Buying property in Spain remotely: virtual tours, negotiation, and signing

Buying a home in Spain can be done largely at a distance if you plan the process, document everything, and build a team that can act locally when needed. Exact steps and requirements vary by region, property type, bank, and notary.

Presta Estate can perform property viewings and live/recorded virtual tours on the buyer’s behalf, sharing videos, notes, and follow-up questions.

Remote negotiation typically moves through informal agreement on price/terms, then a reservation/holding stage (often called a reservation or “reserva”), and later a private purchase contract stage (often referred to as “arras” in many transactions) before the final notary deed signing. Names, timing, and customary documents can vary, and your lawyer should confirm what applies to your situation.

When you are not in Spain, buyer-side representation becomes more valuable because someone local can:

• verify what is being offered (fixtures, condition, timelines),
• coordinate access and follow-ups,
• keep a written trail of what was agreed,
• and align the purchase timeline with legal checks and mortgage steps.

How we run it (typical sequence, no legal guarantees):

1. Clarify your target terms (price range, preferred completion date, included items, and any must-have conditions).
2. Collect evidence from the viewing (video, measurements where possible, building notes) and list open questions.
3. Submit a written offer with key terms and deadlines for response (format depends on the seller/agent).
4. Confirm the “inventory” (what stays/what goes) and any agreed repairs in writing.
5. Coordinate next steps for reservation timing, lawyer review, and mortgage milestones, adjusting to the seller’s constraints.
6. Keep changes traceable (avoid verbal-only revisions; summarize updates promptly in writing).

In Spain, the final purchase is typically completed at a notary via a public deed. If you cannot attend in person, a Power of Attorney (POA) is a common tool that allows a representative to sign and complete defined steps on your behalf.

Presta Estate can support a POA-based process. A POA can be granted to a person designated by the client (including Presta Estate), allowing that representative to complete agreed steps without the buyer being physically present.

Practical cautions (bank/notary-dependent):

• Confirm the scope: ensure the POA clearly lists which actions are permitted (e.g., signing the deed, handling utilities setup, dealing with the bank). Avoid granting broader authority than necessary.
• Identification requirements: the notary will require valid ID documents; additional checks may apply depending on nationality and circumstances.
• Bank and lender constraints: some banks require the borrower to appear in person for specific steps, may require original documents, or may not accept POA for all mortgage-related actions.
• Document format and legalization: if you sign a POA outside Spain, the notary may require specific formalities (e.g., legalization/apostille or consular process), depending on jurisdiction.
• Independent legal advice: a POA has legal consequences. Consider having an independent Spanish lawyer review the draft POA and the transaction documents before you sign.

Remote buying reduces travel, but it doesn’t remove all risks. Common limits include:

• Bank paperwork constraints: some banks still require wet signatures, original documents, or in-person identification at certain stages.
• Notary/ID verification: notary processes can involve in-person checks or additional requirements that vary by notary and circumstance.
• Physical condition assessment: video cannot fully replace an expert inspection; issues like damp, noise, odors, workmanship quality, and building defects can be hard to evaluate remotely.
• Surroundings and “feel”: traffic patterns, nightlife noise, and building dynamics are difficult to judge from one scheduled video.
• Final walkthrough considerations: it is often wise to do a pre-signing walkthrough (in person or by trusted representative) to confirm condition and that agreed items remain.

A remote purchase works best when roles are clear and responsibilities do not overlap.

Funds handling (important): Presta Estate does not hold reservation, deposit, or arras money. Where a payment is required, it is typically paid to the seller (or as otherwise agreed in the transaction documents). In some cases, a notary-managed escrow/consignation arrangement may be possible where available and agreed, your lawyer should advise on the safest mechanism for your situation.