How to buy a villa in Spain as a foreigner: 2026 guide

Buying property in Spain as a non-resident is a safe, well-regulated process, but with particularities worth knowing before signing anything.

1. The NIE, essential first step

The Foreigner Identification Number is mandatory for any transaction. It can be requested at a police station in Spain or at your country's consulate. With an appointment, it takes one to three weeks.

2. Reservation and deposit contract

The reservation takes the property off the market. The arras contract (art. 1454 Civil Code) sets price, deadlines and penalties: if the buyer withdraws they lose the deposit; if the seller withdraws, they return it doubled.

3. Due diligence

Land registry extract, charges, licences, energy certificate and, for villas, the planning legality of pools and extensions. Our legal team reviews every file before you sign.

4. Notary and taxes

In the Valencian Community, resales pay 10% transfer tax; new builds 10% VAT + 1.5% stamp duty. Add around 2% for notary, registry and processing.

Would you like us to guide you through the whole process? Let's talk.