How long does it take to buy a property in Spain? For a straightforward purchase, most buyers complete in roughly 6–12 weeks from offer to signing at the notary: reservation, a private purchase contract, legal due diligence, then the notarial deed (escritura) and Land Registry inscription. Delays usually come from mortgages, missing paperwork or a problem due diligence uncovers.
Reviewed by María Luisa de Castro, abogada (ICA Cádiz nº 2745) — CostaLuz Lawyers has guided international buyers through Spanish conveyancing since 2006.
The single biggest cause of a purchase running long is skipping the checks: a buyer who signs a reservation before anyone has pulled the nota simple from the Land Registry can discover an embargo, an undisclosed mortgage or a planning irregularity only at the notary — when the deposit is already at risk.
The stages of a Spanish property purchase
- NIE and bank account. You need a Spanish tax number (NIE) to buy; a lawyer can obtain it for you, often under power of attorney if you are abroad.
- Reservation. A small reservation fee takes the property off the market while checks begin.
- Legal due diligence. Your lawyer pulls the nota simple (ownership, charges, embargoes), checks planning and licences, community-fee and utility status, and that the property matches the registry.
- Private purchase contract (contrato de arras). Typically a 10% deposit; under Art. 1454 of the Civil Code a deposit contract sets what each side loses if they pull out.
- Notary — escritura pública. The public deed of sale is signed before a notary; the balance is paid and possession transfers.
- Land Registry and taxes. The deed is registered; purchase tax (ITP on resale, IVA + AJD on new-build from a developer) is self-assessed within the statutory deadline.
What changes the timeline most: a mortgage (add valuation and bank approval), buying off-plan (completion follows construction), or a due-diligence problem that has to be fixed before you sign. For the tax detail see our guide to transfer tax; if you cannot be in Spain to sign, a power of attorney lets your lawyer complete for you.
Early in this timeline, buyers often sign a reservation or a deposit contract before the full purchase contract — see the difference between a reserva and an arras contract, since the wording determines what happens if either side changes their mind.
Planning a purchase in Spain?
Email marialuisa@costaluzlawyers.es and we will map your timeline and the checks your specific property needs — free written analysis. Clients since 2006; see our Google reviews.
For a walk-through of the final stage itself, see what happens at the notary signing day.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to buy a house in Spain?
A straightforward purchase usually completes in about 6–12 weeks from accepted offer to notary. A mortgage, an off-plan build or a problem found in due diligence can extend it.
What can delay a Spanish property purchase?
The most common delays are mortgage approval, missing or incorrect documents, unpaid community fees or utilities, and issues the due diligence uncovers such as an embargo, undisclosed charge or planning irregularity.
Do I have to be in Spain to complete?
No. A notarial power of attorney lets your lawyer sign the deed and handle the NIE and formalities on your behalf, so you can complete without travelling.
This article is general information, not definitive legal advice — every purchase requires individual analysis. Reviewed by María Luisa de Castro, abogada (ICA Cádiz nº 2745).
At the due-diligence stage you will need a nota simple from the Land Registry — here is what it shows.
At completion you pay the regulated notary and registry fees — what to expect.
For an older or rural resale, consider commissioning an independent structural survey before you sign.
If you are financing the purchase, line up your Spanish mortgage as a non-resident before this timeline starts.
The final step is completion — see what happens at the notary, step by step.
Beyond the timeline: what legal due diligence must actually cover before you sign →
New guide: buying property in Spain — a legal guide for French buyers →
If the seller tries to walk away mid-process, read your position if the seller tries to pull out after you paid the deposit.
This timeline covers the run-up to signing — for what actually happens on the day itself, see our step-by-step guide to completion day.
This content has been prepared with the assistance of artificial intelligence and reviewed by María Luisa de Castro, a lawyer specialising in Real Estate Law and founder of CostaLuz Lawyers.
The information provided is general and indicative in nature. It should not be used as the sole basis for making professional, legal or investment decisions, and CostaLuz Lawyers assumes no responsibility for decisions taken solely on the basis of this content.
We always recommend personalised review by a qualified professional. For most of our services, initial personalised guidance is free of charge. Get in touch.