The Definitive Guide To Buying Property In Barcelona

Your Dream Home in Barcelona Starts Here

We created the Guide To Buying Property In Barcelona because it can be a complex process, and yes, their are some shady characters out there, but with our team of experts, we’ll help guide you every step of the way. From choosing the perfect location to navigating the legal process, we’re here to help. Trust us to make your dream of owning property in Barcelona a reality.

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How the process works (Catalonia)
Who does what (buyer, lawyer, notary, bank)
Costs & taxes: resale vs new-build
Mortgages for expats (resident vs non-resident)
Buyer document checklist
FAQ

How the process works in Catalonia

Search & NIE: shortlist areas and properties; obtain your NIE number.
Mortgage pre-approval (if needed): get terms and max budget; see our mortgage guide.
Offer & arras (deposit): negotiate price/conditions; sign arras (customary 10% deposit) with timelines and penalties.
Due diligence: lawyer checks nota simple, charges/embargos, community debts/minutes, cédula de habitabilidad (if applicable), energy certificate, ITE/certificado de aptitud, and IDs.
Notary completion: sign deed (escritura), pay remaining price, taxes, and fees; handover keys and meter readings.
Post-completion: register title, set up utilities, community payments; review IBI apportionment and insurance.

Avoid common mistakes with our guide to pitfalls when buying. Choosing areas? Start with neighborhood selection or deep dives like Eixample, Gràcia, Sant Martí, or Barceloneta.

Who does what

Buyer: selects property, funds deposit/balance, provides IDs, signs POA if needed.
Buyer’s lawyer: legal due diligence, arras/deed review, tax calculations, POA management.
Bank & tasador: mortgage terms, appraisal (tasación), loan deed coordination.
Notary: identity/title checks, reads deed, records signing.
Gestoría/registry: tax filing and title registration post-completion.
Sellers/HOA: provide debts certificate, minutes, recent IBI/fees receipts, energy/cédula docs.

Buyer costs & taxes (Catalonia)

Item	Resale (2ª mano)
Transfer tax	ITP (In Catalonia it is 10% )
Notary & registry	Normally range from 1% to 3% depending on the complxity
Gestoría (admin)	If financing: bank’s gestoría handles filings
Mortgage costs	Appraisal (tasación), bank fees as per offer
Prorates/adjustments	IBI (property tax) & community fees to completion date

Percentages change—your lawyer/gestoría will confirm the current ITP/AJD rates applicable to your case.

Mortgages for expats: resident vs non-resident

Non-resident buyers: typically lower LTV and stricter affordability checks. See our mortgage pre-approval guide.
Documents: IDs/NIE, income proofs, tax returns, bank statements, existing debt details; for self-employed, add accounts.
Timing: align arras deadline with bank appraisal and underwriting to avoid extension penalties.

Buyer document checklist

NIE number (for all buyers)—how to get your NIE
Passport(s) and marital regime docs (if applicable)
Proof of funds / mortgage pre-approval
Lawyer details / Power of Attorney (if signing remotely)
For the property file (seller side): nota simple, energy cert, cédula de habitabilidad (if required), community debts certificate, ITE/aptitud where applicable

Buying in Barcelona — FAQ

What’s the typical deposit at the arras stage?

Customarily ~10% of the price, but it’s negotiable. Your lawyer should tailor deadlines and penalties to your financing timeline.

Can I buy as a non-resident?

Yes. You’ll need a NIE, funds source documentation, and (if financing) bank approval. Many buyers purchase without Spanish residency.

How long from offer to notary?

Commonly 4–10 weeks depending on mortgage, documents, and agreed conditions. Cash deals can be faster if the legal file is ready.

Resale or new-build—which is better?

Resale = character and location choice; tax is ITP. New-build = warranties and amenities; tax is IVA+AJD. Compare total cost, not just price per m².

Which neighborhoods fit expats best?

Depends on lifestyle. Start with our guides to Eixample, Gràcia, Sant Martí, and Barceloneta.

Our Property Buying Services in Barcelona Include:

Consultation:

We begin by understanding the type of property you want to buy, including the price range and preferred location. This initial consultation helps us tailor our search to meet your specific needs and preferences.

Property Search:

Our team will find properties that match your criteria and arrange appointment options for you to view these properties. We utilize our extensive network and resources to ensure you have access to the best options available.

Viewings:

We will accompany you to the property viewings to provide insights and answer any questions you may have. Additionally, we can view properties on your behalf before you see them in person, ensuring they meet your standards and expectations.

Negotiation:

We will advise you on the negotiation of the price, terms, and dates. Our expertise in the market allows us to secure the best possible deal for you, ensuring a smooth and favorable transaction.

Reservation and Purchase:

We assist and accompany you in making the 'Good Faith Deposit' or 'Earnest Money', known in Spain as the "Arras". We will also guide you through the final closing at the Notary office, known as the "Escritura", ensuring all legal and financial aspects are handled correctly.

