1. Define your needs and full budget
Start with location, property type (apartment, villa, bungalow, house) and whether you want new-build or resale. Plan the budget as the property price plus transaction costs: taxes, notary and registry fees, lawyer costs and any community fees. Exact amounts depend on the transaction, so they are prepared individually.
2. Choose listings and view the property
Hello Home prepares selected listings and arranges viewings on site or online. Note the listing reference and ask how the area is stated (usable or including terrace). Photos do not replace a visit: check the condition, surroundings and access.
3. Check the documents and reserve
Before reservation a law firm reviews the property documents. For resale, an important document is the nota simple, an extract from the property registry; details are also compared with the cadastre. After choosing a property you pay a reservation deposit and sign a preliminary contract with the developer or seller. Before transferring money, confirm the deposit refund conditions and who receives the payment.
4. Get an NIE and open a bank account
The NIE is the foreigner identification number needed to buy property in Spain. In practice you also need a Spanish bank account. If you buy with a mortgage, the bank assesses the application and values the property; Hello Home helps prepare the loan documents, but the bank decides and sets the conditions.
5. Sign the notarial deed
The transaction is completed at the notary by signing the notarial deed (escritura pública) and making the final payment. New-build purchases usually carry VAT (IVA) and stamp duty (AJD), while resale carries transfer tax (ITP); rates and rules depend on the legislation and the buyer's situation.
6. Collect the keys and complete after-purchase formalities
After the deed you receive the keys. Then come the formalities: registration in the property registry, transfer of utilities, contact with the community and annual local taxes and fees such as the property tax (IBI). If needed, Hello Home also helps with a tourist licence and furnishing.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Paying before checking the documents and the recipient of the transfer.
- Comparing prices without establishing how the area is stated.
- Leaving community fees and running costs out of the budget.
- Assuming new-build and resale have the same documents and taxes.