Buying a property in Mallorca follows a clear sequence of steps. This guide gives you an overview. It is general information, not legal or tax advice.

1. Obtain your NIE

The NIE is the identification number for foreigners. You need it to buy property, open a bank account and pay taxes in Spain.

2. Open a Spanish bank account

It makes it easier to pay the deposit, the purchase price, taxes, and later the utility bills of the property.

3. Reservation deposit

Once you have chosen a property, a reservation deposit is usually paid to take it off the market for an agreed period while checks are carried out.

4. Private purchase contract with deposit

The parties then sign a private contract setting out the conditions of the sale, the price, the deadlines and the deposit paid on signing. Read it carefully, ideally with your lawyer.

5. Deed before the notary

The sale is formalised in a public deed signed before a notary, when the balance of the price is paid and ownership is transferred.

6. Registration

The deed is then registered in the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad), which records you as the owner.

Taxes and fees

A purchase involves taxes and costs in addition to the price. For a resale property in the Balearic Islands, the main one is the transfer tax (ITP, Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales). There are also notary and land registry fees. The amounts depend on the property and your situation, so I do not give rates here: please check with your lawyer or the competent authorities.

An independent lawyer

I recommend that you appoint an independent lawyer who works for you alone, to review the documents and the legal situation of the property before you sign anything.

I can accompany you through each of these steps. Fees: [TARIF].