How to buy property in Spain as a foreigner, step by step

1. Get an NIE number

The NIE is the tax number Spain gives to foreigners. You cannot sign the title deed without an NIE. You can apply at a police station in Spain or at a Spanish consulate. A lawyer can also apply for you if you give the lawyer a power of attorney.

2. Open a Spanish bank account

You pay the price and the taxes from a Spanish bank account. Later you pay the running costs from it too. Banks ask where your money comes from. Have payslips, tax returns or sale contracts ready.

3. Hire your own lawyer

Use a lawyer who works only for you. Do not use a lawyer suggested by the seller or the seller's agent. The lawyer checks who owns the home, any debts on the home, the licences, the planning status and the community of owners.

4. Reserve the home

With a reservation contract you pay a deposit, and the seller takes the home off the market for a short time. Ask your lawyer to hold the deposit. Make the reservation depend on the legal checks.

5. Sign the private contract

The private purchase contract is often called a contrato de arras. When you sign it, you usually pay about 10% of the price. Under the usual form, a buyer who pulls out loses that payment. A seller who pulls out pays back double.

6. Sign the deed at the notary

You pay the rest of the price and sign the title deed, the escritura, in front of a notary. If you cannot be there, your lawyer can sign with a power of attorney.

7. Register the home and connect services

Your lawyer pays the purchase tax and files the deed at the Land Registry. Your lawyer also puts the water, electricity and local taxes in your name.