Ukrainians are mass buying real estate in Spain: how to avoid risks in 2025.

Buying an apartment in Spain for Ukrainians is a real opportunity to invest in European real estate or find a new place to live. In 2025, the procedure remains transparent and accessible, as Spain does not impose restrictions on foreigners, including Ukrainian citizens, regarding the purchase of housing. The buying process is structured, but it requires attention to detail to avoid risks such as fraud or problems with 'occupants'.

The editorial team of Novyny.LIVE shares key stages, costs, and features that will help Ukrainians successfully buy an apartment in Spain.

The right of Ukrainians to buy real estate in Spain

Ukrainian citizens can freely buy apartments, houses, commercial premises, and land plots in Spain. The legislation of 2025 does not impose any restrictions on foreigners, so the process for Ukrainians is identical to that for EU citizens.

To get started, a foreign passport and obtaining an NIE - the foreigner's identification number - are enough.

If you plan to buy housing with a loan, you will need documents to confirm your income, specialists from AN 'Mayak' emphasize. Spanish banks usually finance 60-70% of the cost of the property, while the rest (30-40%) must be paid from personal funds.

Step-by-step procedure for buying real estate in Spain

The purchasing process is quite transparent and consists of several main stages.

Selection and verification of the property

You can view the housing online or in person. The remote format saves time, but the risk of encountering unscrupulous sellers or hidden problems increases.

'The phenomenon that has existed in Spain for over 40 years is, without exaggeration, a nightmare for any homeowner,' says Yuri Hrushetsky, CEO of the international real estate agency Deniz Estate, in a comment to 'Interfax-Ukraine'.

Verification of legal purity

It is important to ensure that the property is not under arrest, is not pledged, and has no utility or tax debts.

Obtaining NIE

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) can be obtained in Spain or Ukraine. The issuance takes about two weeks, and the applicant must be legally present in the country.

Opening a bank account

A passport, NIE, and income certificate are needed. The account is opened for free, only maintenance fees are paid. Mortgages for non-residents are offered for 5-30 years at 4-5% per annum.

Contracts and deposit when buying an apartment in Spain

Before the final purchase, a Contrato de arras is signed - a preliminary contract with a 10% deposit of the price. A reservation contract with a 1-1.5% deposit is also possible.

The final contract (Escritura Publica) is signed at a notary's office, with a translator if necessary. After payment, the keys are handed over to the buyer, and the notary sends the agreement to the Property Registry. The registration takes 2-6 weeks.

Additional costs when buying property in Spain

The price of the apartment is only part of the budget. Associated costs can amount to 8-13% of the property price:

• legal services: 1,000-2,500 euros;
• realtor commission: about 3% (often paid by the seller);
• translation: 200-500 euros;
• notary and registration: 600-1,200 euros;
• property transfer tax (ITP) - 6-10% or VAT 10% for new buildings;
• monthly maintenance: 80-150 euros;
• property tax (IBI): 200-600 euros per year.

Advantages of buying an apartment in Spain for Ukrainians

1. Simplicity and minimum bureaucracy - only a passport and NIE.
2. No restrictions - you can buy any type of housing.
3. Mortgage availability - even for non-residents.

Disadvantages to be aware of

1. Risk of occupants without personal verification of housing.
2. Annual costs even with no residence.
3. Complicated rental procedure - tourist license, taxes, and insurance are required.

Profitability of real estate investments in Spain

'At first glance, this may seem strange, but the most profitable is housing located far from the most popular regions of the country', says Hrushetsky.

For example, an apartment for 100,000 euros with rental income of 8,000 euros per year gives 8% per annum, while an expensive villa for 200,000 euros with an income of 12,000 euros only yields 6%.

When buying an apartment in Spain for Ukrainians, there are no restrictions, and the process is structured and accessible. The legislation imposes no restrictions on the purchase of real estate. Ukrainians only need to have a foreign passport and obtain a foreign identification number, and if they plan to buy housing with a loan, they must provide income documents.