Buying property in Spain remains one of the most attractive lifestyle and investment decisions for international buyers, particularly along the Costa del Sol.

But while the opportunity is clear, the process itself is often misunderstood. Spain operates under a legal, tax and planning framework that differs significantly from many buyers’ home countries, and missteps at an early stage can create complications later.

At JUST Real Estate, we work with buyers who want clarity before commitment. That is why we created our Marbella Buyer’s Guide — a practical, transparent resource designed to help buyers understand how the process really works, from planning through to life after completion.

Understanding the Spanish buying process

Buying property in Spain follows a clearly defined legal pathway, but it is not transactional in the way many international buyers expect. There is no concept of “offer accepted subject to survey” in the same sense as in the UK or Northern Europe. Once contracts are signed and deposits paid, the financial and legal consequences are significant.

This is why preparation matters. Buyers who understand the structure of the transaction, and the order in which decisions should be made, are far more likely to secure the right property at the right price, without unnecessary risk.

Planning your purchase correctly

Before viewing properties, buyers should clarify their objectives. Are you purchasing a second home, a full-time residence, or an investment? Will the property be used personally, rented long term, or considered for holiday lets? These decisions influence not only which properties are suitable, but also tax exposure, ownership structure and long-term costs.

In our experience, many issues arise when buyers skip this stage and focus purely on the property itself. Our Buyer’s Guide explains how to align lifestyle goals with legal and financial realities before committing to a purchase.

Legal and administrative requirements

Every buyer in Spain must obtain an NIE (foreigner identification number), open a Spanish bank account and appoint an independent lawyer. These are not optional steps; they are fundamental to a compliant purchase.

Legal due diligence goes beyond checking ownership. Your lawyer must confirm planning status, licences, debts, community rules and land classification. In areas such as Marbella, Benahavís and Estepona, urban planning history can materially affect value, future development rights and even resale potential.

Our Buyer’s Guide dedicates an entire section to planning and land classification because this is one of the most misunderstood aspects of buying in southern Spain.

Aerial view of Marbella, Andalusia. Southern Spain.

Contracts, deposits and completion

Once an offer is accepted, a reservation agreement is typically signed and a deposit paid to remove the property from the market. This is followed by the private purchase contract (Contrato de Arras), where a 10% deposit is usually lodged.

At this stage, withdrawal without legal cause results in loss of the deposit, while seller withdrawal requires repayment of double the amount. The process culminates at the notary, where the public deed is signed and ownership transfers.

Understanding when commitments become binding is essential. Buyers who enter the process without this knowledge often feel pressured or exposed later on.

Why guidance matters more than ever

The Costa del Sol market has matured. Regulation around rentals has tightened, planning scrutiny has increased, and buyer expectations are higher. While opportunities remain excellent, successful purchases now depend on informed decision-making rather than speed alone.

This is precisely why we created our JUST Real Estate Buyer’s Guide. It is not designed to sell property. It is designed to equip buyers with the knowledge they need to navigate the market confidently, understand risks, and make decisions aligned with their long-term plans.

If you are considering buying property in Marbella or the surrounding areas, we recommend starting with the guide before committing to viewings or negotiations.

Research enquiries:
James Evans — Managing Partner
📞 +34 643 390 376 | ✉️ james@justrealestate.es

Sales enquiries:
Alina Nouaimeh — Partner
📞 +34 600 689 749 | ✉️ alina@justrealestate.es