How Long Does It Take to Buy Property in Spain?

We thought it would take about six weeks. I don't know where we got that from. Someone mentioned it at a dinner party and it just stuck. The real answer is three to six months, and that's if things go reasonably smoothly. Here is where the time actually goes, so you can plan for it properly rather than be surprised by it.

The Real Timeline, Step by Step

Understanding where the time actually goes helps you plan for it and avoid unnecessary delays.

Stage 1: Getting your paperwork in order (2 to 8 weeks)

Before you can do anything else in Spain, you need a NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). You cannot open a Spanish bank account without one. You cannot complete a purchase without one.

The NIE application process takes 2 to 6 weeks depending on how you apply: in person at a Spanish consulate in the UK, in person at a Spanish police station during a visit to Spain, or via a lawyer by proxy. Applications at busy consulates can have significant waiting times for appointments.

Once the NIE arrives, you can open a Spanish bank account. Allow another 2 to 4 weeks for the account to be open, active, and ready to receive funds.

Buyers who start this before they start viewing can compress this stage to near zero when they find the right property. Buyers who start it after they've found the property they want lose weeks while the clock ticks.

Stage 2: Finding the property (variable)

This part is genuinely variable. Some buyers find the right property on their first trip to the Costa del Sol. Others view 20 properties across Marbella, Estepona, Benahavís, Mijas and Fuengirola over several months before finding one that works. Knowing your area, your budget, and your brief clearly reduces the time spent here.

Stage 3: Offer and reservation (1 to 2 weeks)

Once you've found the property, you make an offer. When accepted, you pay a reservation fee (typically €3,000 to €10,000) which takes the property off the market while your lawyer begins due diligence. This stage is fast. Days, not weeks.

Stage 4: Legal due diligence (4 to 6 weeks)

Your lawyer obtains the land registry entry, checks for debts and encumbrances, verifies building permits, checks community fee arrears, and conducts a full legal review. This takes 4 to 6 weeks minimum and cannot be rushed without accepting risk.

Stage 5: Arras contract (signed after due diligence)

Once due diligence is complete and your lawyer is satisfied, both parties sign the arras contract. You typically pay 10 per cent of the purchase price at this point as a deposit.

Stage 6: Completion at the notary (6 to 8 weeks after arras)

The period between arras and completion is usually 6 to 8 weeks. During this time, funds are transferred to your Spanish bank account and the bank cheque is prepared. Completion takes place at the notary, where the public deed is signed and the property legally transfers to you.

The Number That Surprises People Most

Add up the stages above and you get a realistic timeline of 3 to 6 months for most buyers. Buyers who arrive prepared, with NIE sorted, bank account open, and lawyer appointed, can move significantly faster when they find the right property.

Buyers who start without any of this in place are adding weeks of waiting time to every stage. Buying property in Marbella, or anywhere on the Costa del Sol, is absolutely worth doing. You just need to give it the time it takes.

PlanMarbella.com shows you the full timeline with a personalised buying plan. Free at planmarbella.com. See exactly where you are in the process and what needs to happen next. Invite your partner or PA to co-manage any step - so the process keeps moving even when you can't.