigners residing in Spain accounted for the largest percentage of total residential real estate sales, which amounted to about 59%, and FNRs (non-resident foreigners such as investors) accounted for 40% of the total number.
According to the report, the market impact (decline and rebound) was observed more through this category FNRs which suffered due to the travel restrictions imposed due to the pandemic in 2020. This is indicative of the greater demand by real estate investors for real estate in Spain thanks to several incentives offered to them, the most prominent of which is obtaining golden residency by purchasing a property worth 500,000 euros and above.
So we dedicate our article today to those interested in buying a property in Spain step by step and what to follow and pay attention to while buying a property.
Update 2026: Buying property in Spain
one of the best investment decisions for Arabs, despite the cancellation of
Golden Residence Program. Real estate prices
in Marbella rose 12% in 2025, making
buying now a good opportunity before prices rise further.
How to buy a property in Spain 2022:
The process of buying a property in Spain is summarized in 7 main steps:
1- Find the right real estate agent:
The first and most important step in buying a property in Spain is choosing a real estate agent with experience and confidence avoids wasting time and effort in searching for real estate on your own It ensures that you get the property of your dreams and provides a smooth and guaranteed real estate buying process.
2- Start your real estate tour:
Once you have agreed with your real estate agent and before starting your real estate search, you must determine the type of property and the features you want to have in it, such as a sea view, fully furnished, close to international schools, etc. Then you can start your real estate tours in reality or online, while touring the property you should pay attention to the general condition of the property, the surrounding service facilities such as shops, hospitals and schools, the features of the residential complex in which the property is located, the location of the property and the expected return on investment on the property and other matters. Taking into account (number of bedrooms, distance to public transportation, building and property features, general condition of the property, proximity to social facilities such as stores, pharmacies, schools, etc.)
A number of real estate agencies offer virtual real estate tours online, but we recommend that you visit Spain and get to know the distinctive residential areas such as Marbella and Málaga and see the properties for yourself in real life.
3 Choose your dream drug:
Remember that you can't easily back out of a real estate purchase, so make sure you're comfortable with your choice before you make an offer and start the process.
4- Negotiate the price of the property:
In this step, your real estate agent is responsible for reaching the best possible purchase price and upon the seller's approval, it is common to be asked to sign a reservation contract (Contrato de Reserva) to reserve the property for you and not sell it, and often a reservation fee is paid to secure the property.
5- Hire a lawyer:
After your offer is accepted and before signing the reservation contract, hire a lawyer to perform basic legal checks on the property (make sure the title deed and legal owner are correct, make sure the property is free of taxes, mortgages or any other fees, make sure the property has building permits and planning permissions, etc.)
Note: When choosing a lawyer, make sure they are registered with the local bar association (Colegio de Abogados).
6- Sign the sales contract:
The contract of sale, or contato de arras, is a prerequisite for concluding an agreement to purchase a property in Spain and usually requires a deposit of 10% of the property value.
7- Transfer the title deed and pay the amount of the property value:
The transfer of ownership takes place when the buyer and seller sign the purchase contract under the supervision of a notary public Notaria Publica and your lawyer to provide you with a verbal translation of the content of the title deed. The full amount of the property is paid to the seller in conjunction with the purchase and must be paid by bank transfer.
8- Receive the key and register the property in your name:
Your real estate agent or lawyer will register the property in your name at the Registro de la Propiedad in the area, pay your taxes and fees, and officially receive the key to the property.
How do I choose the right property?
In general, Spain is in a state of of development, urban prosperity and modern infrastructure with international quality standards and offers a variety of old and modern real estate with views of the seas and mountains and different types of villas, apartments, lands, offices and others to suit your needs and taste.
And for those who love a life of luxury and sophistication, we advise you to choose high-end tourist destinations withLuxury destinations such as Marbella, Malaga on the Costa del Sol coast.
As It is important to check the condition of the property by contacting a qualified and certified building inspector where the property is located. A building inspector can be a surveyor or an architect who will provide you with a standard report for the property. This report indicates the condition of the property, whether there are hidden issues, whether it meets the requirements of the building code, what needs to be fixed, and what costs you will have to spend in the future. Having this report at your fingertips can increase your bargaining power, which can save you a lot of money.
How to avoid real estate fraud in Spain
Here are 10 tips to avoid real estate scams and buy real estate safely:
1- Make sure to deal with a trusted and reputable real estate agent who holds an API (Agente de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria) membership.
2- Verify the original property owner and know all details about the property itself, such as location, type and size, and match them with the title deed information
3- Make sure the property is free of taxes, debts and mortgages
4- Make sure the property is free of hidden issues that could cost you dearly
5-Check that the property has a building permit
6- We advise you to buy a property that has been constructed by a well-known and established construction company
7- We advise you to deal with a building inspector who will provide you with a full report on the condition of the property
8- Make sure you hire a registered lawyer at the local bar association (Colegio de Abogados)
9- Make sure the seller has the legal right to sell the property
10. Ensure that the owner's name matches the name of the bank account holder to whom the funds will be transferred, and we advise you to mention general information about the property such as the type of ownership year, property address, project name, and the legal owner's name in the description box.
In the end, the process of buying a property in Spain is fairly simple, especially if you manage to find the right real estate agent and follow the tips and steps we have listed for you in this article. In fact, buying a property in Spain for investment, settlement, or vacation is one of the most beautiful opportunities that you may get in your life due to the advantages that Spain provides to the resident and foreign investor as well.
Good luck finding your dream home in Spain!
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Property in Spain
What are the steps to buying a home in Spain?
7 Steps to Buying Property in Spain:
1. Choose a reliable real estate agent
2. Determine the type of property and your budget
3. View properties and choose the right one
4. Negotiating the price and signing the reservation contract
5. Hiring a lawyer to conduct a legal review of the property
6. Signing the sales contract and paying a 10% deposit
7. Transferring ownership at the notary’s office and receiving the keys
Is it difficult for foreigners to buy property in Spain?
No, the process is relatively simple. Spain does not
distinguish between foreign and local citizens when it comes to
buying property. You just need an NIE number
, a Spanish bank account, and a trusted lawyer,
and then you can easily complete the transaction.
Does buying a home in Spain grant residency?
This used to be possible through the Golden Residence Program
by purchasing a property worth €500,000, but
the program was discontinued in April 2024.
Currently, you can still obtain residency
through other alternatives, such as the High Net Worth Visa.
How much are the taxes you pay when buying a property in Spain?
Taxes when buying a property in Spain include:
– Transfer tax: 6–10% of the property price
– Notary fees: 0.5–1%
– Property registration fees: 0.5–1%
– Attorney fees: 1–2%
In total, expect to pay an additional 10–15% on top of the property price.
What is the 100% tax rate in Spain?
Spain has announced a 100% tax on real estate
purchased by citizens of non-EU countries
in certain regions as a measure to combat
real estate speculation. This law is still under review
and it is advisable to stay updated on the latest developments with a specialized lawyer.
What is property tax in Spain?
The annual property tax in Spain is called IBI
and ranges from 0.4% to 1.1% of the property’s
annual assessed value. In addition, there is a
property income tax for non-residents, which amounts to
19–24% of rental income or the
estimated value of the property.
If you are looking for an opportunity to invest or buy a great apartment to live in Spain, Maxisthomes offers you the perfect opportunity to discover a variety of available real estate in Marbella and take advantage of the special attraction. For more information, please leave your question here And contact our team via WhatsApp on the following link https://wa.me/message/747GSLD5K2SPC1
