Whether buying a holiday home or a permanent residence in Spain, there are key steps that British buyers must complete. A decade on from the Brexit referendum, leading Spanish home builder Taylor Wimpey España and the legal experts at Spain Law provide key insights into how to buy a home in Spain safely and transparently in 2026. 1. Obtain an NIE Lawyer César Garzon advises starting with financial prep. Obtaining an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) is mandatory for anyone who wants to buy a property, sign a contract, pay taxes or open a bank account in Spain. As such, applying for an NIE as early as possible is an important part of avoiding stressful delays in purchasing your dream home. You can do so in person at the Spanish Consulate in London, Manchester or Edinburgh, or grant your Spanish lawyer a Power of Attorney to obtain an NIE on your behalf. 2. Open a Spanish bank account With an NIE in hand, it’s time to open a local Spanish bank account. Having a Spanish account isn’t a legal requirement but in practical terms it’s highly recommended. It ensures clear, traceable payments and can be used to pay not just the property’s purchase prices but taxes, notary fees and future utility bills. You can open a Spanish bank account online or in person at a UK branch of Spanish banks such as Santander or CaixaBank. 3. Hire an independent lawyer Spain Law’s advice is to hire an independent lawyer – one who works exclusively for you, not for the seller or the real estate agent. This ensures your interests are fully protected. Hiring a bilingual lawyer also does much to take the stress out of the legal side of the purchase process. |
4. Check the legal status of the property Use your lawyer to verify that the property you want to buy is legally registered, free of debts, mortgages and incumbrances or legal title, and complies with urban planning regulations. Taylor Wimpey España also recommends checking its sustainability certifications. These include an Energy Performance Certificate, which is mandatory in Spain, with ratings going from A to G, and BREEAM certification, which evaluates aspects such as responsible site management, building efficiency, indoor air quality and the property’s impact on the natural environment. LEED certification is also popular with international buyers, analysing water efficiency, sustainable materials, indoor environmental quality, emissions and energy performance. Spain enforces strict regulations covering ventilation and air quality, reduced energy consumption, efficient thermal systems and low-impact construction materials. New-build projects are required to comply with higher standards than second-hand homes, making them a more efficient and sustainable choice. 5. Review contracts carefully Ensure all terms are clear before you sign any reservation or private purchase contract. Check the price, payment terms, deadlines, penalties for default and what happens if something goes wrong. Make sure both the contract and the developer offer a bank guarantee or insurance for the payments made in advance. 6. Understand your tax liability In Spain, buyers usually pay around 12% extra on top of the purchase price for newly built properties. This covers taxes, notary costs, land registry fees and legal costs. Knowing this in advance avoids any unpleasant surprises during the buying process. 7. Sign the title deed before a notary The final step to guarantee legal security and official ownership is to sign the Title Deed (Escritura Pública) for your property before a Spanish notary. This formally completes the purchase. 8. Register the property After completion, you have to register the property at the Spanish Land Registry. This step is essential to fully protect your ownership rights against third parties. |
With all that complete, it’s time to start enjoying your new home. There will still be practical steps to consider, such as contracting utility supplies, which are outlined in Taylor Wimpey España’s Buyer’s Guide. For those seeking a permanent residence or second home in Spain, Taylor Wimpey España provides a range of key-ready, A-rated properties, from Mare in Marbella (prices from €645,000 plus VAT) to Eden Beach at La Mata in Alicante (from €285,000 plus VAT). “Buying a home in Spain may feel dauting at first, particularly if you’re based overseas. But with the right legal advice and a clear understanding of the practicalities and timescales involved, you can enjoy a safe, transparent and rewarding path to property ownership.” Marc Pritchard, Sales and Marketing Director, Taylor Wimpey España For more information, please contact Taylor Wimpey España on 08000 121 020 or visit https://www.taylorwimpeyspain.com/. If you reside outside of the UK, you will need to call 00 34 971 706 972. |
