Off-Plan Property
Buyer's Guide
Authoritative, practical guides to every stage of buying off-plan property in Spain. Written by specialists who handle these transactions every day on the Costa del Sol.
Everything You Need to Buy With Confidence
From understanding the reservation contract to receiving your keys — every stage of the off-plan purchase process explained by specialists who live and work in this market.
How to Buy Off-Plan Property in Spain
A complete step-by-step walkthrough of the off-plan purchase process in Spain — from reservation to completion, with every legal stage explained clearly.
How to Buy Off-Plan on the Costa del Sol
The specific Costa del Sol market context for off-plan buyers: the best developers, key micro-markets, what to pay, and how the local process differs from buying elsewhere in Spain.
Is Buying Off-Plan in Spain Safe?
Spain's legal framework for off-plan buyers is one of the strongest in Europe. This guide explains the protections in place and what due diligence you must carry out.
Bank Guarantees for Off-Plan Property in Spain
Every stage payment you make must be protected by a bank guarantee under Spanish law. Learn how they work, what to insist on, and what happens if things go wrong.
Costs of Buying Property on the Costa del Sol
Budget accurately with this full breakdown of purchase costs: VAT, stamp duty, notary fees, legal fees, mortgage costs, and the ongoing expenses most buyers overlook.
Taxes When Buying New Build Property in Spain
New build purchases attract VAT at 10% plus AJD stamp duty at 1.2%. This guide details every tax you will pay, when you pay it, and how to plan for the total liability.
The Reservation Contract in Spain
What the reservation contract (contrato de reserva) commits you to, what it protects you from, and the key clauses your lawyer must review before you sign anything.
The Private Purchase Contract for Off-Plan in Spain
The arras or private purchase contract is the most important document in the off-plan transaction. A complete guide to what it must contain and what to negotiate.
Completion and Handover Process in Spain
The final stages of buying a property in Spain: the snagging inspection, notary signing, mortgage drawdown, utility connections, and what to do on handover day.
Mortgages for Foreign Buyers in Spain
Spanish banks lend up to 70% LTV to non-resident buyers. Everything you need to know about qualifying, the application process, interest rates, and the best brokers to use.
Can Foreigners Buy Property in Spain?
Yes — with an NIE number, anyone can buy in Spain. This guide covers the requirements, the NIE application process, and the specific rules for non-EU buyers.
Buying Property in Spain Through a Company
When buying through a Spanish SL or foreign company makes financial sense — and when it does not. Tax implications, running costs, and when this structure is worth considering.
Off-Plan Property Risks and How to Avoid Them
Every risk in an off-plan purchase — construction delays, developer insolvency, specification changes, planning issues — with the exact steps to mitigate each one.
Written by People Who Work in This Market
Transaction Experience
Our advisors have guided hundreds of international buyers through the off-plan process. Everything in these guides reflects real transactions, not theoretical scenarios.
Up-to-Date Legal Information
Spanish property law changes. Our guides reflect current regulations, recent court decisions affecting off-plan buyers, and the practical application of the law in 2025.
No Vested Interest
These guides are written to help you buy well — not to sell you a specific property. We give you the information you need to make your own informed decisions.
Costa del Sol Specific
General Spain guides miss the nuances of the Costa del Sol market. Our content reflects local pricing, developer practices, municipal variations, and the communities that work best for international buyers.
Ready to Start Your Property Search?
Our advisors are available to walk you through the process, recommend suitable projects, and answer any questions these guides raise.