Spanish Real Estate Conveyancing
Spanish Conveyancing
We understand that navigating the legalities, residency, taxes, and language in a foreign country can seem overwhelming, but with CasaEspanha, it becomes a seamless experience. Our team of multilingual property professionals specializes in handling these complexities, ensuring that every aspect of your purchase is managed with expertise. From securing the right permits to dealing with Spanish bureaucracy, we take care of the details—so you can focus on finding your dream home and enjoying the journey with confidence.
Legal Purchasing Process
Buying property in Spain involves several steps, taxes, and fees. Understanding this process and associated costs is essential for a smooth transaction.
- Legal Checks
Thorough legal checks to ensure there are no debts, liens, or legal issues with the property. Your lawyer will do this for you, we can also recommend qualified lawyers if required. - Reservation Agreement
Once you’ve chosen a property, a reservation agreement is signed, and a deposit (usually a few thousand euros) is paid to secure the property. This deposit is typically non-refundable. - Private Contract of Sale
After legal checks, a private contract (contrato privado de compraventa) is signed, and a larger deposit (10% for resale properties or 30% for off-plan new builds) is paid. - Mortgage Arrangements
If financing is needed, now is the time to finalize your mortgage with a bank. Our team will guide you through the process to ensure everything is in order. - Completion (Escritura de Compraventa)
The final step is signing the deed of sale (escritura de compraventa) before a notary. The remaining balance is paid, the property is transferred to your name, and the deed is registered in the Land Registry.
Property Purchasing Costs
When buying property in Spain, there are additional taxes and fees that can add approximately 8-12% to the total purchase price, depending on the region. These costs include:
- Transfer Tax (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales, ITP)
A Spanish tax applied to the purchase of second-hand properties and certain other transactions. The rate typically ranges from 6% to 10% and is paid by the buyer. The exact rate varies depending on the region. - VAT (IVA) & Stamp Duty
For new properties, VAT is 10% of the purchase price, along with 1.5% stamp duty. In the Canary Islands, VAT is lower at 6.5%. - Notary Fees
Notary fees vary depending on the property price and typically range from €600 to €1,000. - Land Registry Fees
Registering the property in the Land Registry costs between €400 and €700, depending on the property’s value. - Legal Fees
Hiring a lawyer is highly recommended, with fees generally ranging from 1% to 2% of the purchase price. - Mortgage Costs
If you need a mortgage, additional costs such as valuation fees, application fees, and mortgage stamp duty will apply. These fees vary depending on the lender and loan amount.
Other Possible Costs
When buying property in Spain, it’s essential to budget for extra costs beyond the purchase price. These may include administrative fees, community fees for properties within a development, and ongoing property taxes.
To ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience, working with a trusted real estate agent and legal expert is highly recommended. At CasaEspanha, we have a multilingual team with 20+ years of international real estate experience and a network of professional partners we can connect you with for all your legal, tax, and residency needs, guiding you every step of the way.
Let us help you navigate the process with confidence—contact us today!