Purchasing a property in Spain can be quite a daunting task especially if you do not speak the language. Below is a basic outline of the buying process. However, we always advise you speak to your Spanish lawyer aswell as the estate agents that you are dealing with. It is important that you have a good idea of what is required so that mistakes can be avoided.

Basic Buying Process:

Once you have agreed a price with the vendor of the property and the agent both parties should then sign a Contrato privado de compraventa, which is the initial contract detailing the price and the time frame of when the purchase will complete.

Before signing the contract ensure that your lawyer or the agent obtains what is called a Nota Simple which will provide proof that the seller owns the property and that there are no outstanding tax bills or debts. In Spain debts are charged to the property and any outstanding mortgage will be passed on to the buyer.

Normally 10% of the purchase price will then paid and this is held by your lawyer or agent until the time of completion. If you are raising funds for the balance of the property purchase, ensure that you ca obtain the amount before the completion date detailed in the Contrato privado de compraventa. As failure to complete the purchase on the specified date can lead to the loss of your 10%.

When the time comes for you to complete on the purchase you will be required to go to the local Notary Office where the Notary (Public Official) will witness the deed of sale. The balance of the purchase price and all fees will be payable at this point and the vendor & purchaser will sign the Escritura de compraventa, which is the definitive contract or the Title Deeds of the property.

Every house purchase in Spain can be different so we strongly advise you seek professional advise before you make any commitments in relation to the purchase of a Spanish property.