Professional Recommendations:

We can recommend an English-speaking lawyer, appraiser, accountant, architect, and construction company if needed. These professionals will provide additional support and expertise throughout the buying process.

Banking and NIE:

We can help you prepare for and obtain a Spanish bank account and Tax Identification Number, known as the "NIE", if needed. This is essential for completing the purchase and managing your property in Spain.

Recommendations:

During viewings, we will ask all relevant questions and advise you on the best areas for investment. Our goal is to ensure you make an informed decision that aligns with your investment goals and lifestyle preferences.

Additional Services

Mortgage Assistance: If your income comes from a job or retirement funded outside of Spain contact us. We can recommend a mortgage company that finances such situations.

Guide to Buying Property in Barcelona — Steps, Documents & Medium-Term Rental Basics

A practical, buyer-friendly overview for secondary residence purchases with compliant medium-term rentals in neighborhoods like Poble-sec, El Raval, Poblenou, Sant Antoni, Gràcia, and l’Eixample.

1) Preparing for the Purchase

Mortgage pre-approval (if needed) — Get written offers from 2–3 Spanish lenders and allow 4–8 weeks. You’ll need certified Spanish translations of income/tax docs. Start here: Mortgage pre-approval guide. If you prefer an English-speaking broker, we can introduce you.
NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) — Required for purchase, utilities, and taxes. How to get your NIE · Official info: Policía Nacional. Moving vs investing? We can connect you with a trusted visa lawyer.
Open a Spanish bank account — To pay the arras (earnest money, typically 10%) and closing costs. Ask your bank about international transfers and proof-of-funds requirements.

Pro tip: Very few US lenders finance EU property (and those who do often price in a premium). Spanish lenders or brokers tend to be faster and cheaper for Barcelona purchases.

2) Making an Offer

Submit offer + terms — We’ll structure price, timing, and contingencies (financing, legal review, fixes) and advise on neighborhoods (Poble-sec, El Raval, Poblenou, Sant Antoni, Gràcia, l’Eixample).
Contrato de arras (earnest money) — Usually 10% held by the seller’s agency or as agreed. It’s credited at closing; penalties apply if either party defaults per contract terms.

Want viewings quickly? Contact us and we’ll line up options that also work for medium-term rental compliance.

3) Closing Process (Escritura)

Notary signing — Final deed and payments at a mutually agreed Notary. Bring IDs, bank checks/transfer proof, and lender docs if financing.
Timeline — You can close in a few weeks, but 2–4 months is common (bank appraisal, underwriting, seller logistics). Align arras dates with bank milestones to avoid extensions.

Post-closing: register the deed, switch utilities, and set up IBI/community fee payments. We can also handle ongoing rental management and compliance.

Medium-Term Rentals & Compliance (overview)

Under current rules, medium-term leases require a justified temporary need (e.g., work, study, medical) and rent caps comparable to long-term contracts. We’ll help you document eligibility and structure the lease correctly.

Next step: share your criteria and timing, and we’ll send a tailored shortlist with expected yields and legal checks. → Start here

Guide To Buying Property In Barcelona

Costs and Fees

Budget Allocation: Allocate between 13% to 15% of the purchase price to cover these taxes and expenses.

Tax and Expenses Breakdown:

Property Transfer Tax (ITP):

10% of the purchase price, though for new builds in Barcelona, it is 11.5%.

Mortgage Costs:

Origination, appraisal and inspection fees, typically run1.5% - 2% of purchase price

Notary’s Fee:

Approximately 1% of the purchase price, a bit higher with a mortgage

Lawyer’s Fee:

Typically ranges from 1% of the purchase price and up, depending on the complexity.

Document Fees:

Range from 0.3% to 0.5% of the purchase price.

Bank Fee for Guaranteed Check:

('Cheque Bancario') Varies by bank, ranges between €50 to €150.

Ongoing Support

We offer comprehensive support and guidance throughout the search and buying process. We'll provide detailed advice, help gather necessary paperwork, and keep you informed at every step. Our goal is to ensure a smooth, stress-free experience, enabling confident, well-informed decisions.

Our Comittment to You

The Sellers Agent Represents the Seller. Always work with a dedicated Buyers Agent. We represent you, the buyer. Our sole purpose is to ensure your best interests are served throughout the purchasing process.

You want real estate agents who are focused on Barcelona – NOT all of Spain.
We live in Barcelona. We are the locals. We have bought our own properties, and have gone through the journey from buyer to owner many times with many clients.

American Real Estate Experts In Barcelona to Find Your Dream Home

We’re Americans in Barcelona who’ve been through this ourselves. We know the expat curveballs—paperwork, noise levels, stairs, elevators, neighborhoods that look great online but don’t fit real life. Tell us how you live and what you want to spend; we’ll guide you to the right neighborhoods and a short list of homes that actually fit your lifestyle and budget.