How it compares with buying in the UK
If you have bought in the UK, the Spanish process will feel familiar, just in a different order:
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UK
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Spain
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Exchange of contracts
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Private deposit contract (contrato de arras), usually 10%
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Completion
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Signing the escritura before the notary
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Land Registry
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Registro de la Propiedad
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Stamp Duty
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ITP transfer tax (10% in Catalonia up to €600,000)
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The big difference: the notary is neutral and checks the deed for both sides. The same day, the notary notifies the Land Registry electronically, which protects your purchase.
Before completion day: get your file ready
Allow minimum two to three weeks. Within the Jumaros group, Lucas Gestion obtains your NIE, gathers the documents and liaises with the notary. You will need:
- Your NIE (foreigner identification number)
- A valid and original passport
- The funds in euros: banker's draft (cheque bancario) or confirmed transfer. Keep proof of where the money comes from: Spanish banks and notaries ask for it.
The seller provides, among others, the nota simple (land registry extract), the latest IBI receipt and the energy certificate, the occupancy certificate (cédula de habitabilidad) and a certificate showing community fees are paid.
Jumaros tip — If you transfer from pounds or another currency, fix your exchange rate early and move the funds at least a week before completion.
Completion day, step by step
- ID check. The notary checks everyone's passport and NIE.
- Reading the deed. Parties, property, price, any charges. If you don't speak Spanish, an interpreter or a translated read must be arranged.
- Questions. Ask anything; that is what the notary is there for.
- Payment. You hand over the banker's draft or the transfer is confirmed. If you buy with a mortgage, the deed is signed at the same appointment.
- Signing. Buyer and seller sign; the notary authorises the deed.
- Keys. You are now the owner. Congratulations!
If the seller is not tax resident in Spain, the buyer withholds 3% of the price and pays it to the tax office (Form 211). Lucas Gestion takes care of it.
Can't travel to Spain? You can sign a power of attorney before a notary at home. It must carry an apostille (Hague Convention) and usually a sworn translation. Lucas Gestion guides you through it.
How much does it cost?
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Item
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Indicative amount
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Paid by
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ITP, up to €600,000
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10%
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Buyer
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ITP, €600,000–900,000 band
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11% on the band
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Buyer
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ITP, €900,000–1,500,000 band
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12% on the band
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Buyer
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ITP, over €1,500,000
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13% on the band
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Buyer
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Notary (sale deed)
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regulated scale, a few hundred to about €1,500 (approx.)
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Buyer, usually
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Land Registry
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a few hundred euros (approx.)
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Buyer
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Example: on a €300,000 apartment, ITP is €30,000. Catalonia's ITP bands apply since 27 June 2025. New-build homes pay VAT instead of ITP.
After completion
- Pay ITP within one month with Form 600 at the Catalan Tax Agency.
- Register the deed at the Land Registry.
- Transfer utilities and set up the IBI direct debit.
- File your yearly non-resident tax return (Form 210) if you don't live in Spain: owning a home here creates a small annual tax, even if you don't rent it out.
With Jumaros, Lucas Gestion handles all of this, including the yearly Form 210.
The Jumaros real estate group combines the agency with an in-house administrative service, Lucas Gestion, backed by 22 years of experience in administrative and tax support.
- Jumaros agency: search, viewings, negotiation, arras contract
- Lucas Gestion: NIE, file preparation, liaison with the notary, taxes and post-sale formalities