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Yes. Foreign owners can sell property in Spain whether they are residents or non-residents. The overall process is similar for everyone, although non-resident sellers have specific tax rules that need to be handled correctly.

In most cases, sellers will need:

• proof of ownership
• passport or ID
• NIE number, if applicable
• latest IBI receipt
• energy performance certificate
• certificate showing community fees are up to date
• mortgage information, if there is a loan secured against the property

Depending on the property and location, additional documents may also be needed.

Yes, if the property is jointly owned, all registered owners normally need to sign the sale. In some cases, a spouse or registered partner may also need to give consent, especially if the property is the family home.

Yes. It is very common to sell a property that still has an outstanding mortgage. The mortgage is usually paid off on completion, and the necessary steps are then taken to cancel it formally.

Yes, but any tenancy or occupancy must be disclosed clearly to the buyer. It is important that the legal position is fully understood from the start so there are no surprises later in the process.

The seller may need to pay:

• tax on any capital gain made on the sale
• municipal plusvalía, depending on the property and local rules

The final tax position depends on whether you are a Spanish tax resident or a non-resident, and whether any exemptions apply.

If you are a non-resident, the buyer is normally required to retain 3% of the sale price and pay it to the Spanish tax authorities on your behalf. This acts as an advance payment against any capital gains tax that may be due.

In some cases, yes. For example, exemptions may apply if the property is your main home and you reinvest under the required conditions, or if you qualify under certain age-related rules. This depends on your personal circumstances, so proper tax advice is important.

The exact division of costs can vary, but sellers commonly pay for:

• estate agency fees
• plusvalía municipal, where applicable
• mortgage cancellation costs, if relevant
• part of the notarial documentation linked to the sale

Buyers usually pay the purchase taxes and registration costs connected with acquiring the property.

In practice, yes. Completion normally takes place before a Spanish notary, where the public deed of sale is signed. This is the standard and safest way to formalise the transfer of ownership.

On completion day, the buyer and seller sign the title deed before the notary, the balance of the purchase price is paid, and the ownership is formally transferred. Any agreed mortgage repayment or retention is also dealt with at this stage.

The timing depends on the property, the buyer, and whether there are any legal or mortgage issues to resolve. Some sales move quickly, while others take longer if additional paperwork or negotiations are needed.

It is not always mandatory, but it is highly recommended. An independent lawyer can help review the paperwork, deal with tax issues, and make sure the transaction is handled correctly from start to finish.

A professional estate agent can make the process much easier by helping you:

• price the property correctly
• market it effectively
• qualify buyers
• negotiate offers
• coordinate viewings
• guide the sale through to completion

The best first step is to arrange a valuation and review your paperwork before listing the property. That way, you can go to market with a realistic asking price and avoid delays once a buyer is found.