How Long Does It Really Take to Buy a Property in Spain?
By George Nayda
29 April 2025
8 min read
SMART BUYING
How Long Does It Really Take to Buy a Property in Spain?
Some buyers think it takes 3 days. Others think it takes 6 months. The truth? Somewhere in between and entirely manageable with the right system.
So… How Long Does It Really Take?
Let’s cut through the guesswork.
The average international buyer I work with takes between 4 and 8 weeks from “I’m ready to buy” to “keys in hand.”
Can it be done faster? Yes if you’re buying a resale property, paying in cash, and your paperwork is already sorted, I’ve seen it happen in under 30 days.
Can it take longer? Absolutely especially if you're not in Spain, if you’re comparing multiple areas, or if the property has complications.
But here’s the key: the process isn’t slow. Uncertainty is slow.
Once you know the timeline and what actually happens inside each step everything feels lighter.
So let’s break it down.
Phase 1 - Pre-Search Setup (1 to 2 weeks)
🗓 Time Estimate: 7 to 14 days
🎯 Goal: Get legally and logistically ready to move fast when you find “the one.”
This includes:
Getting your NIE number (if you don’t have one yet)
Opening a Spanish bank account
Connecting with a real estate lawyer
Reviewing key buying costs, taxes, and timelines
Aligning with your budget, location focus, and buyer goals
This step is often underestimated, but it’s where we remove 50% of future stress. Because if you find your dream home next week and don’t have your NIE or bank account ready, the delay starts here.
My role here: I help coordinate everything in parallel so that by the time you’re ready to make an offer, the “paper bits” aren’t holding you back.
Phase 2 - Property Search & Shortlisting (2 to 4 weeks)
🗓 Time Estimate: 14 to 30 days
🎯 Goal: Filter the noise, find what fits, and tour (in person or virtually).
This varies wildly from person to person. Some buyers know exactly what they want and find it within 5 days. Others take a few weeks of refining.
Here’s what happens:
We shortlist real properties that fit your criteria
I give you behind-the-scenes insights (what’s missing from the listing, what locals know, what agents won’t say)
You tour homes either in person with me, or remotely with video walkthroughs and full commentary
You narrow to your top 1 to 3 picks
Pro tip: Don’t wait until you “fall in love” to prepare your paperwork. Prepare while you’re searching, that’s how you move fast when the right one appears.
Phase 3 - Offer, Legal Review & Private Contract (2 to 3 weeks)
🗓 Time Estimate: 14 to 21 days
🎯 Goal: Secure the property and complete legal due diligence.
Here’s the flow:
✅ Offer submitted (often with proof of funds or mortgage pre-approval)
✅ Seller accepts, both parties draft and sign a private purchase agreement (Contrato de Arras)
✅ A 10% deposit is paid to reserve the home
✅ Your lawyer checks:
– Land registry
– Outstanding debts or charges
– Licenses, boundaries, and legal standing
✅ You agree to complete on a target date (usually 2–6 weeks from now)
This stage is critical, but it doesn’t need to feel intense.
With the right legal team, this phase runs smoothly. With the wrong one, it becomes a minefield.
Final Completion & Notary Signing (2 to 3 weeks)
🗓 Time Estimate: 14 to 21 days
🎯 Goal: Pay the balance, sign the public deed, and collect the keys.
Once all legal checks are clear and funds are transferred, we coordinate your notary appointment.
If you’re in Spain, you’ll attend in person. If not, your lawyer can sign on your behalf via a Power of Attorney.
At the notary:
Final public deed (Escritura Pública) is signed
You receive certified proof of ownership
Keys are handed over
The property is registered in your name at the Spanish Land Registry
🎉 You’re officially a homeowner in Spain.
Pro tip: If you’re transferring large funds from outside the EU, allow 3–5 business days for clearance. This is one of the most common (and avoidable) delays.
So… What’s the Fastest and Slowest Realistic Timeline?
Let’s set some honest expectations:
Scenario
Total Duration
You’re buying with cash, NIE ready, lawyer ready, approximately 14 days (rare but doable)
You’re flying in to view homes and buying within 2 weeks, approximately 2 to 4 weeks
You’re remote, need NIE + bank + legal setup approximately 8 to 10 weeks
You’re browsing slowly and comparing multiple areas 12+ weeks (by choice, not system)
Remember: It’s not always about rushing.
It’s about clarity. Knowing what happens when. Having someone guide you through it with calm, precision, and zero panic.
That’s what I do. Not just find homes but build buying journeys that feel structured, safe, and supported.
📩
Message George - I’ll map out your personal buying timeline, step-by-step
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