The complete guide to buying a home in Spain
Everything an international buyer needs to know · from NIE application to tax return. No sales pitch, just the honest reality.
What's in the guide?
- Are you ready? . The three honest questions to start with
- Which region suits you? . 6 regions compared (climate, price, ITP, audience)
- What does it really cost? . Purchase costs per region + worked examples
- Mortgage . Spanish or home country? Comparison + 2026 rates
- The buying process . 8 steps, week-by-week timeline
- Legal pitfalls . 6 major risks and how to avoid them
- Taxes . IRNR, IBI, Plusvalia and wealth tax abroad
- Renting in Spain . 2026 rules, permits, realistic returns
- After the purchase . Management, tax, long-term planning
Bonus: Full document checklist + Spanish-English glossary with 20+ terms.
Honest prices, honest risks. What a Spanish agent site leaves out is here in black and white.
Includes NRUA rental registration (July 2025), HOA rules and ITP rates per region.
Written by Demy Roelofs, who has guided 10+ international buyers through their purchase in Spain.

"I wrote this guide to give international buyers the years of experience I've built up. Not a sales tool, just the honest reality. If you still have questions after reading: book a no-obligation call."
Book a callFrequently asked questions about the free guide
What's in the free guide?+
The guide describes the Spanish buying process step by step, the taxes and additional costs, applying for a NIE number, the legal checks before purchase, and a comparison of the main coastal regions.
Is the guide really free?+
Yes. Enter your name and email address and you'll receive the PDF straight to your inbox. There are no costs and no obligations.
Does the guide cover the differences between regions?+
Yes. Because purchase tax and municipal rules vary by autonomous region, the guide includes a comparison of the main coastal regions on price, climate and regulations.
Why should I read the guide before I start searching?+
Because most costly mistakes happen early on: a deposit paid too quickly, a property without a valid licence, or a miscalculated cost picture. The guide shows what to check before making an offer.
Can I speak to someone after reading it?+
Yes. Our Dutch team is available for a phone or video call about your budget, your preferred region, and the properties that match.
Prefer to ask your questions first?
Still have questions about your situation, your budget, or a specific region after reading? Book a free call with our Dutch team.
Book a free call