From sun-drenched beaches and mouth-watering food to a relaxed lifestyle and more affordable way of living, it’s easy to see why so many UK buyers have their eyes set on a property in Spain.
For those seeking a holiday home, planning to retire and looking to relocate permanently, Spain offers a wide and tempting range of attractive property options, from sprawling coastal villas to modern, city-centre apartments and so much more. But where to begin? How do you actually go about buying a property in Spain from the UK?
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the entire process of how to buy a property in Spain, step-by-step, covering the big questions like what legal steps are involved, what budget you’re looking at and what’s changed since Brexit. If you’re set on moving to Spain, our top-notch team of international removal specialists is on hand to help!
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Spain?
Yes – foreign nationals (including British citizens) can buy property in Spain, with no restrictions on ownership.
Spain has always welcomed international buyers, and there are currently no special limitations in place or unusual permissions required to purchase a home as a non-resident. Following Brexit, UK citizens have been classed as non-EU nationals, but this does not impact buying rights. What has changed is how long you’re allowed to stay in Spain without a visa, and how property ownership does or doesn’t relate to residency.
Key Considerations for Potential UK Buyers:
Owning a property doesn’t instantly grant you residency. If your plan is to live in Spain on a full-time basis, you will still need to apply for the appropriate visa.
You can stay in Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. For any stays beyond that, you might want to consider a non-lucrative visa, Golden Visa, or the retirement residency route.
You will be required to have an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) number. This is a Spanish tax ID for foreigners, which is required for purchasing property and handling contracts, taxes or utilities.
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Buying a Property in Spain
We understand that one of the most difficult parts of undertaking a task like this is knowing where to start. Let’s break down everything you need to know and do in order to begin your journey of buying a property in Spain!
1. Choose Your Location
Spain offers a variety of regions that are appealing to foreigners eager to dip their toes into the Spanish property market. From the golden beaches of the famous Costa del Sol to the quiet, sleepy charm of inland villages, there are many wonderful spots to choose from. To decide on the best place in Spain to live for you, consider climate, transport, lifestyle, affordability, and whether there’s an existing expat community in the area.
2. Work out Your Budget
Think beyond the actual price of the property you’re hoping to buy. There are always additional expected (and sometimes unexpected) costs that come with purchasing a property. Take into consideration various costs like insurance, legal fees and taxes, as these could add between 10-15% to the purchase price of a property. It’s also worth factoring in the cost of living in Spain when doing your calculations of what you can afford.
3. Find a Trustworthy Solicitor
An independent, bilingual solicitor is essential when looking to buy a property in Spain. They will help to protect your interests, explain laws and documents, and generally ensure that your sale goes smoothly.
4. Get an NIE Number
The Spanish personal tax ID is required by law for the purchase of any property in Spain. You can obtain one in Spain or through a UK-based Spanish consulate.
5. Open a Spanish Bank Account
This is another essential step on the way to owning a property in Spain. You’ll need a Spanish bank account to pay utility bills, a mortgage and taxes. Most major banks in Spain offer non-resident accounts, so you shouldn’t encounter any issues.
6. Sign the Reservation & Purchase Contracts
Once you find your dream Spanish home, you’ll sign a reservation agreement, at which point you typically pay a 10% deposit. This will take the property off the market.
7. Complete the Sale
The final deed will be signed in front of a notary. Then, the property is officially yours! The notary will register the sale with the land registry, at which point you can start getting down to the logistical side of your move.
Taxes and Fees to Bear in Mind When Buying a Property in Spain
As already mentioned, the various costs and fees involved in buying a property in Spain can amount to about 10-15% of the property value. Here’s a breakdown of costs you should consider.
Property Transfer Tax (ITP) – 6–10% (for resale properties; varies by region)
To put this into context, for a €200,000 resale home in Andalusia, you might pay around €20,000–€25,000 in total taxes and fees. Knowing about these costs upfront helps you to avoid any unwanted surprises and ensures you won’t go over your budget before you even realise it.
Pitfalls to Avoid When Buying Property in Spain
Buying a property overseas is very exciting, but no matter where you’re looking to go, it can come with risks. If you’re not careful, you could find yourself in a home-purchasing nightmare. We want to make sure you avoid these, so make sure you read our blog, 7 Mistakes To Avoid When Moving to Spain.
Buying Property in Spain from the UK Post-Brexit: What’s Different?
While British citizens can still buy property in Spain following Brexit free of restrictions, some of the rules have changed. Here’s a quick comparison of what’s changed since Brexit.
Aspect
Prior to Brexit
Following Brexit
Property Ownership
Fully allowed
No changes
Length of Stay
Unlimited with EU freedom of movement
90 days in any 180-day period (Schengen rules)
Residency Rights
Automatic with property ownership
Now requires a visa (e.g. non-lucrative or Golden Visa)
Healthcare Access
EHIC valid and free movement to register
Need private health insurance unless a resident
Currency Exchange
No fees for euro transfers (SEPA zone)
Now may incur transfer fees or currency loss
Removals & Customs
No customs checks
Customs forms and import duties may apply
Buying property in Spain doesn’t have to be a pipe dream. It’s entirely possible with a bit of planning, and can be a smooth and exciting experience. Whether you’re relocating permanently or just planning on escaping to a holiday home a few times a year, our expert team is here to make your move to Spain simple.
Before you move, be sure to brush up on some Spanish phrases so you can make new friends right away!
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