Buying an apartment in Barcelona as an international buyer is a straightforward and secure process—especially when guided by an experienced local agency. Spain has a transparent legal framework, and Barcelona remains one of Europe’s most attractive cities for lifestyle and investment. Below, we outline the key steps to purchasing an apartment in Barcelona, tailored specifically for international clients.
1. Define Your Goals and Budget
The first step is clarifying why you are buying: a primary residence, second home, or investment property. This will influence location, property type, and legal considerations. At this stage, it’s also essential to define your total budget, including purchase taxes, notary fees, legal costs, and potential renovation.
2. Obtain a NIE Number
All foreign buyers must obtain a NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero), a tax identification number required for any financial or legal transaction in Spain. This can be arranged in Spain or through a Spanish consulate abroad, and your legal representative can often manage this on your behalf.
3. Open a Spanish Bank Account
While not legally mandatory, a Spanish bank account is highly recommended. It simplifies the payment of the purchase price, taxes, notary fees, utilities, and community charges. Most international banks operating in Spain offer English-speaking services.
4. Make an Offer and Sign the Reservation with the Agency (Refundable 1% Fee)
When you choose a property and an offer is made and accepted , you can reserve it through the agency so that no one else can buy it. The property is then taken off the market.
To make the reservation, you pay 1% of the purchase price to the agency. This payment is temporary.
When you later sign the preliminary purchase contract (Contrato de Arras), the 1% is fully returned to you or counted as part of your deposit, depending on what is agreed in the contract.
5. Contrato de Arras
The next step is signing a private purchase contract (Contrato de Arras). This is a preliminary agreement that confirms that you intend to buy the property and that the seller agrees to sell it to you.
In this contract, the main details are written down, such as the price, the final signing date, and the conditions of the sale. When you sign the Arras contract, you usually pay a deposit of 10% of the purchase price.
From this moment, both the buyer and the seller are committed to completing the sale, and the property is secured for you until the final signing at the notary.
6. Legal Due Diligence
Before completion, your lawyer will carry out full legal due diligence, ensuring:
- Clear ownership title
- No outstanding debts or charges
- Compliance with urban planning regulations
- Valid habitation certificate and energy certificate
This step is crucial to guarantee a safe and secure purchase.
7. Sign the Title Deed at the Notary
The final step is signing the public deed of sale (Escritura Pública) before a Spanish notary. At this moment, the remaining balance is paid, and ownership is officially transferred. The notary ensures that the transaction complies with Spanish law.
8. Registration and Taxes
After completion, the deed is registered in the Land Registry, and applicable taxes are paid:
- Transfer Tax (ITP) for resale properties
- VAT (IVA) and Stamp Duty (AJD) for new developments
You will need to pay an additional 10%-12% of the apartment’s price.
Your legal representative usually manages this process.
9. Post-Purchase Services
After the purchase, services such as changing utility contracts, community registration, property management, or rental optimization can be arranged—particularly important for non-resident owners.
Buying with Confidence in Barcelona
Barcelona is an international city with a stable property market and strong long-term appeal. With the right professional guidance, buying an apartment here is a smooth and rewarding experience. A trusted luxury real estate agency will not only help you find the perfect property but also manage every legal and administrative detail—allowing you to invest with confidence and peace of mind.
