The Spanish mortgage process, step by step
A Spanish mortgage typically takes 4–8 weeks from full application to completion: assessment, pre-approval, property choice, bank valuation, the binding offer (FEIN) with a legal 10-day reflection period, and signing at the notary.
Step 1 — Free assessment (day 1)
You tell us your situation — the two-minute form or a WhatsApp chat. We come back within one working day with your realistic borrowing range and any red flags worth knowing early.
Step 2 — Documents & file preparation (week 1)
A short checklist tailored to your country and employment. You gather; we check, translate where needed, and build a file that answers the bank's questions before they ask. See what you'll need.
Step 3 — Pre-approval (weeks 1–2)
We present your file to the banks most likely to say yes and make them compete. You get an agreement in principle — and sellers take your offers seriously.
Step 4 — Find your property
House-hunt with real numbers. When you find it, your independent lawyer checks the legal side — the nota simple, licences, debts — before you sign anything.
Step 5 — Reservation & arras contract
A small reservation fee, then an arras (deposit) contract — usually 10%. We push for a mortgage clause where possible, protecting your deposit if financing falls through despite best efforts.
Step 6 — The valuation (week 3–4)
The bank's independent valuation (tasación), around €300–600 — usually the only setup cost you pay. If it comes in low, we renegotiate. It happens; it's fixable more often than you'd think.
Step 7 — The binding offer and your 10 quiet days
The bank issues the FEIN — every term in black and white. Spanish law then gives you a minimum 10-day reflection period. Nobody can rush you; we go through every line in your language.
Step 8 — Notary day (week 4–8)
Deeds are signed, the bank pays the seller, taxes are settled, the property is registered in your name. Be there in person, or your lawyer signs with power of attorney and you fly in for the keys.
Process FAQs
Yes. With power of attorney, your lawyer signs on your behalf. Many clients complete without flying until moving day.
At the arras contract, usually 10% — after your lawyer's checks, ideally with a mortgage clause protecting it.
Missing documents — the reason step 2 exists. Then low valuations, legal issues on the property, and August.
Talk to a real person about your plans
A named advisor — not a call centre — reviews your situation and replies within one working day, in your language.
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