Buying a House in Spain in 2027: A Step-by-Step Guide for Dutch Buyers
18th September 2026
Home > News > Buying a House in Spain in 2027: A Step-by-Step Guide for Dutch Buyers
Found a property in Spain that appears to fit your budget? The most important part of the process is only just beginning.
For Dutch buyers, purchasing a property in Spain works differently from buying one back home. The Spanish notary has an important formal role in the transfer of ownership, but does not replace the independent legal checks you need before purchasing. Before reserving a property, you should therefore know exactly who owns it, what charges are registered against it, whether alterations have been properly documented and which taxes and costs apply to your specific purchase.
Casa de Bas assists Dutch buyers in finding and purchasing properties in areas including the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. Through its property buying support service in Spain, buyers receive assistance from the initial search through to receiving the keys, including coordination of financing and legal matters.
Step 1: Calculate Your Full Property Buying Budget
Do not start with the maximum asking price you can afford. Start with the amount you want to allocate to the entire purchase.
In addition to the purchase price, you should allow for:
Property Transfer Tax or VAT
AJD (Stamp Duty) on certain transactions
Independent legal advice
Notary and Land Registry costs
A technical inspection where appropriate
A mortgage valuation if financing is required
Any furnishing or renovation costs
A financial reserve after completion
Avoid using a standard rule such as "always add 10%". The final costs depend on factors including the region and whether you are purchasing a resale or new-build property.
What does this mean for the Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol?
Area
Purchase Type
General Tax Treatment
Costa Blanca, Valencian Community
Resale property up to €1 million
General ITP rate of 9%
Costa Blanca, Valencian Community
Resale property above €1 million
General ITP rate of 11%
Costa del Sol, Andalusia
Resale property
General ITP rate of 7%
Spain
New-build property, first sale
Generally 10% VAT plus applicable AJD
For example, a 9% ITP rate on a €300,000 resale property amounts to €27,000. At the same purchase price in Andalusia, a 7% rate amounts to €21,000. That is a difference of €6,000 before any other transaction costs are included.
As this is a guide for 2027, always have the applicable tax rates checked again before entering into any financially binding agreement.
Step 2: Choose the Region Before Choosing the Property
"A house in Spain" is not yet a sufficiently focused property search.
The differences between the northern Costa Blanca, southern Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol are significant enough that you should first consider how you intend to use the property.
The area offers a combination of coastal towns, villas, apartments and sea-view properties that may be suitable for use as a second home or permanent residence.
For buyers considering Marbella, Estepona, Mijas and nearby towns, the Costa del Sol offers a different property market with a strongly international character.
Choosing the right region involves more than the purchase price. Consider:
This is one of the most important stages of the entire purchase.
Through Casa de Bas's buying support service, the process can be coordinated with the relevant professionals. However, it remains essential that the lawyer carrying out the legal checks genuinely represents your interests.
Depending on the property, your lawyer may check:
Who legally owns the property
Which mortgages, attachments or other charges are registered
Whether IBI and relevant local taxes have been paid
Whether there are outstanding community debts or special assessments
Whether alterations match the registered property details
Whether the necessary permits are in place
Which contractual obligations you are taking on
Which tax treatment applies to the transaction
For new-build properties, development and developer documentation must also be reviewed.
When buying an apartment, it is also advisable to request up-to-date information about the owners' community, including current fees and any major works planned.
Step 5: Arrange Your NIE and Practical Documentation
Foreign buyers normally need a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), Spain's foreigner identification number, to purchase a property.
Start the process well in advance.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to apply in Spain, through a Spanish consular procedure or via an authorised representative.
Before purchasing, ask your adviser or lawyer:
Which documents are required
When your NIE must be available
Whether a power of attorney would be useful
Which documents need legalisation or an apostille
Which banking and payment arrangements will be used at completion
You will also need your NIE later for various tax and administrative matters in Spain.
Step 6: Arrange Targeted Viewings and Look Beyond the Photographs
A property viewing should be treated as an opportunity to inspect the home, rather than simply part of a holiday.
Do not focus only on the kitchen, swimming pool and views.
