10 Steps To Buy Property In Spain | C2C Properties

Buying property in Spain can feel complicated. To make the journey easy, you must understand the exact stages, processes, and common pitfalls. That’s why we created this guide. It walks you through the 10 key steps you need to follow.

If you need any support with buying a property in Manilva, Sabinillas, Duquesa or Casares, C2C Properties are here to help you every step of the way. Please get in touch for advice or to arrange a viewing trip.

1. Obtaining the NIE

Foreign buyers must get an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) before they can purchase property. You also need this number to open a Spanish bank account. Apply early. Appointments are hard to secure and delays are common.

2. Open a Spanish bank account

A Spanish bank account is not compulsory, but it makes paying taxes and completing the purchase much easier. Check several banks in your chosen area. Compare their fees, services, and whether they speak your language. Once you review the options, choose the account that best fits your needs.

3. Complete a Solvency Study & Set Your Budget

If you need a mortgage, start with a solvency study. This step is critical. Spanish banks usually lend up to 80 % of the property value for residents (excluding purchase costs) and up to 60 % for non-residents.

Ask your bank or a mortgage broker for a personalised simulation. You will quickly see what you can afford and which bank offers the best rates.

You can also apply for a loan in your home country if you offer suitable guarantees, such as your main residence. Some banks, however, do not finance foreign property. A mortgage broker helps you compare every option and pick the right one.

4. Finding the property

Once you are clear that you have the finance in place and know what your maximum budget is, we can start looking for properties.

Although there are lots of properties for sale listed online, it can be hard to know where to start without local knowledge. We recommend that you start by choosing an accredited and registered real estate agent, so that they can advise you and show you the properties, either in person or virtually.

Having expert help on the ground will prevent you from falling into certain traps (overvalued properties, poor general condition of the property, hidden refurbishment work that needs to be done). It will also prevent you from having to make several trips if you are not yet living in Spain.

Expert local help protects you from overpriced properties, hidden defects, and unnecessary trips to Spain. C2C Properties specialises in Duquesa, Manilva, and the surrounding areas. We opened in 1997 and moved to our office in San Luis de Sabinillas, Manilva, in 2002. We have lived and worked here for over 20 years. We know the lifestyle this coast offers—whether you want a year-round home or a sunny holiday property. Contact us if you want to buy in this area.

5. Reserving the property

You and the seller sign a reservation contract (also called an “option to buy”). This short agreement removes the property from the market while you complete checks. It is not the same as the later deposit contract. You pay a reservation deposit of €3,000–€6,000.

The contract lasts long enough for you to verify the legal status of the property and secure your loan (usually 15 days). The agreement clearly states both parties’ obligations, including how and when you get your money back if the deal does not proceed.

6. Check All Charges & Legal Status

7. Obtaining financing

If you have already carried out the financial study and you need a mortgage, it will be necessary to go to the bank so that they can approve the loan and proceed with the purchase of the property.

8. Deposit contract

The deposit contract is a private agreement between buyer and seller. You normally pay 7–15 % of the purchase price at this stage.

Most people use a penitential deposit contract. It protects both sides:

The contract must contain as a minimum:

• The personal information of the seller and the buyer
• The description and identification of the property
• The selling price of the property
• The method of payment
• The amount to be paid (to be subtracted from the total amount)
• The deadline for finalising the sale
• The distribution of the notary’s fees
• Penalties in the event of withdrawal by either party
• The signature of the seller and the buyer

Add any other clauses you need for full legal protection. A qualified lawyer or real-estate expert (API) should review the contract.

At C2C Properties, our in-house lawyer Domenico di Giorgio handles everything for you. He has practised law since 2002 and has specialised in Costa del Sol real estate and residency since 2012. Contact us to speak directly with Domenico.

9. Purchase and sale and public deed

The purchase and sale of the property is concluded at the notary with the signing of the mortgage, if there is one, followed by the signing of the title deed of the property. The bank representative, if a mortgage is signed, the notary, the buyer, the seller and the real estate professional or lawyers, if any, are all present at this time.

The notary will verify that payment has been made to the seller.

The deed must then be presented to the Land Registry to notify the change of ownership. This is not obligatory, but we recommend it to ensure the owner is legally protected against any third party.

10. Payment of taxes derived from the purchase of the property

Once the property has been bought and sold, it is necessary to pay a series of taxes, depending on whether the property is new or second-hand. These are as follows –

A- Newly built properties

• VAT – 10% of the deeded amount.
• Stamp duty (Impuesto de actos jurídicos documentados) – This is a tax which is calculated on the deed made public before a notary and which is applied to the legalisation of all types of notarial documents. It is paid by the buyer and is 1.5% of the value of the property in Andalusia.

B – Second hand property

• Transfer Tax (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) – The General tax in the Community of Andalusia is currently 7% of the value of the property and 4% of the value of the furniture, in case it is sold separately to the property.

Conclusion

Buying property in Spain is straightforward when you follow these 10 steps. Surround yourself with trusted professionals who guide you from start to finish.

At C2C Properties, we provide full support—from getting your NIE to signing at the notary and paying taxes. Our local knowledge, experience, and passion make the process simple and stress-free. We only sell properties in Manilva, Sabinillas, Casares, and Duquesa—an area within a 15 km radius of our office.

We hold full API licensing and belong to the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP). Our members undergo strict vetting and follow industry regulations. Ready to begin your journey? Contact us today.

We will help you buy the perfect property on the Costa del Sol with confidence and peace of mind.

We are committed to excellence and know our clients need to put their trust in us. This is why we are licenced with the API and members of the Association of International Property Professionals (AIPP). As members of the AIPP, we have been vetted and approved, and we have voluntarily committed ourselves to industry regulation.

Please contact us and let us help you to support you through your journey to buying a property on the Costa del Sol.