Buying property in Spain is one of the biggest decisions you’ll make as an expat. The process is different from what most people are used to in Northern Europe, the UK, or North America — and getting it wrong can be costly. To help you navigate it confidently, Linda Svilane from YES Valencia walks through everything you need to know in this practical video guide.
Whether you’re just starting to think about buying or you’re already in the search phase, this is a great place to start. Linda covers the full journey from preparation through to the moment you get your keys — in plain, accessible language without the legal jargon.
What the Video Covers
Here’s a quick guide to the topics Linda covers, so you can jump to what’s most relevant to you:
- 0:00 — Introduction
- 0:50 — Buying checklist: what to have ready before you start
- 3:25 — Searching for the right property
- 5:15 — Working with professionals (agents, lawyers, notaries)
- 6:26 — The buying process step by step
- 8:18 — Costs of buying a property in Spain
- 9:52 — What happens after the purchase
- 10:40 — A simple approach to buying property in Spain
Key Things to Know Before You Buy in Spain
A few things tend to surprise first-time buyers in Spain. Here’s a quick summary of what Linda explains in more detail in the video:
You’ll need a NIE number first
Before you can sign any purchase contract or open a Spanish bank account, you’ll need a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) — Spain’s tax identification number for foreigners. This can take several weeks to obtain, so it’s worth sorting early in the process.
Budget for purchase costs beyond the price
In Spain, buyers typically pay an additional 10–13% on top of the purchase price in taxes and fees. For resale properties, this includes the property transfer tax (ITP), notary fees, land registry fees, and legal costs. For new builds, VAT (10%) and stamp duty apply instead. These costs are non-negotiable, so factor them into your budget from day one.
The arras contract is a real commitment
Once you’ve agreed on a price, you’ll typically sign a private purchase contract (contrato de arras) and pay a deposit of around 10% of the purchase price. If you pull out after this point, you lose the deposit. If the seller pulls out, they owe you double. Understanding this step is important before you commit.
Working with the right professionals matters
In Valencia, most real estate agents represent the seller. If you want someone firmly in your corner, consider working with a buyer’s agent — someone who acts exclusively on your behalf, arranges viewings across all agencies, and helps you negotiate and do due diligence.
Ready to Go Deeper?
The video is a great foundation. If you want a more detailed written walkthrough of the process, our full guide on how to purchase a property in Valencia covers every step in depth — from initial search and NIE to notary signing and post-purchase registration.
If you have questions or would like personalised guidance on buying property in Valencia, reach out to our property finder team — we’d be happy to help you find the right property and guide you through the process.
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