For general information about Spain (housing, cost of living, and top tips), read about Spain here.
Buying real estate in Spain remains one of the most attractive investment decisions for Arab investors, especially in luxury coastal destinations such as Marbella and the Costa del Sol. Although the Spanish government has canceled the Golden Residence Program effective April 3, 2025, demand for real estate in upscale areas remains strong, with a notable rise in prices in Marbella throughout 2025 . Full details here.
So we’re dedicating today’s article to those interested in buying property in Spain—step by step—and what to do and what to watch out for during the purchasing process.
Steps for Buying Real Estate in Spain:
The process of buying a property in Spain can be summarized in 8 main steps, which are:
1. Find the right real estate agent:
The first and most important step in buying a property in Spain is choosing an experienced and trustworthy real estate agent. This will save you time and effort in searching for properties on your own, ensure you find the property of your dreams, and provide a smooth and secure buying process. And that’s exactly what our team at Maxisthomes offers you, with complete ease.
2. Start your real estate tour:
Once you’ve reached an agreement with your real estate agent and before you begin your property search, you should determine the type of property and the features you want it to have, such as a ocean view, fully furnished, close to international schools, etc. You can then begin your property tours, either in person or online. As you tour properties, pay attention to the overall condition of the property, nearby amenities such as stores, hospitals, and schools, the features of the residential complex where the property is located, the property’s location, the expected return on investment, and other factors. Take into account the number of bedrooms, distance to public transportation, the features of the building and the property, the property’s overall condition, and proximity to community amenities such as stores, pharmacies, schools, and so on.
A number of real estate agencies offer virtual property tours online, but we recommend that you visit Spain to explore its distinctive residential areas, such as Marbella and Málaga, and see the properties for yourself in person.
3. Choose the property of your dreams:
Keep in mind that you cannot easily back out of a real estate purchase, so be sure of your choice and fully convinced of it before submitting an offer and beginning the necessary procedures.
4- Negotiate the price of the property:
In this step, your real estate agent is responsible for securing the best possible purchase price. Once the seller agrees, you will typically be asked to sign a reservation contract (Contrato de Reserva) to reserve the property for you and prevent it from being sold to someone else. A reservation fee is often paid to secure the property.
5- Hire a lawyer:
After your offer is accepted and before signing the purchase agreement, hire an attorney to conduct basic legal due diligence on the property (verifying the validity of the title deed and the legal owner of the property; ensuring the property is free of taxes, mortgages, or any other fees; confirming that the property has the necessary building permits and planning approvals, etc.).
Note: When choosing a lawyer, make sure he or she is registered with the local bar association (Colegio de Abogados).
6- Sign the sales contract:
The sales contract, also known as the deposit agreement (contrato de arras), is an essential step in finalizing a real estate purchase agreement in Spain, and at this stage, a 10% deposit of the property’s value is typically paid.
7. Transfer of the title deed and payment of the property's value:
Ownership is transferred when both the seller and the buyer sign the purchase contract in the presence of a notary public (Notaría Pública) and your attorney, who will provide you with an oral translation of the contents of the title deed. The full purchase price of the property is paid to the seller at the time of purchase, and payment must be made via bank transfer.
8. Receiving the key and registering the property in your name:
Your real estate agent or attorney will then register the property in your name with the local Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad), pay any applicable taxes and fees, and officially receive the keys to the property.
How do I choose the right property?
In general, Spain is experiencing urban development and prosperity, with modern infrastructure that meets international quality standards. It offers a diverse range of both historic and modern properties—including villas, apartments, land, and offices—with views of the sea and mountains, designed to suit your needs and tastes.
For those who love a life of luxury and sophistication, we recommend choosing upscale tourist destinations with high-end amenities, such as Marbella and Málaga on the Costa del Sol. (For a detailed look at the key benefits of real estate investment in Spain, check out the article “10 Key Benefits of Buying Real Estate in Spain.”)
It is also important to verify the condition of the property by contacting a qualified and certified building inspector in the area where the property is located. A building inspector—who may be a surveyor or an architect—will provide you with a standard property report. This report details the property’s condition, identifies any hidden issues, and confirms that it meets building code requirements. It also lists any defects that need to be repaired and the costs you’ll likely incur in the future. Furthermore, having this report in your possession can strengthen your negotiating position, which could save you a significant amount 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 work with a trustworthy and reputable real estate agent.
2- Verify the identity of the original property owner and review all details regarding the property itself—such as location, type, and size—and ensure they match the information on the title deed.
3- Ensure the property is free of taxes, debts, and liens.
4- Ensure the property is free of hidden issues that could cost you a lot.
5- Ensure the property has a building permit.
6- We recommend purchasing a property built by a well-known and established construction company.
7- We recommend working with a building inspector who will provide you with a comprehensive report on the property’s condition.
8- Make sure you hire a lawyer who is registered with the local bar association (Colegio de Abogados).
9- Make sure the seller has the legal right to sell the property.
10- Make sure the owner’s name matches the name on the bank account to which the funds will be transferred. We recommend including general information about the property—such as the type of title, year of ownership, property address, project name, and legal owner’s name—in the description field.
Ultimately, buying a property in Spain is a fairly straightforward process, especially if you’re able to find the right real estate agent and follow the tips and steps we’ve outlined for you in this article. In fact, buying a property in Spain—whether for investment, to settle down, or to spend your vacations there—is one of the best opportunities you may ever have in your life, given the advantages Spain offers to both residents and foreign investors.
We wish you the best of luck in finding your dream home in Spain, and we're here to help you with all of the above details!
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying Property in Spain
What are the steps involved in buying a home in Spain?
Steps to Buying Real Estate in Spain: 7 Key Steps: 1. Choose a reliable real estate agent 2. Determine the type of property and your budget 3. Tour properties and select the right one 4. Negotiate the price and sign a reservation contract 5. Hire a lawyer to conduct a legal review of the property 6. Sign the sales contract and pay a 10% deposit 7. Complete the transfer of ownership at the notary’s office and receive the keys.
Is it difficult for foreigners to buy real estate in Spain?
No, the process is relatively simple. Spain does not distinguish between foreign and local citizens when it comes to purchasing real estate. All you need is an NIE number, a Spanish bank account, a real estate agent, and a trusted lawyer, and then you can easily complete the transaction.
Does buying a home in Spain grant residency?
This was previously possible through the Golden Visa program by purchasing a property worth 500,000 euros, but the Spanish government officially abolished the program effective April 3, 2025, pursuant to Organic Law No. 1/2025. Currently, there is no direct path to residency through the purchase of residential property in Spain.
How much are the taxes you pay when buying a property in Spain?
In the Andalusia region (Marbella, Málaga), taxes include:
- ITP Transfer Tax: A flat 7% of the property's price
- Notary fees: 0.5–1%
- Property registration fees: 0.5–1%
- Attorney's fees: 1–2%
In total, expect to pay an additional 9–11% on top of the property price.
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 assessed value per year. In addition, there is a property income tax for non-residents from outside the European Union (including Gulf countries), which amounts to 24% of rental income or the property’s assessed value.
If you’re looking for an investment opportunity or a wonderful apartment to live in Spain, Maxisthomes offers you the perfect chance to discover a wide variety of properties available in Marbella and take advantage of its unique appeal. For more information, please leave your question here and contact our team via WhatsApp at the following link: https://wa.me/message/747GSLD5K2SPC1
