How to buy a house in Spain if you come from another country

It is the foreigner's identification number and without it you cannot sign the purchase or pay the taxes. You apply for it at a police station in Spain or at the Spanish consulate in your country, and it can take several weeks: start here.

It is not compulsory, but you will need it to pay the price, the taxes and later electricity, water, community fees and property tax. The bank will ask you to explain where the money comes from.

Not the seller's or the agency's. They check the Land Registry, debts, planning status and contracts, and can sign for you with a power of attorney if you cannot travel.

Land Registry extract, latest property tax receipt, owners' association certificate, energy certificate and occupancy licence. For country houses, ask the town hall whether the building is legal.

A deposit is paid, normally 10%, and the date of the deed is set. With penitential deposits, if you withdraw you lose the deposit and if the seller withdraws they pay you back double. Never pay without a signed contract.

Banks usually lend non-residents between 60% and 70% of the value. Apply before signing the deposit agreement, or put in writing that you get the deposit back if it is refused. Calculate

You pay the balance, receive the keys and the purchase is entered in the Land Registry. If you do not understand Spanish, an interpreter must be present at the signing.

On resale properties, transfer tax (between 6% and 10% depending on the autonomous region). On new builds, 10% VAT plus stamp duty. With notary and land registry, allow between 10% and 13% on top of the price.

Property tax (IBI) to the town hall, the owners' association fees, utilities and, if you do not live in Spain, non-resident tax on the home, even if you don't rent it out.