Learn all you need to know about getting the Spanish property of your dreams – from buying tips and locations to moving how-to- right here!
The sunshine and sangria are for granted in Spain – what you might not know is just how much variety you’re getting:
Barcelona: Probably the country’s biggest cultural hotspot – plenty of bars and events here if you’re excited by all the nightlife.
Málaga’s Soho District: Great if you want sea views and modern apartments.
Javea and Cádiz: Perfect if you want a slower vibe that has that small-town feel and intimacy.
Andalusia: Stunning white-washed hills and sun.
Catalonia: Gorgeous wine valleys that you’ll undoubtedly spend a few afternoons at with a partner.
That’s a lot of different options, so it doesn’t hurt to have a tool that narrows the scope a bit – our Property Finder uses AI to match your requirements with the best available option!
Spain’s cost of living is also a massive plus – an outdoor lunch in Valencia often costs less than a takeaway sandwich back home and the healthcare system that ranks high for both expats and locals.
Expect the paperwork to run pretty smoothly once you’ve got the right people involved. Your lawyer and notary (who we can put you in contact with) handle almost all of the details until your name appears on the deed.
Your first milestone here is the arras contract, where a 10% deposit locks the deal and sets completion dates (usually six to eight weeks out). And non-residents can still borrow up to 70% of the purchase price, just keep in mind that some banks may cap the repayment term at 25 years.
We’d always suggest bringing a healthy paper trail – everything from tax returns and payslips to translated credit reports – to speed up approval. You can also organise all these documents on our platform for easy access!
Factor in roughly 10-12% for taxes and fees. And try to open a local bank account early on because small things like utility setup and direct-debit community fees are a lot less complicated when the IBAN is Spanish.
Visas shape your timeline here, so start by matching your circumstances to the right permit.
The Non-Lucrative Visa: This one suits retirees and remote workers who can show a reliable income.
The Golden Visa: Requires an investment of at least €500,000 in real estate, so a solid option for entrepreneurs or anyone looking to add to their investment portfolio!
There’s still some bureaucracy you have to watch out for – Spain loves an appointment system, but since slots can appear online without warning, make sure you set alerts and screenshot confirmations.
We’d also suggest booking your removal company two months out and checking import rules – for example, family pets need a microchip and rabies jab dated at least 21 days before travel.
Other than that, it helps to split your move into a few chapters. First, try to find temporary housing to get a feel of the area. Then tackle the NIE number, and only then decide which school zone or healthcare option fits.
Remember that loads of Brits go through this same process each year, so the whole move is definitely doable with the right support!
Routine here definitely runs on a later clock than you’re used to in the UK. For example, breakfast tends to be a bit later than nine, and lunch usually lands at two. Dinner can even start when you’d normally be going to bed in the UK, so you’ll adjust to that in time!
Shops close for siesta outside tourist zones, so learn to handle all your bank errands by 1 pm. Street markets will also become the biggest source of fruit and veg – you genuinely haven’t eaten a tomato since you’ve tried one from a Mediterranean country – and at half supermarket prices!
Thinking about the nightlife in Barcelona, or want something tucked away on the coast away from all the noise? We’ve got all the market insights and advice to get you settled in the right location.
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Once you land, sort the boring but vital steps: Register your address with the town hall Get your identification number and residence card sorted Open a bank account Set up internet and a local SIM Keep digital copies of everything Label folders by step Note every appointment confirmation
If you’re not an EU/EEA citizen, you’ll need the right visa and later a residence card, which sounds scary but really comes down to paperwork - things like income proof plus private health cover. Start with your nearest Spanish consulate. You’ll need to book quite early, and expect some of the background checks and translated documents to take weeks.
Your budget will depend on the city and lifestyle you want. Madrid and Barcelona are the big, pricy options, but major cities like Valencia and Seville still give you that city-life vibe but without the huge expenses. Just make sure you plan for: The first month’s rent and deposit Maybe an agency fee Utilities with mobile service Food shopping A cushion for surprises
Spain’s public healthcare is excellent once you’re registered as a resident and in the social security system through work or other qualifying routes, though many newcomers start with private insurance purely because it’s faster. After you’ve registered, pick a local health centre and learn the appointment system - most of them are online.
Type in your non-negotiables and get matched with your ideal property with our Spanish Property Finder
