Buying Process
Buying a property in Spain is an exciting step for many people.
Our mission is to support you before, during, and after the purchase of your home, and to remove as much stress and uncertainty as possible.
We are often asked questions such as:
How do I buy a property in Spain?
What should I pay attention to?
Do I need a lawyer?
Are there any hidden clauses?
In this 8-steps, we explain exactly what you can expect when purchasing a property in Spain.
Step 1:
Determining Your Budget.
The first step in the buying process is establishing your budget.
At GPS Real Estate, we offer on average:
1,200 new-build villas, bungalows, and apartments, ranging from €150,000 to over €4,450,000
300 resale (second-hand) villas, bungalows, and apartments, ranging from €90,000 to €2,650,000
All located in the regions of Costa Blanca North & South and Costa Cálida.
It is important to determine in advance how much you wish to invest. You should also decide how you will finance the property: with your own funds, a Spanish mortgage, or alternative financing.
We strongly recommend clarifying this early on to avoid falling in love with a property that exceeds your budget.
Please also take into account additional purchase costs, which in our region typically range between 12% and 14% of the purchase price.
Step 2:
The Search Begins
Once your budget and financing are clear, the search can truly begin.
Are you looking for:
A home with sea views?
An apartment with a private pool on the Costa Blanca?
A newly built villa next to a golf course?
On our website, you will find an extensive portfolio with convenient search filters to match your preferences.
Would you prefer to receive updates when a property matching your criteria becomes available? Simply activate our personal property alert service.
Step 3:
Viewing Trip
Have you found your dream home, or are you still deciding between several options?
In this phase, we organize a personalized viewing trip. The purpose of this trip is to:
Visit selected properties
Explore the surrounding area
Discover beaches, amenities, and local atmosphere
Get to know our team personally
We guide you throughout the process to ensure you can make a confident and informed decision.
Step 4:
You Have Found Your Dream Property
Congratulations — you have found your ideal home in Spain.
At this stage, we assist you with:
Mortgage applications (if required)
Negotiations and submitting an offer (resale properties only)
Please note: Negotiations and bidding apply only to existing resale properties.
Step 5:
Appointing Your Lawyer
The legal and financial process now begins.
We strongly recommend appointing a specialized real estate lawyer. This step is essential and must be handled with precision.
A lawyer will assist you with:
Opening a Spanish bank account
Applying for your NIE number (Spanish tax identification number)
Verifying the legal owner of the property
Checking registration with the Land Registry
Ensuring there are no debts or charges on the property
For new-build properties: verifying building permits
Reviewing contracts and legal documentation
GPS works exclusively with carefully selected, trusted legal partners with over 25 years of experience.
Step 6:
Reservation of the Property
Yes — your offer has been accepted!
Once a price has been agreed upon, the property must be reserved. This is done by signing a reservation contract and paying a deposit, usually between €3,000 and €10,000.
After the reservation is completed and approved, the property is taken off the market.
Step 7:
The Private Purchase Contract.
Although often referred to as a “preliminary contract,” this agreement is legally binding.
The private purchase contract includes, among other details:
Names of buyer(s) and seller(s)
Purchase price
Completion and key handover date
Any agreed conditions
Your lawyer will carefully review this contract before signing.
Step 8:
Completion at the Notary.
Congratulations — you have officially purchased your home in Spain!
After signing the final deed at the notary and completing payment, the property is legally yours.
IMPORTANT:
Use of a Notarial Power of Attorney
In Spanish, a power of attorney is known as an Escritura de Poder or Poder Notarial.
If you are unable to attend certain legal procedures in person, you may grant power of attorney to your lawyer or gestor. This document must be signed before by a notary.
By doing so, you authorize a trusted representative (preferably your lawyer/gestor) to act on your behalf during the legal process.
This can save you:
Additional travel expenses
Valuable time
Unnecessary stress.
The specialists working with Genius Property Spain can fully assist you in arranging this.
Do you have any further questions?
Please feel free to contact us directly: