Buying an apartment in Spain: the 2025 guide

Buying in Spain may seem simple, but it is not the same as in France. Between administrative procedures, legal differences and local taxation, it is better Prepare your project well. Whether you want to invest in Barcelona, live in Valencia or work from home in Seville, this guide takes you step by step.

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🧾 Obtaining a NIE: your administrative pass

First of all, you need a NIE (Extranjero Identification Number).
It is a mandatory personal number to buy a property, sign at the notary or open an account.

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Where and how do I get it?

You can request:

• In France, via the Spanish consulate (delay of several weeks)
• On site in Spain, with the National Police or by a lawyer

You must present a proof of project (example: sales agreement) and an identity document. The NIE is valid for life, even if you don't live in Spain.

(Source: Consulate General of Spain in Paris)

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💳 Open a Spanish bank account

To pay fees, property taxes and charges, you will need to open a local bank account.
It is also through this account that you will pay the deposit, the calls for funds if it is a new purchase, and the local taxes.

Choose a bank that is used to working with foreigners, like Sabadell, CaixaBank, or Bankinter.

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🏘️ Finding the right property in Spain

Before visiting, clearly determine your criteria:
city, neighborhood, use (rental, second home), budget, condition of the property, surface, taxation.

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Where to invest or buy in 2025?

• barcelona : very popular but it is a very regulated city (limited tourist rentals)
• valencia : a good quality of life, with a price that is still reasonable, 2,500 to 3,500 €/m²
• Alicante, Malaga, Seville : strong rental demand
• Madrid : the capital of Spain, in high demand, more expensive than the national average (4,000 to 6,000 €/m²)
• Small coastal towns : attractive prices but reselling can be more difficult

💡 consultancy : Get accompanied by a specialized real estate hunter, like MeCaza, which is present on the Spanish market. This avoids pitfalls and saves you valuable time.

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✍️ Sign a secure sales agreement

Once the property is chosen, you sign a “Contrato de Arras”, equivalent to the French sales agreement.

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How it works

• You pay about 10% of the sale price as a deposit
• If you cancel without legal reason, you lose the deposit
• If the seller withdraws, he pays you the twofold Of the amount

This contract does not offer a withdrawal period as in France. Hence the interest in being surrounded by a lawyer or a local hunter who verifies the documents: property titles, debts, condominium fees, etc.

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Going to the Spanish notary

The final sale is made in front of a Spanish notary. He authenticates the sale, registers the act, and carries out the tax procedures.

But be careful: The notary does not have the same role as in France. It does not check all legal risks. It simply certifies that the sale is legally possible.

That is why he is strongly recommended to go through a specialized lawyer, who will represent you transparently.

(Source: Notarios de España)

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💰 Budget and expenses to be expected

In addition to the price of the property, you will have to plan 10 to 13% acquisition costs, depending on the region and the type of property:

• Notary fees : 0.5 to 1%
• Taxes :
  • 10% VAT if new purchase (IVA)
  • 6 to 10% transfer tax if old (ITP)
• Lawyer or agency fees : 1 to 3%
• Registry fees, NIE, translation, etc.

Also think about annual expenses : local taxes (IBI), condominium fees, water, gas, insurance...

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🏠 Taxation and rental of the property

As a non-resident, you are subject to the Spanish taxation on your rental income.

• For a bare rental: 24% on gross rent (or 19% if resident in the EU, with allowances)
• For a tourist rental: higher taxation and strict regulations depending on the city
• In case of resale: capital gain taxed at 19%, with withholding tax

Fortunately, the France-Spain tax treaty prevents you from double taxation.

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✅ Conclusion: get support for success

Buying an apartment in Spain is accessible, but legal, fiscal and linguistic differences can make the project complex. The best thing is to be accompanied by:

• One independent Spanish lawyer to check the documents
• One Real estate hunter like MecaZa, who knows the terrain, the areas to avoid, and simplifies your search, even from a distance

With a good property, in the right city, and serious support, your real estate project in Spain can become a real success.