Buying in Spain, Living in Valencia: What You Need to Know
Updated for 2025 – with a focus on Valencia

When you buy property in a country that is not your own, you’re not just buying square meters. You’re buying into a different legal culture, a different rhythm, and a different logic. If you’re planning to buy property in Valencia Spain, understanding these differences is key. Spain, and Valencia in particular, offers a dynamic and attractive property market, but for foreign buyers used to rules elsewhere, the differences can be surprising.

In some countries, you can request three years of utility bills, ask for detailed floor plans, and rely on standardized checklists. In Spain, you might be lucky to get the last three months of bills. Floor plans? Not mandatory. Hiring a lawyer? Optional. Because in most cases, the notary, your real estate agent, or in our case—our team—handles all the legal preparation.

This checklist isn’t just a list of recommendations. It’s what we handle for you as part of our home-buying service at Livin’Valencia. We accompany you from the first call to the day you hold the keys in your hand—and beyond. Here’s how we do it.

1. Getting Your NIE: The First Step

Every foreign buyer in Spain needs an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number). It’s the ID that makes it possible to open a bank account, pay taxes, and appear on legal documents.

If you’re buying from abroad or haven’t relocated yet, this can feel like a bureaucratic wall. We simplify it: we handle the appointments, the forms, and, when possible, we can even obtain it by proxy.

2. Setting Up a Spanish Bank Account

A Spanish bank account is not just helpful—it’s mandatory. The final payment (via OMF check or bank transfer) must be issued from a Spanish bank account in your name.

With your NIE in hand, we help you choose a bank familiar with international clients. We brief you on what to expect and accompany you in person if needed.

3. Assigning You a Trusted Property Advisor

Forget cold real estate portals. We assign you one of our dedicated property advisors, who acts as your advocate from day one. Their role is not just to find listings—it’s to listen, understand your goals, preview properties, flag risks, and guide you based on your needs.

Every step, from visits to negotiation to pre-notary prep, is handled with care. And because we work exclusively for the buyer, you can trust that the advice is neutral and tailored.

4. Due Diligence: Behind-the-Scenes Essentials

Every property is different. And in Spain, what’s on paper doesn’t always match reality. Our team carries out or coordinates due diligence for each home you consider:

• We request the Nota Simple (title document)
• We verify that the seller has the right to sell and check for debts or liens
• We review community payments and property tax history
• We double-check cadastral info and surfaces
• We request energy certificates and any available floor plans

You don’t need to chase these documents—we do it for you.

5. Understanding the Spanish Process

Spain has its own logic when it comes to real estate. Here’s what to expect:

• A reservation contract, where a small amount reserves the property and takes it off the market
• A private purchase agreement (Contrato de Arras), where 10% is usually paid and both parties commit to the sale
• The final notary appointment (Escritura), where payment is made and keys are handed over

Throughout, we manage all steps and act as your liaison with sellers, agencies, banks, and the notary.

6. Planning for Extra Costs

Many foreign buyers forget that the purchase price isn’t the full price. In Spain, you should plan for:

• Transfer tax (typically 10% in Valencia for resale properties)
• Notary and registration fees (around 1-1.5%)
• Real estate agency fees (as we do not list our own properties but work across the entire market)
• Gestor or legal fees (if using external providers)

The good news? We also include in our service a free consultation with our lawyer and our tax expert so you can discuss your specific case and make informed decisions from the very beginning.

7. After the Sale: What Happens Next?

The journey doesn’t stop at the notary. Once you own the property, we help you with:

• Setting up utilities and service contracts
• Changing ownership for property tax (IBI)
• Registering you with the community of owners if applicable
• Connecting you with renovation experts, property managers, or rental advisors

We remain your contact point for anything related to your new home.

8. What Makes Valencia Special

Valencia combines historic charm, modern amenities, and coastal living. But every district is unique. A flat in El Carmen offers history and nightlife; a villa in La Eliana gives you family space and a garden.

Our advisors know these differences and help you match location with lifestyle. And when needed, we help with relocation, schooling, and integration—especially valuable if this is more than a second home.

9. Where You Save Time and Money With Us

Many buyers try to navigate the process alone or rely on multiple service providers. We centralize it all:

• No need to hire separate agents, translators, and legal support
• We negotiate prices and timelines in your interest, not the seller’s
• When possible, we also negotiate agency fees or additional costs on your behalf to reduce your total investment
• We reduce back-and-forth by anticipating document issues and aligning every party involved

By hiring us, you save time, avoid costly missteps, and stay focused on the exciting part: finding your home.

Final Word: Transparency, Simplicity, and You at the Center

Buying a property in Spain doesn’t need to be stressful. It needs to be well prepared.

At Livin’Valencia, we handle every step—from NIE to keys—with transparency, care, and no commission conflicts. We know what it’s like to buy abroad, and we make sure you never feel alone in the process.

Book a call with us if you’re ready to talk about your plans. We offer a 15-minute courtesy video consultation to review your project and help you understand what you need to know, when you need to know it.

Because your future in Spain deserves clarity from the start.