Buying a home in Spain is a dream for many. Whether you are looking for a holiday apartment by the beach, a family villa for relocation, or an investment property with rental income — Spain offers a wide range of opportunities.
But how does the buying process actually work for foreigners? Here is a clear step-by-step guide.
Define your goals and budget
- Decide if your purchase is for personal use, relocation, or investment.
- Set your budget realistically, including taxes and fees (usually +10–13% of the property price).
Explore financing options — for example, mortgages with banks such as DNB Luxembourg or CaixaBank.
Get your NIE number
Foreign buyers in Spain need a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE).
This is your tax ID in Spain, required for all legal and financial transactions.
Scandicosta can help you arrange this quickly.
Open a Spanish bank account
A local account is needed to pay taxes, utilities, and mortgage installments.
Most foreign clients open accounts with banks on Costa Blanca / Costa Cálida with the support of our team.
Choose the right property
- Visit different areas (Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida) to understand lifestyle and atmosphere.
- Consider new developments, resale homes, or investment projects.
- At Scandicosta, we prepare personalized property selections based on your needs.
Make a reservation and pay the deposit
When you find the right property, you sign a reservation contract and pay a deposit (usually €3,000–€6,000).
This removes the property from the market while legal checks are completed.
Legal due diligence
Your lawyer (we work with trusted partners like Sun Lawyers) will:
- Check ownership and debts.
- Verify building permits and licenses.
- Ensure the property is free from legal risks.
Sign the purchase contract
- The private purchase contract (Contrato de Arras) confirms the deal.
- Usually 10% of the price is paid at this stage.
- All terms and deadlines are written clearly.
Final signing at the notary
- The final deed (Escritura) is signed before a Spanish notary.
- The balance of the price is paid, and you receive the keys.
- Congratulations — you are now the official owner!
Register the property and connect utilities
- The property must be registered in the Land Registry.
- Utilities (water, electricity, internet) are set up.Scandicosta helps you with the practical steps after the purchase.
Enjoy your new life in Spain
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