The full buying process in Spain typically takes 4–8 weeks from your first serious viewing to picking up the keys. Here’s the complete path, step by step, with links to more detail on each stage.
1. Define what you’re looking for and sort out financing
Before you start viewing specific properties, it’s worth having a clear budget — including the additional costs beyond the purchase price, which we cover in our article on what property in Spain really costs. If you’re planning to take out a mortgage, it’s worth checking in advance what financing you could realistically get as a non-resident.
2. Choose your region and area
Costa del Sol and Costa Blanca are the two coastlines most often compared, but they offer quite different lifestyles — we go into this in more depth in this article. Within Costa del Sol itself, there are real differences between Marbella, Estepona, Mijas, and other towns — we’re happy to help you work out which fits your priorities.
3. Start your NIE application early
The NIE (foreigner identification number) is required for almost every step that follows. It’s one of the most common mistakes we cover in our article on buyer mistakes — the good news is we handle this process for you before you’re even seriously viewing properties.
4. View the property — in person or remotely
Once you’ve found something promising, next comes the viewing. If you’re abroad, this is entirely standard practice — we arrange a live virtual viewing with real commentary, so you see the property’s actual condition, not just photos.
5. Reservation agreement
Once you’ve decided on a property, a reservation agreement is signed along with a small deposit — this temporarily takes the property off the market while the remaining paperwork is arranged.
6. Legal due diligence
Before moving forward, our partner lawyers carry out a thorough check on the property — ownership title, any outstanding community debts, all the paperwork. This is a standard part of the process for every property, not an optional extra.
7. Private purchase contract
At this stage, a larger deposit is paid (typically 10% of the price) and the final terms are agreed. We walk you through every clause before you sign, so you know exactly what this commitment means.
8. Signing before the notary
The final step: signing the transfer of ownership before a notary and settling the remaining balance and taxes. This is where you’ll see the full cost breakdown we cover in our costs article play out in practice.
9. After the purchase
After the notary, there’s property registration, transferring utilities into your name, and — if you’re planning to rent it out — setting that process up too. We take care of these steps so nothing falls on your shoulders.
The timeline, in short
From first viewing to keys in hand, expect 4–8 weeks, depending on whether you’re buying in cash or with a mortgage. We coordinate every step along the way, so the process moves smoothly and you always know what’s happening next.
Get in touch with Olivo Estates — we’ll walk this whole path with you, from the first viewing to picking up the keys.
