More Americans than ever are buying homes on the Costa Blanca, whether as a holiday base, an investment, or a step toward living in Spain. The process is safe and well established, but it is different from buying in the United States: there is no equivalent of a US title company, the notary’s role is narrower than people expect, and the tax position is shaped by both Spanish law and your obligations back home. This guide explains how it works and where a Spanish lawyer protects you.
Why US buyers need an independent Spanish lawyer
In Spain the notary confirms that a deed is signed correctly, but the notary does not act for you and does not check that the property is free of debts, that the description matches the land registry, or that planning and licences are in order. An independent lawyer (abogado) runs that due diligence on your behalf, reviews the contract before you commit money, and represents your interests, not the seller’s or the agent’s. We act for you in English from start to finish through our conveyancing service.
Getting your NIE and a Spanish bank account
Every foreign buyer needs an NIE (Numero de Identidad de Extranjero), the Spanish tax identification number used on the deed and for paying taxes. You can apply in Spain or through the Spanish consulate covering your US state. We can obtain the NIE for you by power of attorney, which also lets us handle the whole purchase if you cannot travel for completion. A Spanish bank account is normally needed to pay the price, taxes and utilities.
The buying process step by step
A typical purchase runs: a reservation, then a private deposit contract (contrato de arras) that fixes the price and usually involves a 10% deposit; due diligence on title, debts, community fees and planning; and finally completion before a notary, where the public deed (escritura) is signed and the balance paid. After completion we handle the registration at the Land Registry and the payment of purchase taxes.
US and Spain tax points to plan for
Buyers should budget for purchase taxes and ongoing local taxes; the exact rates depend on the region and on whether the property is resale or new build. As a US citizen you remain subject to US worldwide taxation and reporting (including FATCA and FBAR for foreign accounts), and the United States and Spain have a tax treaty designed to avoid double taxation. We do not replace your US accountant, but we coordinate the Spanish side and flag the points your US adviser needs to see. This is general information, not tax advice for your specific situation.
Wills and inheritance for Americans with assets in Spain
If you own property in Spain, having a Spanish will covering your Spanish assets makes life far simpler for your family and avoids costly delays in administering the estate. Spanish succession rules and inheritance tax can apply to your Spanish property regardless of where you live, and how they interact with your US estate planning matters. We prepare Spanish wills for American clients and advise on cross border inheritance so your wishes are respected and the tax position is handled correctly.
How we help
We are English speaking lawyers based in Javea on the Costa Blanca, rated 5.0 stars across 72 Google reviews. We handle the purchase, the NIE, the Spanish will and the tax filings, and we can act entirely by power of attorney if you are in the United States. Contact us for a free initial consultation. If your move also involves family matters, see our guidance for American citizens divorcing in Spain.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to be in Spain to buy?
No. We can complete the entire purchase for you under a power of attorney.
Do Americans pay more tax buying in Spain?
Purchase taxes are the same for all buyers; your US reporting obligations are separate and continue.
Should I have both a US and a Spanish will?
Usually yes, a Spanish will for Spanish assets that is consistent with your US estate plan.
