Documents needed to buy a property in spain (2024)

Documents needed to buy a property in spain

In this article we will deal with all the documentation that is necessary to buy a house in Spain. Whether the purchasers or vendors are Spanish or foreigners.

Buying a property is one of the most important decisions in our lives and because it is not one we have to make habitually doubt can arise trying to understand what we have to do.

01To buy a property in Spain foreigners must have the following documents:

    • N.I.E: Foreigners Identification Number (Número de identificación de extranjeros.) This is one of the things which is indispensable when buying a property in Spain. For this you will have to go to the Police Commissiariat with your original passport and a copy and the original and two copies of the application form . You must also have a form with which you pay the small fee in any local bank. These can be downloaded from the internet. In Competa Properties S.L we will be happy to help you with this.

    • Passport: Certifies your identity and nationality.

    • It is not obligatory to open a Spanish bank account but it is very much recommended it will facilitate payment of utility bills and taxes ( for this you only need your DNI or NIE, your address , profession, email , telephone and the three last wage slips or the last tax declaration. We can accompany you to one of the banks if you wish.

      And if the buyer is Spanish only their DNI is necessary.

02The minimum documentation necessary for a standard sales contract:

    • The deed of sale: Is the original document that certifies the acquisition of the property by the vendors.

    • Registry document: You can obtain the registry document in person in the Property Registry Office in the area in which the property is registered o apply on-line . In this document appears a description of the property , superficial metres, exact location , boundaries of the property,year of construction and details of the owner, etc.

    • Last rates bill receipt: Rates bill. Payable annually.

    • Last electricity and water bill: It is advisable to ensure that the vendor is up to date with payment such as electricity, water, gas, etc. to do so he must bring the documents that provide proof.

    • Energy efficiency certificate: This document provides objective information about the energy characteristics of the property.

    • Catastro: Having the catastal reference we can look on the internet where the property is located , the constructed area, the use, the representation graphical ,and the catastral value.

      This data must coincide with that which appears on the property.

    • DAFO: This is a certificate that clarifies the situation of the property and that there are no problems relating to the house or its location.

    • Certificate of community fees : If it is a terraced house or in an enclosed area such as an urbanisation or is an apartment and has community fees, it will also be necessary to credit the annual cost and have a certificate from the community that proves the payments are up to date.

03According to the LAU ( urban law) the owner is required to have the following documentation when selling his property:

AIf the owner is Spanish and the purchaser is Spanish.

The owner will have to provide all the documentaion of the house, that is to say, the title deed, the registry document, the last utility bills, the energy efficiency document, the last rates bill and in the case the property is on rustic land the DAFO, as well as their Identification certificate.

BSpanish Owner and Foreign purchaer.

The owner will have to provide all the documentation of the house, that is to say, the title deed, the registry document, the last utility bills, the energy efficiency document, the last rates bill and in the case the property is on rustic land the DAFO, as well as their Identification certificate.

If the purchaser is foreign they have to provide their NIE , passport and it is recommended to have a Spanish bank account.

CForeign owner and Foreign purchaser.

The owner will have to provide all the documentation of the house, that is to say, the title deed, the registry document, the last utility bills, the energy efficiency document, the last rates bill and in the case the property is on rustic land the DAFO, as well as their NIE and passport. If they are tax resident in Spain they will also have to provide the corresponding certificate.

The purchaser only has to have NIE , passport. and it is recommended they have a Spanish bank account.

DForeign Owner and Spanish Purchaser.

The owner will have to provide all the documentation of the house, that is to say, the title deed, the registry document, the last utility bills, the energy efficiency document, the last rates bill and in the case the property is on rustic land the DAFO, as well as their NIE and passport. If they are tax resident in Spain they will also have to provide the corresponding certificate.

The purchaser only has to have his identity document.

As you can see there is nothing to worry about, it does not take too much paperwork to buy a house in Spain. If you purchase through a reputable agency such as ourselves, the procedure is made even simpler.

https://competaproperties.com/en/blog/172-a-step-by-step-guide-to-buying-a-house-in-spain.html

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Documents needed to buy a property in spain (2024)

FAQs

Documents needed to buy a property in spain? ›

The purchaser only has to have his identity document. As you can see there is nothing to worry about, it does not take too much paperwork to buy a house in Spain. If you purchase through a reputable agency such as ourselves, the procedure is made even simpler.

What paperwork do you need to buy a house in Spain? ›

The purchaser only has to have his identity document. As you can see there is nothing to worry about, it does not take too much paperwork to buy a house in Spain. If you purchase through a reputable agency such as ourselves, the procedure is made even simpler.

