{"id":1841,"date":"2025-07-07T18:22:27","date_gmt":"2025-07-07T16:22:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cometomalaga.com\/?p=1841"},"modified":"2025-08-05T16:56:50","modified_gmt":"2025-08-05T14:56:50","slug":"buying-a-home-3-legal-tips","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cometomalaga.com\/es\/buying-a-home-3-legal-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Buying a Home – 3 legal tips"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t

Buying a Home In M\u00e1laga, Spain?\n\nHere Are 3 In-Depth Legal Tips Every Foreign Buyer Should Know in 2025<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\"\"\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

01.\u00a0<\/strong>Secure Your NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) and Prepare Your Documentation In Advance<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

  • The NIE (N\u00famero de Identidad de Extranjero) <\/span><\/strong>is <\/span>mandatory <\/span><\/em>for any property purchase in Spain. Without it, you cannot sign contracts, pay taxes, or register your property.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • How to obtain it:<\/span><\/strong> Apply at a Spanish consulate in your home country or directly in Spain. The process requires your passport, proof of purpose (property purchase), and a small administrative fee.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

  • Additional documents:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

    • Valid passport<\/span><\/p><\/li>

    • Proof of funds (recent bank statements, payslips, or tax returns)<\/span><\/p><\/li>

    • Spanish bank account (not obligatory, but strongly recommended for managing payments and utilities).<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li>

    • Tip: <\/span><\/strong>Start your NIE application as soon as you begin your property search. Delays in obtaining the NIE are a common cause of postponed transactions.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul>

      02. Engage a Local Lawyer for a thourough Due Diligence and Understanding the Purchase Process<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

      • Reservation agreement: <\/span><\/strong>Once you find a property, a reservation contract is signed and a deposit is paid to secure it.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

      • Arras (earnest money) contract:<\/span><\/strong> Typically, a 10% deposit is paid directly to the seller. This contract outlines the terms and protects both parties.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

      • Final signing (Escritura P\u00fablica): <\/span><\/strong>The public deed is signed before a notary, who ensures the legality of the transaction.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

      • Registration:<\/span><\/strong> The property is registered in your name at the Land Registry.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

      • Why a local lawyer?<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

        • They check for outstanding mortgages, liens, or community debts.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

        • They ensure the seller is the legitimate owner and the property\u2019s legal status is clear.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

        • They help you avoid common pitfalls, such as long delays between deposit and completion, or issues with bankrupt sellers.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

          03<\/strong>.\u00a0Budget for All Taxes, Fees, and Ongoing Costs<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

          • Upfront costs:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

            • Property Transfer Tax (ITP): <\/span><\/strong>6\u201310% for resale properties, depending on the autonomous community.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

            • VAT (IVA):<\/span><\/strong> 10% on new builds (instead of ITP).<\/span><\/p><\/li>

            • Notary and Land Registry fees:<\/span><\/strong>Typically 1\u20132% of the purchase price.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

            • Legal fees:<\/span><\/strong> Usually 1\u20132% of the property price.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

            • Total additional costs:<\/span><\/strong>Budget 10\u201315% above the property price for all taxes and fees.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li>

            • Financing:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

              • Mortgages for foreigners: <\/span><\/strong>Non-residents can typically borrow up to 70% of the property value; residents up to 80%. Spanish banks require proof of income and a solid credit history.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li>

              • Ongoing costs:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

                • Annual Property Tax (IBI): <\/span><\/strong>Varies by municipality.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

                • Non-resident income tax:<\/span><\/strong> Applies even if you don\u2019t rent out the property.<\/span><\/p><\/li>

                • Community fees: <\/span><\/strong>For shared services in apartment complexes or gated communities.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li>

                • Other considerations:<\/span><\/strong><\/p>

                  • The Golden Visa is no longer available, but options like the Non-Lucrative Visa or Digital Nomad Visa exist for long-term stays.<\/span><\/p><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul>

                    \u00a0<\/p><\/div>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t

                    \n\t\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t
                    \n\t\t\t\t\t
                    \n
                    \n\t\t\t\t\t