How to buy an apartment in Spain: Requirements and documents you need

September 4th 2025

Buying a home is one of the most exciting (and important) decisions in your life. But let’s be honest: the process can also feel overwhelming. Where do I even start? What do I need to buy an apartment in Spain?

Don’t worry—we’ve got you covered. At The Home Hunter, we want to make the journey to your new home simple and stress-free. That’s why we’ve created this step-by-step guide with all the requirements and documents you’ll need to buy a property.

Step 1: Check your finances before buying a home

Before you fall in love with your dream apartment, it’s essential to know how much you can actually spend. Analysing your financial situation will give you a clear starting point and help you negotiate with the bank.

What do you need to buy an apartment in Spain?

Savings for the down payment

Most banks finance up to 80% of the property price. That means you’ll usually need at least 20% saved, plus 10–12% extra for taxes and fees.
In some cases, certain profiles (young buyers with stable jobs, for example) can get 90–95% financing—or even 100% in rare situations.

Stable income

Banks want to see a regular and secure income. A permanent contract and work stability are strong advantages.
If you’re self-employed, you’ll need to show proof of your income over the past years.

Debt capacity

Your current debts shouldn’t exceed 30–35% of your monthly income. This is one of the key factor’s banks look at when approving a mortgage.

Step 2: Gather the required documents to buy a flat

Once your budget is clear, it’s time to prepare the paperwork. These are the main documents required to buy an apartment in Spain:

ID

Valid DNI or NIE.

Proof of income

Employees: Recent payslips, employment history, tax returns, and your work contract.
Self-employed: Tax returns, VAT/IRPF payments, and Social Security receipts.

Proof of savings

Bank statements or other documents showing the origin of your funds.

Property documents

Land Registry extract, energy efficiency certificate, and latest IBI (property tax) receipt.

At The Home Hunter, we handle all the paperwork for you, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Buying a subsidized property (VPO) in Spain

Looking into a Vivienda de Protección Oficial (VPO), or subsidized housing? The requirements here are different. In addition to the general ones, you’ll also need to:

Not own another property.
Be registered in your region’s VPO applicant registry (for example, Barcelona or Madrid).
Meet the maximum income limits set by the government.

Remember: VPO homes are strictly for use as a primary residence—you cannot buy one to rent it out.

Buying a flat made simple with The Home Hunter

Yes, buying a home can feel like a lot. But with the right support, it doesn’t have to be stressful. At The Home Hunter, we’ll not only help you find your perfect apartment—we’ll also guide you through the entire process and help you get the best financing.

We believe that buying your new home should feel exciting, not exhausting. If you’re ready to start the process (or just need some advice), get in touch with us. We’ll be by your side every step of the way.