Buying Property in Spain

Buying a Property in Spain: Your step-by-step guide to buying with clarity and confidence

Dreaming of a place in the sun along Spain’s southern coast? Whether you're seeking a holiday home, investment opportunity, or permanent move, navigating the property market abroad can feel daunting. This guide is here to simplify every step — from choosing the right area to understanding costs, legal checks, and everything in between. Let’s help you feel informed, supported, and ready to take the next step toward your life in Spain.

Finding Your Dream Property

The Costa del Sol offers a diverse range of properties to suit every taste and budget. Whether you're searching for a luxurious villa in Marbella, a modern apartment in Estepona, or a charming townhouse in Mijas, we can help you find your perfect match. We specialize in properties in highly desirable locations, including Marbella, Estepona, Mijas, Benahavís, Casares, and Manilva.

Our team takes the time to understand your unique needs and preferences. We'll work closely with you to identify properties that meet your criteria, taking into account your lifestyle, budget, and desired location. We leverage our extensive local knowledge and access to a wide range of properties to ensure you see the best opportunities available. 

Understanding the Buying Process. Your step-by-step buying journey at a glance

Buying property in Spain involves several key stages. We'll be by your side throughout the entire process, providing expert guidance and support. 

1. Property Search: We'll help you define your search criteria and present you with suitable properties, including listings you might not find elsewhere. 
2. Viewings: We'll arrange viewings at your convenience, allowing you to experience the properties first-hand. 
3. Property Information Gathering: We'll assist you in gathering relevant information about properties you're interested in. This includes details about the property itself, local amenities, and other pertinent information to help you make an informed decision. 
4. Legal Assistance (Due Diligence by Lawyer): Navigating the legal complexities of buying property in Spain can be challenging, especially for international buyers. We strongly recommend engaging an independent English-speaking solicitor specializing in Spanish property law, such as My Lawyer in Spain. They will handle the crucial due diligence process, ensuring all legal aspects of the purchase are thoroughly investigated. We can connect you with them to discuss your needs. 
5. Negotiation: We'll negotiate the best possible price on your behalf. 
6. Mortgage Advice: We can connect you with experienced mortgage brokers who can help you secure the best financing options. 
7. Completion: We'll guide you through the final stages of the purchase. Your lawyer will accompany you to the notary to finalize the transaction and ensure the property is legally transferred into your name. We'll be there to support you throughout this process. 

Costs Involved in Buying Property in Spain. A snapshot of the key costs you’ll need to plan for

Before diving into your property search, it’s important to set a realistic budget and be aware of the costs involved. Alongside the purchase price, there are additional expenses to plan for — from taxes and legal fees to mortgage arrangements and ongoing maintenance. Knowing what to expect from the start helps avoid surprises later, so you can move forward with confidence and peace of mind.

Typical Costs to Plan For

• Taxes: Transfer Tax (ITP) or VAT (IVA), plus annual property tax (IBI)
• Legal fees: For your independent solicitor’s due diligence, contract review, and guidance
• Notary fees: For the official signing and property registration
• Mortgage costs (if needed): Arrangement fees or valuation costs, if you’re financing
• Ongoing costs: Community fees, rubbish collection, general upkeep
• Currency transfer support: We recommend A Place in the Sun Currency for competitive rates and outstanding personal service. Their team specialises in helping international clients move funds securely, with English-speaking support and tailored guidance throughout.
• Insurance: We recommend Intasure, a UK-based provider offering specialist home insurance for properties in Spain. They cater specifically to international buyers, with all documentation and support in English — giving you peace of mind that your holiday home is protected and easy to manage.

Legal Checks & Due Diligence

Protecting your investment with expert guidance

Buying property in Spain involves several legal steps, and it’s essential to get them right. That’s why we recommend working with an independent English-speaking solicitor who specialises in Spanish property law — someone who can act exclusively in your interest and handle the entire due diligence process with clarity and confidence.

Here’s how they help safeguard your purchase:

• Verify ownership and legal status — Confirm the property is correctly registered with no hidden debts, charges, or disputes
• Review contracts — Check the reservation contract and private purchase agreement for any clauses that could put you at risk
• Obtain an NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) — A legal requirement for all property buyers in Spain
• Assist with setting up a Spanish bank account — To handle payments and ongoing costs locally
• Power of attorney (optional) — If you're not in Spain for completion, your lawyer can act on your behalf
• Attend the notary and register the title — Finalise the purchase and ensure the title deed is properly registered in your name

We work closely with respected, English-speaking legal professionals such as My Lawyer in Spain and can connect you to the right team based on your needs.

Having the right legal expert on your side gives you peace of mind at every step — so you can move forward with clarity, protection, and confidence.

 

• No Pressure Sales:

  We believe in a consultative approach. We'll provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision, without any pressure to buy. Our priority is helping you find the right property, not just any property. 

• Budget-Focused:

  We respect your budget and will only show you properties that are within your price range. We understand that buying a property is a significant financial decision, and we're here to help you make a smart investment. 

• Personalized Service:

  We take the time to understand your unique needs and preferences. We'll work closely with you to identify properties that meet your criteria, taking into account your lifestyle, budget, and desired location.

• Expert Guidance:

• We'll be with you every step of the way, providing expert advice and support. 

Our Extensive Network: Your Advantage 

We've cultivated strong relationships with key players in the Costa del Sol real estate market over the years, including: 

• Leading Real Estate Agents:

  We collaborate with top agents across the coast to access a wide range of properties. Importantly, we work solely for you, the client, ensuring your best interests are always our priority. 

• Experienced Lawyers:

  We can introduce you to independent English-speaking solicitors specializing in Spanish property law, such as My Lawyer in Spain. 

• Mortgage Specialists:

  We work with mortgage brokers who can help you secure the best financing options. 

• Trusted Surveyors:

  We recommend qualified surveyors who can provide thorough property inspections. 

• Specialist Partners:

  We also connect clients with trusted professionals beyond the property transaction — including international currency brokers, tax advisors, relocation specialists, and insurance providers. These partners speak your language, understand your needs as an overseas buyer, and help you manage every aspect of the move with confidence and ease.

Why Choose Overseas-Properties.com?

 

We’ve been in your shoes:

We’ve personally bought and sold property on the Costa del Sol, so we understand both the excitement and challenges of the journey. That first-hand experience shapes everything we do.

Local expertise with an international mindset:

With years of experience in the Spanish property market, we stay on top of local trends, regulations, and opportunities — all while supporting international buyers like you with clear, English-speaking guidance at every step.

Unmatched access:

Our strong network of trusted professionals — from top local agents and legal experts to mortgage advisors and surveyors — gives you access to the very best the Costa del Sol has to offer.

Personalised service:

Your needs shape our strategy. We take the time to understand your lifestyle, goals, and preferences so we can offer truly tailored guidance — not just a list of properties.

We work for you, not the seller:

Our commitment is to you alone. We don’t represent sellers or juggle competing interests — our loyalty lies entirely with helping you find the right property, on your terms.

Ready to Find Your Spanish Paradise? 

Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you turn your dream of owning a property in Spain into a reality!