Spain Property Buyer Checklist — Free Download for International Buyers

A free checklist for international buyers of property in Spain. It sets out, in order, what has to be checked and signed, from the first legal checks to the registration of the property in your name, so that nothing is missed before you pay a deposit. Written by Tomas Ballestero Lawyers, independent lawyers in Jávea for more than 30 years.

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The checklist What is inside

• The processHow a Spanish property purchase works, step by step, from the offer to the registration of the deed.
• The legal checksThe Land Registry, the Catastro and the Town Hall, before you pay anything.
• Your documentsThe NIE, a power of attorney if you buy from abroad, and the proof of the origin of the funds.
• The taxesTransfer tax on a resale, VAT and stamp duty on a new build.
• The contractsThe contrato de arras and the public deed before the notary.
• Walking awayWhen to walk away from a purchase, and how to protect your deposit.

Contents Table of contents

• Legal checksLand Registry, Catastro and Town Hall.
• The NIEThe foreigner identification number, applied for in person.
• The bankOpening a Spanish account and transferring the funds safely.
• Nota SimpleWhat the Land Registry extract tells you about the property.
• Contrato de arrasThe terms to agree before you sign. A buyer who withdraws loses the deposit; a seller who withdraws returns it doubled.
• The notaryThe completion and the public deed.
• TaxesThe buyer’s taxes at completion.
• RegistrationThe Land Registry and putting the utilities in your name.
• Community of ownersWhat to check in a community.
• PitfallsHidden debts, planning problems and off-plan risks.

For a villa we always advise an inspection by an architect. We can put you in touch with Sergio Tomás Arquitectos in Jávea, an architect we usually work with, or you can instruct one of your own choice.

Your purchase When you need more than a checklist

Every purchase is different. If you would like us to check a property or handle your purchase, in person or by power of attorney, tell us in a few lines what it is about. We reply the same day. See also property lawyers on the Costa Blanca and the nota simple.

This checklist is general information and does not replace advice on your own case. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers has advised international clients on Spanish property for more than 30 years, from our office in Jávea and our associated office in Dénia. We work in English, French and Spanish, and we act for the buyer alone.

The lawyers who will handle your matter

José Manuel Tomas

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Admitted to the Valencia Bar in 1992 (no. 6407) · Alicante Bar no. 9382

José Rico

Family Law · Valencia Bar no. 12075

Mariano Ortuño

Valencia Bar no. 6041

Manuel Lopez de Andujar

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Valencia Bar no. 7773

Juan Poch

Property, Inheritance and Donations · Alicante Bar no. 3607

María Salvá

Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3699

Antonio Rodríguez de Sola

Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3374

Selling a property? See selling a property in Spain as a non-resident.

How we meet In person in Jávea, or 100% remote

In person in JáveaMeet us at our office in the Centro Comercial Arenal, Avenida del Pla 126. Meetings in English, French or Spanish.

100% remote, from homeMost of our clients never need to travel. We work by email, phone, WhatsApp and video call, and you sign through a power of attorney. Only the NIE has to be applied for in person, in Spain or at a Spanish consulate.

How much do you charge?

Every case is different, so before any work starts we send you a written quote. You know our fee from the beginning, with no surprises at the end.

Next step What happens when you contact us

1. You send your enquiryThrough the form below, by phone, WhatsApp or email. A few lines are enough.
2. A lawyer reads itNot an assistant: one of our lawyers reviews your situation and replies personally, the same day.
3. We tell you the next stepWhat needs to be checked first, and which documents would help.
4. We confirm scope and feeIn writing, before any work starts.
5. You decideNothing is commissioned until you say yes.

This page is general information about Spanish law and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different and you should take advice on your own circumstances before acting.