Check or ask about:
Condition of the roof and exterior walls
Damp problems
Window frames and glazing
Air conditioning and heating
Swimming pool and technical equipment
Orientation of the terrace and garden
Parking
Surrounding noise levels
Future construction projects
Current community fees
Most recent IBI bill
Energy performance certificate
For an older villa, finca or property with visible extensions, an independent technical inspection can be particularly important.
Before travelling to Spain for viewings, you can compare property types and price points through the current properties for sale in Spain.
Step 7: Have the Reservation and Arras Contract Checked Before Signing
Once you have found the right property, you may be asked to sign a reservation agreement or private purchase contract.
The important thing is not what the document is called, but what it actually says.
Before making a payment, ensure the following are clearly established:
How much you are paying
Who receives or holds the money
Under which circumstances the payment is refundable or non-refundable
Which legal checks still need to be completed
What happens if financing is not approved
The final deadline for completing the purchase
What is included in the sale
The consequences if either buyer or seller fails to fulfil their obligations
With a contrato de arras, the consequences can vary considerably depending on the type of agreement and its exact wording.
Do not sign simply because someone describes the document as standard. Have your own lawyer review the actual agreement.
Step 8: Complete the Purchase Correctly Before the Notary
At final completion, the public deed of sale, known as the escritura pública de compraventa, is signed.
Depending on your circumstances, you may attend in person or be represented under a legally valid power of attorney.
During completion, the purchase price, taxes, identification of the parties, documentation and any registered charges must be dealt with correctly.
After signing, the transfer of ownership is registered with the Spanish Registro de la Propiedad (Land Registry).
After completion, practical tasks include:
Transferring utilities into your name
Arranging insurance
Updating owners' community records
Organising local tax payments
Setting up direct debits
Keep your purchase deed, tax documentation, invoices and other supporting records safely.
What Makes Casa de Bas's Buying Support Different?
Casa de Bas uses its Secure Purchase Plan to structure the process from the initial search through to receiving the keys, involving relevant professionals at the appropriate stages.
For Dutch buyers, this coordination is particularly important because the Spanish property buying process differs from what they are accustomed to in the Netherlands.
Common Mistakes When Buying a House in Spain
Using all available funds as your maximum property budget
Set aside money for taxes, professional fees and unexpected expenses.
Reserving a property before the legal conditions are clear
First, establish what happens to the reservation payment if a problem is discovered during due diligence.
Assuming the notary carries out all legal checks
Arrange independent legal representation as well.
Applying one tax percentage across the whole of Spain
ITP and AJD rates vary between autonomous communities.
Assuming an alteration is legal because it has existed for years
Have its legal and registered status checked.
Focusing only on the asking price
Also ask about IBI, community fees, energy performance and maintenance.
Assuming future rental income is guaranteed
Before purchasing, check whether your intended rental use is permitted and under which conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a property in Spain as a Dutch citizen without Spanish residency?
Yes. Non-residents can purchase property in Spain. Property ownership and the right to reside or remain in Spain are separate matters.
Do I need a NIE?
Foreign buyers normally need a NIE for the purchase and related Spanish tax procedures. Start the application early.
How much extra should I budget above the purchase price?
Do not rely on a universal percentage. For resale properties, regional ITP is often the largest tax cost. A qualifying first sale of a new-build home is generally subject to 10% VAT plus applicable AJD. You must also allow for transaction-specific legal, notarial and registration costs.
What is the ITP rate on the Costa Blanca?
Most of the Costa Blanca lies within the Valencian Community. The applicable rate depends on current regional rules and your specific transaction. Have the rate for 2027 confirmed before buying.
What is the ITP rate on the Costa del Sol?
The Costa del Sol is located in Andalusia. The current tax treatment for your individual purchase should also be checked before signing.
Can Casa de Bas continue helping me after I find a property?
Yes. Through its property buying support, Casa de Bas provides assistance beyond property selection and can help coordinate legal and financial matters.
Buying a property in Spain does not have to be complicated, but following the right sequence is important.
Start by establishing your total budget. Then choose your preferred region and property type. Arrange legal representation and apply for your NIE early. Have the property and contracts checked before transferring substantial sums. Finally, make sure the current tax and legal requirements for your specific purchase are confirmed.
Once these matters are in place, you can search for the right property with much greater confidence.
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