Before you purchase a property you need to have a 'NIE' (Numero de Identificación de Extranjero or Foreign Identification Number in English), a tax identification number, which we can help you to obtain.In terms of timing, if a sale is straightforward then the buying process itself can be wrapped up in a matter of weeks, but if it is more complicated it can take several months.After viewing a property and making an offer – with the Blue Lines team at your side, of course – your lawyer will carry out a building survey.

If you need a translator, this is the moment, but we speak several languages including English and Spanish, so usually our services have our clients covered. Once a sale agreement has been made, you can opt to take out a “private contract” ahead of the “sale purchase deed”. This is not a legal requirement, but some buyers and sellers prefer to take this route for peace of mind. There are several choices on the type of contract to take, depending on whether timescales or deposits are involved. They include: a “private purchase” contract, an “earnest money” contract or a “purchase option” contract.

The Blue Lines team can give you information on each option and help you decide which one is best for you. The final sale agreement will be drawn up in front of a notary with all parties present and once complete it will be entered into the official property registry within 60 days. Following this the VAT and Stamp Duty (if a new build) and Conveyance Tax (existing property) are due. Finally, buyers must not forget to notify the council by sending a copy of the title deed of ownership.