Knowledge library
Buyer guides for property in Spain
Independent, citation-friendly guides for international buyers. Each guide is grounded in the official sources we publish in our methodology and follows our editorial standards.
Non-resident mortgages in Spain: what international buyers need to know
A non-resident mortgage in Spain is a loan offered by a Spanish bank to a buyer who is not tax-resident in Spain, typically capped at a lower loan-to-value (LTV) than resident mortgages and assessed against the buyer's income, debt and country of residence.
Read guideSpanish property taxes and buying costs for international buyers
Buying property in Spain typically adds 10–14% in taxes and fees on top of the purchase price. The exact rate depends on whether the property is resale (ITP) or new-build (IVA + AJD) and which autonomous community it sits in.
Read guideThe legal process of buying property in Spain
The legal purchase of Spanish property runs from reservation contract, through a deposit (contrato de arras), full due diligence using the Nota Simple from the Property Registry, to signing the public deed (escritura pública) before a Spanish notary and registering ownership in the Registro de la Propiedad.
Read guideNIE number and residency: what foreign property buyers need
A NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is the Spanish tax identification number required by every foreigner to buy property, open a bank account, sign a mortgage or pay taxes in Spain. Holding a NIE does not make you a tax resident.
Read guideThe 10-step process of buying property in Spain as a foreigner
Buying property in Spain as a foreigner follows a predictable 10-step process: clarify your buyer profile, obtain a NIE, open a Spanish bank account, secure financing in principle, view and offer, sign reservation and arras, complete due diligence, sign the escritura pública at the notary, register at the Land Registry, and set up ongoing tax and utility obligations.
Read guideCurrency exchange when buying property in Spain
International buyers convert their home currency into euros to pay the deposit, completion balance and ongoing costs of a Spanish property. Using a high-street bank can cost 2–4% more in spread than a regulated FX specialist, and a forward contract can lock in the rate between offer and completion.
Read guideRental yields in Spain for international investors
Gross rental yields in Spain's main international-buyer regions typically range from 4% to 7%. Net yields depend on management costs, the IRNR tax (19% for EU/EEA, 24% for non-EU), community fees, and — critically — whether the property holds a tourist licence in its autonomous community.
Read guide