Can I buy property in Spain as a US citizen? ›

Yes! All US citizens are able to purchase property in Spain. Some US citizens may even qualify for the Spanish Golden Visa if they make a substantial real estate purchase. Yes, on the condition that you make a substantial real estate purchase that meets the qualifying criteria.

What are the rules for buying property in Spain? ›

There are no restrictions on buying property in Spain, whether it's commercial, residential or land. In fact, Spain encourages investment by foreigners, both resident and non-resident. Remember that if you buy a house worth more than €500.000 you can apply for a Golden Visa.

Can I buy property in Spain as a non resident? ›

Yes, non-residents can purchase property in Spain.

As previously mentioned, non-residents are still required to obtain an NIE to carry out the purchase, whether or not they are EU citizens. The NIE must be requested at the General Immigration Office.

What is the 90 day rule for buying a property in Spain? ›

Owning a property post-Brexit

When the UK exited the EU, some specific requirements were made for Brits who wanted to buy a home in Spain. British people now must have a visa to stay in Spain for more than 90 days out of 180 days, known as the Schengen 90/180-day rule.

How long is the house buying process in Spain? ›

3 to 4 weeks: for straightforward purchases, i.e. properties with no debts, all paperwork in order and financing already in place. 4 to 8 weeks: for slightly more complex purchases where, for example, an architect's certificate is required or the buyer needs to obtain a mortgage.

How long can I stay in Spain if I own a property there? ›

Now, as with any other country in the European Shengen area, you are allowed to stay in Spain for up to 90 days in any 180-day period visa-free. For most people buying a property in Spain as a holiday home or those who will split their time between Spain and the UK, this is ample.

Can I live in Spain all year if I buy a house? ›

If you own a property in Spain, you can stay in the country for up to 90 days within a 180-day period without the need for a visa. However, if you wish to stay longer, you will need to apply for a visa or residence permit.

What are the hidden costs of buying a house in Spain? ›

These include property transfer tax or VAT, depending on whether it's a resale or new property, ranging from 6% to 10% and 10%, respectively. Stamp duty, typically 1-1.5% of the property price, may also apply. Notary and land registry fees, based on the property price, usually range from 0.1% to 2%.

How much tax do you pay on buying a property in Spain? ›

When buying property in Spain, you should expect to pay between 8% and 11.5% in taxes, but this can differ between new and resale properties. For a new property, you will have to pay 1.5% of the purchase price on stamp duty and VAT (IVA) which is imposed at 10% of the purchase price.

How much deposit is required to buy a property in Spain? ›

For a Spanish mortgage, you will generally need a minimum deposit of 30% of the property's purchase price, with borrowing rates currently starting around 2% (lower for premium clients). “The maximum mortgage for non-residents is 70% of the purchase price or valuation, usually depending on which is lower.

Is it worth buying property in Spain? ›

In layperson's terms, buying property in Spain is considered a safe investment. It's highly unlikely that you'll lose any money if you take the plunge – provided you seek expert guidance and support throughout the buying process.

Do non residents pay property tax in Spain? ›

Every non-resident property owner must file at least one annual tax return (Modelo 210), in which they must declare imputed or deemed income from their property. This applies to any property, regardless of whether it is vacant or occupied by the owner.

What is a Golden Visa in Spain? ›

Spain's government has announced that it intends to eliminate the country's Real Estate Golden Visa, which allows third country nationals who invest at least EUR 500,000 in real estate (without a mortgage) to reside and work in Spain for three years.

What taxes do you pay when buying a house in Spain? ›

When buying property in Spain, you should expect to pay between 8% and 11.5% in taxes, but this can differ between new and resale properties. For a new property, you will have to pay 1.5% of the purchase price on stamp duty and VAT (IVA) which is imposed at 10% of the purchase price.

How much deposit is required to buy a house in Spain? ›

For a Spanish mortgage, you will generally need a minimum deposit of 30% of the property's purchase price, with borrowing rates currently starting around 2% (lower for premium clients). “The maximum mortgage for non-residents is 70% of the purchase price or valuation, usually depending on which is lower.

What are the legal fees for buying a house in Spain? ›

These include property transfer tax or VAT, depending on whether it's a resale or new property, ranging from 6% to 10% and 10%, respectively. Stamp duty, typically 1-1.5% of the property price, may also apply. Notary and land registry fees, based on the property price, usually range from 0.1% to 2%.

Can I buy a house in Spain and live there permanently? ›

In conclusion, owning a property in Spain does not automatically entitle you to residency in the country. However, if you are able to meet the visa or residency requirements, you can stay in Spain for an extended period of time, as long as you comply with the relevant regulations and laws.

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