How to buy a new development property in Spain: A complete step-by-step guide

New development properties in Spain are an increasingly attractive option for both lifestyle buyers and investors. With benefits like contemporary design, high energy efficiency, flexible staged payments, and developer-backed warranties, they offer a compelling alternative to traditional resales. But the buying process comes with its own timeline, legal requirements, and safeguards—and it's essential to understand each stage before committing.

To help buyers navigate this unique journey, we've created the Lucas Fox New Development Property Buying Guide—a comprehensive, step-by-step roadmap for purchasing off-plan or newly completed homes across Spain.

What the guide covers

Whether you're considering an off-plan apartment in Barcelona, a coastal villa on the Costa del Sol, or a key-ready home in Madrid, the guide breaks down every critical stage of the purchase process:

1. Define Your Property Search

Understand how to narrow your requirements based on location, delivery timeline, budget (including taxes and fees), and property features—from layout to lifestyle factors like proximity to golf, schools, or the sea.

2. Reserve with Confidence

Learn how the reservation process works, including typical fees, what documentation is required, and how Lucas Fox helps match buyers with vetted developers and secure the best options.

3. Legal Due Diligence & Buyer Protection

We highlight the importance of appointing an independent lawyer, completing anti-money laundering checks, and ensuring the developer has the necessary licences and bank guarantees in place—a legal requirement in Spain that protects your funds until delivery.

4. Signing Contracts & Making Stage Payments

From the private purchase contract (Contrato de Compraventa) to the final notarised deed (Escritura Pública), we explain every contract, payment schedule, and legal safeguard along the way—plus VAT, Stamp Duty (AJD), and all applicable costs.

5. Delivery, Final Payment & Registration

Understand how the process culminates at the notary, with the handover of keys, final payment (often via Spanish bank or mortgage), and official registration at the Land Registry. We also cover the post-completion steps like utility setup and community fees.

6. Guarantees, Warranties & After-Sales

All new developments come with legal warranties (10 years for structural issues, 3 years for systems, and 1 year for finishes), and developers typically offer a snagging period post-handover. Lucas Fox also offers full after-sales and property management services.

Why buy with Lucas Fox?

With a curated portfolio of premium developments and a multilingual team of local experts, we provide tailored guidance through every stage—from selection and legal due diligence to handover and beyond.

Lucas Fox is your trusted partner for securing high-quality new-build homes across Spain’s top lifestyle and investment destinations.