Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Golf Property in Spain

Buying a property in Spain is an exciting prospect, but it pays to be prepared. From NIE numbers to notary fees, the Spanish purchase process differs significantly from the UK or Irish systems many buyers are familiar with. Here's what to expect.

Getting Your NIE Number

Before you can buy property in Spain, you'll need a Número de Identificación de Extranjero (NIE) — your Spanish tax identification number. This is obtained through the local police station or Spanish consulate in your home country. Allow 2–4 weeks in advance of any purchase.

Opening a Spanish Bank Account

You'll need a Spanish bank account to pay ongoing costs such as community fees, utility bills, and local taxes (IBI). Most major Spanish banks offer non-resident accounts with minimal documentation requirements.

The Purchase Process

The typical purchase follows these steps: reservation agreement and deposit (usually €3,000–€6,000), full private purchase contract with 10% deposit, then completion at a Spanish notary where the title deed (escritura) is signed and the balance paid.

Buying Costs

Budget for purchase taxes of 10% IVA (new builds) or 8% ITP (resale properties), plus notary fees, land registry fees, and legal costs — typically totalling 11–14% of the purchase price in addition to the property price.

Golf Resort Community Fees

Golf resort properties typically carry community fees covering maintenance of communal gardens, pools, and infrastructure. These range from €100–€500 per month depending on the resort and property type — factor this into your ongoing budget.