✅ Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Spain (2025)

Get Your NIE Number
Before doing anything, you need an NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) — your official tax ID in Spain. 📍 Can’t be here in person? No problem. Your Spanish lawyer can apply for your NIE and even open a bank account on your behalf with a Power of Attorney (PoA).
Open a Spanish Bank Account
Essential for property payments, direct debits, and utility services — your lawyer can set this up for you if needed.
Define Your Budget & Financing
Foreigners can get Spanish mortgages, often up to 60–70% of the purchase price. Pre-approval strengthens your position when negotiating or reserving a property.
Select a Trusted Real Estate Agent (at no cost to you)
Working with a reputable agent like Hello Sun Sales & Rentals is free of charge for buyers. We take your requirements — budget, location, lifestyle, rental goals — and conduct a targeted search across the entire market. 👉 The only condition: allow your agent to represent you during the purchase process.

Let your agent handle all the contacts and coordination — you get one point of contact and full support from start to finish.
Appoint an Independent Lawyer
Your lawyer will:
📍 Review contracts
📍 Verify the legal status of the property
📍 Check for debts or encumbrances
📍 Handle all paperwork and registration
📍 Work with the notary on completion
Make a Reservation & Sign a Private Contract
Once you’ve chosen a property, a reservation fee (typically €3,000–€6,000) takes it off the market. Then comes a private purchase contract (Contrato de Arras), typically with a 10% deposit.
Final Completion at the Notary
You (or your lawyer with PoA) sign the title deed (Escritura), pay the remaining balance, and become the official owner.

💸 What Are the Buying Costs in Spain?

On top of the purchase price, expect around 10–13% in purchase-related expenses:

Transfer Tax (Resale): 7% (Andalusia)
VAT (New Build): 10% + 1.2% Stamp Duty
Notary & Registry Fees: €1,000–€2,000
Legal Fees: 1% (plus VAT)
Mortgage Costs (if any): 1–1.5% of loan value

📍 Why the Costa del Sol?

Buyer-friendly process for non-residents
High rental demand and excellent climate
Reliable legal protections and modern infrastructure
Properties for all budgets — from €200K apartments to multi-million villas

🔑 Key Benefits of Having an Agent Represent You

✅ One point of contact for all viewings and offers
✅ Access to all available properties, including those not listed online
✅ Professional negotiation and legal support
✅ No cost to you — agent commission is paid by the seller
✅ Better results, less stress

💡 Final Thought

Buying property on the Costa del Sol in 2025 is not just possible — it’s practical, profitable, and surprisingly straightforward when you have the right team by your side.

📩 Want to start the search today? Contact Hello Sun Sales & Rentals — we’ll find your ideal property and guide you every step of the way, with no cost or obligation unless you buy.