What happens after signing the title deed in Spain?

If you’re buying a property in Spain, you might think that once you’ve sat in the notary’s office, signed the title deed (the escritura), and received the keys, the hard part is done. And while that moment certainly feels like the end of a journey, the truth is that a few important steps still follow.

At Gascon Bernabeu, many of our international conveyancing clients are surprised to learn that the post-signing stage is just as important as everything that comes before it, especially when it comes to protecting your ownership, managing taxes, and making sure your new home is properly registered. That’s why having an English-speaking solicitor guiding you through this final stretch can make the whole experience much smoother and far less stressful.

Whether you’re buying a holiday home in the sunshine or making a more permanent move, it’s helpful to know exactly what happens after completion. Below, we break down the key steps so you can feel confident and prepared as you settle into your new property in Spain.

What actually happens after you sign the title deed?

Once the deed is signed at the notary and the funds have been transferred, you become the legal owner of the property straight away. There’s no waiting period or additional approval required; ownership takes effect immediately. But that doesn’t mean the process is finished. In fact, this is where the administrative side of things really begins. The notary will electronically inform the Land Registry that a transfer has taken place, which essentially puts a temporary “hold” on the property for you so no one else can register anything over it. This first step is automatic, but the rest requires careful handling, especially if you’re unfamiliar with Spanish bureaucracy.

Tax deadlines

The next crucial step is paying the relevant taxes. These must be paid within 30 working days, and the deadline is strict. Depending on whether the property is new or a resale, you’ll either pay the transfer tax (ITP) or, in the case of new builds, VAT and stamp duty (IVA and AJD). Each region in Spain has its own rules and tax rates, and missing a deadline can result in penalties. This is where an English-speaking solicitor becomes particularly helpful. We take care of filing everything correctly and on time, so you don’t have to worry about navigating Spanish tax offices or forms.

Once the taxes are paid, the property must be registered in your name at the Land Registry. This registration is essential because it provides full legal protection for your ownership and ensures your name appears on the official property record. The registration process can take several weeks, and occasionally the registrar may request additional documents or clarifications. While this is perfectly normal, it can be confusing if you’re not familiar with the system, which is why having someone experienced handling the communication saves you time, frustration, and potential mistakes.

Local tax and utilities

During this time, you’ll also want to make sure that the practical side of homeownership is taken care of. Utilities such as electricity, water, gas, and internet need to be transferred into your name. In addition, if your property is part of a community of owners, the community administrator will need your details so they can send you updates and issue future fee statements. Local taxes such as IBI (property tax) and the rubbish tax also need to be updated at the town hall so that future bills are sent to you instead of the previous owner. These might seem like small details, but overlooking them can lead to unexpected charges or issues later down the line. Many foreign buyers find this stage overwhelming simply because most of the offices involved do not operate in English, which is why it’s so helpful to have a solicitor managing it for you.

Finally, if you’re not a Spanish resident, it’s important to be aware that you will have a small annual tax obligation even if you don’t rent out the property. This is called the non-resident income tax, and it’s something many buyers only hear about after purchasing. Your solicitor can help you understand what this tax is, how it works, and when it needs to be paid, ensuring everything remains up to date and compliant.

How an English-speaking solicitor can help you after completion

Buying a home in Spain is exciting, but the steps that follow the notary appointment can feel a little daunting, especially if you don’t speak Spanish or aren’t familiar with the legal process. That’s exactly why many international buyers choose to work with an English-speaking solicitor, not just for the purchase itself, but for everything that comes afterwards.

At Gascon Bernabeu, we help you by:

• Handling all tax payments on your behalf – We calculate your taxes, prepare the forms, and submit them within the legal deadlines so you avoid penalties and delays.
• Registering the property in your name – We take care of the entire registration process at the Land Registry and follow up until everything is officially completed.
• Updating utilities and community records – We assist with the transfer of electricity, water, gas, and other services, as well as notifying the community of owners and local authorities.
• Making sure you understand your ongoing obligations – From local taxes to non-resident income tax, we explain everything clearly so nothing comes as a surprise.
• Acting on your behalf when needed – If you can’t be in Spain for certain steps, we can represent you through a Power of Attorney and ensure the process continues smoothly without disrupting your plans.

Buying property should feel exciting, not stressful. With the right support, the post-signing stage becomes a simple, well-organised process that allows you to focus on settling into your new home rather than worrying about administrative details.

If you’ve just signed a deed or you’re preparing to buy a property in Spain, we’re here to make the process as easy as possible. Our team of English-speaking solicitors specialises in helping international buyers understand every step of the conveyancing process, from signing the title deed to registering the property and everything that comes after it. No question is too small; we’re here to help you feel informed and confident throughout.

You can reach our friendly team by filling out the contact form on our website, emailing info@gbabogados.co.uk, sending us a WhatsApp message, or calling +44 (0)20 3137 1320. We’re here to make sure your move to Spain starts smoothly!