Question 1

Can foreigners buy property in Spain without restrictions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Spain places no ownership restrictions on foreign buyers, EU or otherwise. You need an NIE number, a Spanish bank account for the transaction, and proper legal representation. The process is unfamiliar rather than difficult.

Question 2

How long does buying property in Spain take?

Accepted Answer

Four to twelve weeks for a resale purchase from reservation to keys, depending on financing and paperwork readiness. Off plan follows the construction timeline. Preparing your NIE and bank account before the search saves weeks.

Question 3

What taxes do I pay when buying in Spain?

Accepted Answer

New build carries 10 percent IVA, resale in Andalusia carries 7 percent transfer tax. With notary, registration and legal fees, total transaction costs run 12 to 14 percent for new build. Annual ownership costs average 1 to 1.5 percent of property value.

Question 4

Do I need to be in Spain to complete the purchase?

Accepted Answer

No. A notarial power of attorney lets your representative complete every step including the notary transfer while you attend by video. Many of my clients visit the property once and handle everything else remotely.

Question 5

What is the biggest mistake foreign buyers make?

Accepted Answer

Signing before the legal due diligence is complete. The arras contract commits 10 percent of the purchase price, and problems discovered afterwards become expensive. Sequence is everything: checks first, signatures second.

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