The buying process, from first call to keys in hand
How a buyer’s agent in Spain takes you through ten steps, from first inquiry to signed escritura and key handover.
Listing agent or Zenith?
| Listing agent + lawyer | Zenith + lawyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Works for | The agent works for the seller | We work only for you |
| What you pay | Often around 3% + IVA to the agent, plus your lawyer | Nothing to the listing agent. 2% of the asking price to us, minimum €7,500, no IVA, plus a lawyer from our vetted list |
| Homes you see | Their own listings | The whole market, including private sellers and off-market homes. Found one already? We start there |
| Viewings from abroad | When the agent can show it | Live or recorded video tours that show the faults too. In person: €500 a day, up to five homes |
| Negotiation | Pushes for the seller's price | We push for your price. Our fee is set when we make the offer, so every euro off stays with you |
| Legal checks | Your lawyer, once you find one | Your lawyer, from our vetted list or your own, before you sign arras |
| Paperwork from abroad | You coordinate the lawyer, NIE, bank and notary | We coordinate it all; you follow every step in your portal |
01
Initial consultation
Define your vision
Your buyer’s agent in Spain runs a structured discovery session to map your requirements precisely.
Understanding your goals, lifestyle, budget, and timeline before anything else.
- 30-minute video or phone call
- Lifestyle and investment goal mapping
- Budget, plus your non-resident mortgage arranged in-house if you need financing
- Initial region and property type recommendations
02
NIE registration
Your legal identity in Spain
Your lawyer files the NIE application and we coordinate it, remotely if needed.
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is mandatory for all property purchases in Spain.
- Required for all property transactions
- Can be obtained remotely via power of attorney
- About 1 to 2 weeks once your lawyer has your signed power of attorney
- Your lawyer files it, and we coordinate
03
Property search
Curated, not overwhelmed
We access MLS listings, off-market properties, and developer pipelines not visible online.
Optional, and included in the fee: a targeted shortlist of at least three viable properties matching your exact criteria. Already found your property? We go straight to due diligence.
- On-market and off-market sourcing
- Developer new-build pipeline access
- Detailed property reports
- We narrow the list down with you to the home you choose
04
Viewings
Video first, in person if you want
We video-tour every shortlisted home and give you an unfiltered assessment alongside the agent pitch.
Video walkthroughs with expert commentary beyond the brochure. When you want someone in the room, our leadership travels to the property personally: €500 a day, up to five homes.
- In-person visit day: €500, up to five homes in one area, travel included
- Virtual video tours with real-time Q&A
- Structural and presentation red flag identification
- Neighbourhood analysis and infrastructure check
05
Offer & negotiation
Price and terms
We benchmark comparable sales, identify vendor motivation, and negotiate aggressively on your behalf.
Securing the best price and most favourable terms through strategic negotiation.
- Comparable sales analysis
- Offer strategy and sequencing
- Fixture, furniture, and inclusion negotiation
- Pricing benchmarked against the +71% per-m² premium unguided buyers overpay (CaixaBank)
06
Reservation & deposit
Securing the property
We review the reservation contract before you sign and verify deposit protection.
A reservation contract and 1% deposit secures the property and removes it from the market.
- Reservation contract review
- Deposit amount: typically 1% of purchase price
- Property removed from market immediately
- Any reservation deposit is refundable, and the legal check comes before you sign arras
07
Legal due diligence
No hidden surprises
Your lawyer, from our vetted list or your own, runs the full legal check on the home you choose before you sign arras.
Title search, debt check, planning permission verification, and contract review.
- Land registry title check (Registro de la Propiedad)
- Outstanding mortgage and debt verification
- Urban planning and building permit review
- Community of owners fee check (IBI, community charges)
08
Private purchase contract
Binding agreement
We coordinate the bilingual contract review with your lawyer before you sign.
The Contrato de Arras formalises the sale. Buyer pays 10% deposit; seller is legally bound.
- Bilingual contract review
- 10% deposit paid at signing
- Completion date set (typically 4–8 weeks)
- Penalty clauses protect both parties
09
Mortgage & finance
For buyers who need financing
Our in-house mortgage team arranges your non-resident mortgage.
Non-resident mortgages typically cover 60–70% LTV. Terms vary by nationality and income currency: US and UK buyers face extra documentation. Our in-house team handles it from application to offer.
- Non-resident mortgage: 60–70% LTV typical
- Term: up to 25 years
- Required: 6 months bank statements, proof of income
- US/UK buyers: extra paperwork (FATCA / third-country) and a slightly higher rate
- A mortgage adds about 4 to 8 weeks to the timeline
10
Completion (Escritura)
Keys in hand
We attend the notary signing alongside you or via power of attorney, and handle the handover.
Final signing at the notary. Balance paid. Keys received. Title transferred.
- Notary appointment coordinated by Zenith
- Balance payment via bank transfer or certified cheque
- Land registry update (4–8 weeks post-signing)
- Key handover, plus a checklist for utilities and registrations