Buying Property in Spain Is Not Like Buying in the UK

When we first decided to buy property on the Costa del Sol, I genuinely thought it would be similar to what we had done in the UK. A bit slower, a bit more paperwork, maybe some translation involved. I was not even close. Here is what is actually different, and why it matters for anyone starting to look at buying property in Marbella, Estepona, Mijas or anywhere along the Costa del Sol.

The Agent Works for the Seller, Not for You

In the UK, you instruct a solicitor who works solely for you. In Spain, the estate agent represents the seller. They are working to complete the sale at the best terms for the seller. This does not mean estate agents are untrustworthy, it means their job is different from what UK buyers assume. The agent will show you properties and manage the viewing process. They will not advise you on whether the contract terms are in your interest, what the legal risks are, or whether the price is right. That is what your independent lawyer is for.

There Is No Chain (But There Is a Sequence)

In the UK, property chains cause enormous delays and stress. In Spain, purchases are more independent. Each one stands alone. The trade-off is that Spain has a fixed sequence of steps that cannot be shortcut. You need your NIE before you can open a bank account. You need a bank account before funds can arrive in Spain. This is not a chain in the UK sense, but it is sequential in ways that surprise buyers who assume things can happen in parallel.

You Pay the Taxes Directly

When you buy property in Spain, the property transfer tax (ITP) does not get collected automatically. You are responsible for paying it directly, usually within 30 days of completion. Your lawyer handles this on your behalf, but it is worth understanding that you owe this money the moment the escritura is signed. The rate in Andalusia (covering Marbella, Fuengirola, Benahavís, Estepona and the wider Costa del Sol) is 7 to 10 per cent of the purchase price. On a 600,000 euro property, that is up to 60,000 euros paid separately and directly.

The Notary Is Not Your Lawyer

In the UK, your solicitor acts as the legal professional for your transaction. In Spain, the notary authenticates the transaction, but they represent neither buyer nor seller. Your independent lawyer does everything else: due diligence, contract review, tax advice, document preparation, and ensuring you understand what you are signing before you sign it. Never confuse the two roles.

The Process Requires You to Show Up

Several steps in the Spanish purchase process require your physical presence or a power of attorney. The NIE application, the bank account opening, and the notary completion all typically require you or your legal representative to be in Spain. If you are buying remotely, factor this in from the start.

None of this is insurmountable. Millions of international buyers purchase property in Marbella, Mijas, San Pedro de Alcántara and across the Costa del Sol every year. The key is understanding the process before you start. PlanMarbella.com gives you a free personalised plan covering all 15 steps, in order, so you know exactly what is coming and when.