1. Get your NIE and a Spanish bank account
Every buyer in Spain needs an NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero), the tax identification number for foreigners. It can be arranged at a Spanish police station or through the Spanish consulate in your home country, and your lawyer can often help with a power of attorney.
You will also need a Spanish bank account to pay purchase costs, taxes and later the running costs of the property.
2. Find the right property — and the right advisor
Marbella is a market of micro-areas: the Golden Mile, Nueva Andalucía, Sierra Blanca and the Benahavís hills all behave differently. A local advisor who knows the areas street by street will save you time and help you avoid overpaying.
Many of the best homes never reach the portals. Ask your agent about off-market opportunities.
3. Reservation, private contract and due diligence
Once you agree on a price, a reservation deposit (usually €6,000–€10,000) takes the property off the market while your lawyer checks the title, debts, licences and urban planning status.
The private purchase contract follows, normally with a 10% deposit. For new developments, payments are staged against construction milestones and protected by bank guarantees.
4. Completion at the notary
The final deed (escritura) is signed before a Spanish notary, the balance is paid and you receive the keys. Your lawyer then registers the property in your name and arranges the taxes.
With good preparation, the whole process from offer to keys typically takes four to eight weeks for a resale property.
Thinking about buying in Marbella? We would be happy to help.