Guides for International Property Buyers in Spain

Practical, plain-English advice on the legal process, taxes, due diligence, mortgages and common pitfalls — all written by a dedicated real estate lawyer on the Costa del Sol.

Essential Guides

The articles every international buyer should read before making any decision.

Why hire a real estate lawyer in Spain
Legal

Why You Need a Real Estate Lawyer When Buying Property in Spain

Most buyers don't realise what can go wrong until it already has. Here's exactly what a property lawyer protects you from — and why the agency's solicitor is not the same thing.

Read guide →
Step-by-step buying property Spain non-resident
Process

Step-by-Step Guide to Buying Property in Spain as a Non-Resident

From the first property search to collecting the keys — the complete process explained for international buyers, with timelines, costs and legal steps.

Read guide →
Total costs buying property Spain
Costs

The True Total Cost of Buying Property in Spain: Every Tax and Fee Explained

ITP, VAT, notary, Land Registry, legal fees — a complete breakdown of all costs. Budget accurately before you make an offer.

Read guide →
8 common mistakes buying property Spain
Legal

8 Common Mistakes International Buyers Make When Buying Property in Spain

The most expensive — and most avoidable — mistakes foreign buyers make in Spain, and how an independent real estate lawyer prevents each of them.

Read guide →
Due diligence checklist Spain property
Legal

Due Diligence Checklist: What Your Lawyer Must Check Before You Buy in Spain

Land Registry, planning, debts, community fees, energy certificate and seller verification — a comprehensive checklist for your property purchase.

Read guide →

Tax Guides

Understanding Spanish property taxes before you buy can save you thousands.

ITP tax Spain property purchase
Tax

ITP Tax When Buying a Resale Property in Spain: What You'll Pay

The property transfer tax (ITP) is often the biggest unexpected cost for international buyers. Know the figures before you make an offer.

Read guide →
Capital gains tax selling property Spain
Tax

Capital Gains Tax When Selling Property in Spain as a Non-Resident

Non-resident sellers pay 19% CGT in Spain. The buyer retains 3% of the price. Here is how the tax is calculated and how to maximise deductions.

Read guide →
Community fees Spain buyers guide
Costs

Community Fees in Spain: What International Buyers Need to Know

Outstanding community fees pass to the new buyer. Here is how fees work, what they cover, and what your lawyer must check before completion.

Read guide →

Buying Process & Mortgage Guides

From NIE numbers to Spanish mortgages and off-plan purchases.

NIE number Spain for foreign buyers
Paperwork

The NIE Number in Spain: What It Is and How to Get It

You cannot buy property, open a bank account or sign anything official in Spain without a NIE. Everything you need to know — clearly explained.

Read guide →
Spanish mortgage non-residents guide
Finance

Getting a Spanish Mortgage as a Non-Resident: What You Need to Know

Non-residents can borrow up to 70% LTV from Spanish banks. Documents required, the 2019 Mortgage Law, costs and what your lawyer reviews.

Read guide →
Off-plan property Spain legal guide
Process

Buying Off-Plan Property in Spain: Legal Risks, Costs and How to Protect Yourself

Developer solvency, stage payment guarantees, licences and delays — what your lawyer must check before you sign an off-plan contract.

Read guide →
Spanish Golden Visa property investment
Legal

The Spanish Golden Visa: Buying Property for Residency Rights

The €500,000 investment route, residency rights, family members, tax implications and the current legal status of the Golden Visa programme.

Read guide →

Tourist Licence Guides for Property Owners

Essential guides for owners who rent or plan to rent their property on Airbnb, Booking.com or directly to tourists in Andalucía. Sources: licenciaturisticaandalucia.es & licenciaturisticaandalucia.com

Tourist licence Andalucía complete guide
Tourist Licence

How to Get a Tourist Licence in Andalucía: Complete Guide for International Owners

VUT registration, NRA number, operating company requirements, licence transfer and the full legal process — explained for international property owners.

Read guide →
NRA problems tourist licence Spain
NRA & Compliance

NRA Problems and Tourist Licence Issues in Spain: What Property Owners Need to Know

The most common NRA problems that cause listings to be removed from Airbnb and Booking.com — and what to do if it happens to you.

Read guide →
Tourist licence mistakes Spain sanctions
Compliance

6 Common Mistakes Tourist Licence Owners Make in Spain (and How to Avoid Them)

Unregistered operating companies, VPO properties, clandestinity, Airbnb income and guest registration — the errors that cascade into serious sanctions.

Read guide →

Guides for Buyers from Your Country

Specific legal, tax and residency information for buyers from your nationality — because the details really do matter.

🇬🇧 British

Buying Property in Spain as a British National: Post-Brexit Guide

90-day rule, residency options after Brexit, UK–Spain double taxation, inheritance planning and the full buying process explained.

Read guide →
🇩🇪 German

Buying Property in Spain as a German National: Tax, Mortgage & Legal Guide

Taxes, the Germany-Spain DBA treaty, Progressionsvorbehalt, bilateral inheritance treaty and EU Succession Regulation options.

Read guide →
🇳🇱 Dutch

Buying Property in Spain as a Dutch National: Legal and Tax Guide

Box 3 implications, Spanish non-resident tax, the Dutch credit system (no bilateral treaty), mortgage options and succession planning.

Read guide →
🇸🇪 Scandinavian

Buying Property in Spain as a Scandinavian National

For Swedish, Norwegian, Danish and Finnish buyers — residency rights, home-country reporting, DTTs and what your lawyer needs to do.

Read guide →
🇺🇸 American

Buying Property in Spain as an American: Legal, Tax and Residency Guide

FBAR, FATCA, IRS worldwide income obligations, LLC/trust pitfalls, residency options and the Spanish buying process.

Read guide →
🇮🇪 Irish

Buying Property in Spain as an Irish National: Complete Legal Guide

EU freedom of movement, Spanish taxes, the Spain-Ireland DTT, Irish CGT at 33% with Foreign Tax Credit and inheritance planning.

Read guide →

Have Questions? Talk to Jacob Directly.

Free initial consultation. We'll explain the legal process for your specific situation — with no obligation.