From your discovery visit to signing the deed - A complete, step-by-step guide to purchasing, crafted for the design-savvy.

Familiarization Trip

The journey to purchasing a property in Spain often begins with a familiarization trip. It’s a brief excursion where you can explore various locations, get to know the region, and select a lifestyle that suits you best.
During this visit, an advisor showcases properties that align with your budget and expectations, explains local procedures, and assists with your initial market interactions.

Property Selection and Reservation

Once you find the perfect property, the next step is reservation. At this stage, a preliminary contract (Contrato de Reserva) is signed, and a deposit of approximately 3000 euros is made.
The deposit reserves the property in your name, ensuring it won’t be sold to someone else while documentation is being prepared.

Deposit and Preliminary Contract

After signing the reservation contract, around ten percent of the property's value is paid within two weeks. The contract outlines the transaction terms, payment methods, and the estimated date for signing the notarial deed.
From this point, legal processes begin: property verification, deed preparation, and translation of necessary documents.

Notarial Deed

The signing of the notarial deed (Escritura Pública) takes place in the presence of a notary in Spain. At this moment, the remaining balance of the property price is paid, and ownership is transferred to the buyer.
The notarial deed serves as a document confirming the transfer of ownership and forms the basis for entry into the Spanish land registry.

N.I.E and Land Registry Registration

To purchase property in Spain, obtaining a foreigner identification number, N.I.E (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), is essential.
The N.I.E is required for every financial transaction: property purchase, signing utility contracts, or opening a bank account.
After the notarial deed is signed, the document goes to the Registro de la Propiedad, the equivalent of the Polish land registry. The registration process takes three to four months, after which you can receive the official extract – Nota Simple, confirming ownership rights.

What Happens After Purchase

Upon transaction completion, the new owner should arrange the transfer of utilities, local taxes, and property insurance.
If the purchase was for a property under construction, the sales office or agent monitors progress and provides updates.
It’s advisable to keep copies of all documents, including the notarial deed, payment confirmations, and reference numbers from the registry.