Thinking of buying or renting a home in Spain? Before you dive into listings or start booking viewings, there are seven critical steps you need to take. Skipping any of them could cost you time, money, or even derail your entire move. These steps are based on years of experience working in the Spanish property market, and they’ll help you stay in control, make smart decisions, and move confidently.
1. Check Your Visa & Residency Options
If you’re not an EU citizen, you’ll likely need a visa to stay in Spain beyond 90 days. The most common options are the Non-Lucrative Visa (NLV) for retirees and the Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) for remote workers. Both have financial requirements and application complexities, so it’s vital to check your eligibility early. I recommend taking a quick online test via our legal partner — they also offer a free consultation, with a 10% discount for our viewers. The discount should be applied automatically if you click through the link below however if you have any problems you can enter the code 7STSU when you come to order.
2. Sort Out Your Budget
Knowing what you have to spend isn’t enough — you need to understand what that budget gets you in Spain. Property purchase costs can run 12–15% above the sale price depending on the region. If you’re renting, be aware of high demand and unusual requests for upfront payments. Check out this article for more information about purchasing costs and a free calculator.
The True Cost of Spanish Property
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3. Calculate Your Ongoing Budget
Visa income requirements don’t necessarily translate to long-term affordability. Make sure to account for recurring expenses like health insurance, utilities, community fees, transport, and the risk of currency fluctuations if you’re outside the Eurozone.
4. Pick the Right Location
Location affects everything — cost, lifestyle, healthcare, climate, and emotional wellbeing. Define your non-negotiables and lifestyle preferences before narrowing down areas. Don’t underestimate emotional pull: being close to an airport with direct routes to your home country can help you stay connected to family. And consider social responsibility — avoid areas with housing shortages and explore regions offering incentives for new residents.
5. Pick the Right Type of Home
Instead of focusing on bedroom counts or features, think about what the home needs to do for you. Do you need space for visiting family? A quiet workspace? Accessibility as you age? Write out your ‘why’ for each requirement, then look for properties that serve those real needs — not just surface criteria.
6. Plan Your Exit Strategy
Even if you intend to stay forever, life can change. Some Spanish homes can take years to sell. Always ask how long a property has been on the market and research resale prospects. Have a backup plan: maybe renting out a home in your native country, or maintaining flexibility with your finances. Being stuck in the wrong home at the wrong time can be financially and emotionally draining.
7. Build Your Team First
Never rely solely on estate agents. They work for the seller, not for you — even if they seem helpful. You need an independent team of professionals in place before you fall in love with a home. That includes a lawyer, financial advisor, and possibly a relocation consultant. I go into a lot of detail about this and everything else discussed in this article in my Book Chasing the Sun
Chasing the Sun:
Your Comprehensive Guide to Purchasing Property and Moving to Spain
Bonus Tip: Learn Spanish
You can survive in Spain without speaking Spanish, but you’ll thrive if you learn. It gives you independence, opens doors, and enriches your everyday life. I recently spoke with a Spanish teacher who specialises in helping adults learn later in life — Check out the full interview here:
How to Learn Spanish Later in Life
Learning Spanish later in life is one of the most valuable investments
Ready to Take the First Step?
Whether you're just starting your journey or already deep into research, taking these steps now will save you stress and set you up for success. Check the links throughout this article for tools, guides, and video resources to help you move to Spain the right way — with confidence, clarity, and control.