Why You Need This Glossary
Buying property in Spain means navigating a process conducted almost entirely in Spanish. From the initial contract to the notary signing, you will encounter legal, financial, and administrative terms that have no direct English equivalent. Understanding these terms gives you confidence and helps you avoid costly misunderstandings.
Key Documents
| Spanish Term | English Translation | What It Is |
|---|
| Contrato de compraventa | Purchase contract | The private contract between buyer and seller setting out the terms of the sale, price, and conditions |
| Contrato de arras | Deposit contract | A preliminary contract where the buyer pays a deposit (usually 10%) to reserve the property. Penalties apply if either party withdraws. |
| Escritura pública | Public deed | The official notarised deed of sale, signed before a notary. This is the document that transfers legal ownership. |
| Nota simple | Property registry extract | An extract from the Land Registry showing ownership, charges, boundaries, and any encumbrances on the property |
| Escritura de división horizontal | Deed of horizontal division | The document that divides a building into individual properties and defines common areas, cuotas, and community rules |
People and Professionals
| Spanish Term | Role |
|---|
| Notario | Notary — a public official who witnesses and authenticates the sale. They verify identity, ensure legality, and submit the deed to the Land Registry. |
| Registrador de la propiedad | Land Registrar — registers the property transfer in the official Land Registry |
| Abogado | Lawyer — your legal representative who reviews contracts, performs due diligence, and protects your interests |
| Gestor / Gestoría | Administrative agent — handles paperwork, tax filings, NIE applications, and bureaucratic processes |
| Administrador de fincas | Property/community administrator — manages the day-to-day running of a community of owners |
| Arquitecto / Aparejador | Architect / Technical architect — required for building works, licences, and certifications |
Taxes and Costs
| Spanish Term | English | What It Is |
|---|
| IBI (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) | Property tax (council tax) | Annual municipal property tax based on the catastral value |
| ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) | Transfer tax | Tax on resale property purchases (6–10% depending on region) |
| IVA (Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido) | VAT | Applied to new-build properties (10%) instead of ITP |
| AJD (Actos Jurídicos Documentados) | Stamp duty | Tax on notarial documents (0.5–1.5% depending on region). Applied on new builds alongside IVA. |
| Plusvalía municipal | Municipal capital gains tax | Tax on the increase in land value, paid by the seller upon sale |
| Valor catastral | Cadastral value | The official assessed value of the property used to calculate IBI and other taxes. Usually well below market value. |
Identity and Registration
| Term | What It Is |
|---|
| NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) | Foreigner identification number — essential for any financial or legal transaction in Spain |
| NIF (Número de Identificación Fiscal) | Tax identification number — for Spanish nationals; the NIE serves as the NIF for foreigners |
| Empadronamiento | Municipal registration — registering your address at the local town hall. Required for many administrative processes. |
| TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) | Foreigner identity card — the physical ID card issued to non-EU residents |
Property Types
| Term | Translation |
|---|
| Piso / Apartamento | Apartment / flat |
| Chalet / Villa | Detached house |
| Adosado | Townhouse / semi-detached |
| Finca rústica | Rural property / country estate |
| Bungalow | Single-storey property (often in a residential complex) |
| Ático | Penthouse |
| Bajo / Planta baja | Ground floor property |
Licences and Certificates
| Term | What It Is |
|---|
| Licencia de primera ocupación | First occupation licence — confirms the property was built according to planning permission and is habitable |
| Certificado energético | Energy performance certificate — mandatory for all property sales and rentals |
| Cédula de habitabilidad | Habitability certificate — confirms the property meets minimum habitation standards |
| Licencia de obra | Building licence — required for construction or major renovation works |
| VUT (Vivienda con Fines Turísticos) | Tourist rental licence — required to legally rent short-term to tourists |
Navigate Spanish Property with Confidence — Mediter Real Estate
Mediter Real Estate guides international buyers through every step of the purchase process on the Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida, Costa del Sol, and Costa Almería. We explain every document, every term, and every cost — so there are no surprises.
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