Buying a new-build villa in Benahavís as an international buyer is straightforward if you follow the right order: tax number, lawyer, reservation, contract with bank guarantees and completion at the notary. This guide walks you through each step, the documents you need and how long it takes.
Before you start: what you need
- NIE (foreigner’s tax number). Required to sign the purchase and pay taxes. It can be requested in Spain or at a Spanish consulate, or through your lawyer with a power of attorney.
- Spanish bank account. Used for payments, taxes and utility bills.
- Independent lawyer. Not compulsory, but strongly recommended. Your lawyer checks the developer, the building licence, the land registry and the bank guarantees.
- Proof of funds. Banks and notaries apply anti-money-laundering checks, so keep documents showing the origin of the money.
Step by step
- Choose the villa. Compare models, plots and views. For Tierra Viva, start with the project guide and request the fact sheet with current availability.
- Reservation. A reservation agreement and deposit take the villa off the market, usually for a few weeks while your lawyer carries out due diligence.
- Due diligence. Your lawyer reviews the developer, the building licence, the plot in the land registry, the specifications and the payment schedule.
- Private purchase contract. It sets the price, the payment plan, the delivery date and the specifications. For off-plan homes, Spanish law requires every payment before completion to be protected by a bank guarantee or insurance policy in your name.
- Payments during construction. Paid according to the agreed schedule, each with its guarantee.
- Completion. When the villa is finished and has its first-occupation licence, you sign the title deed at the notary, pay the balance and the taxes, and receive the keys.
- After completion. Registration at the land registry, utility contracts and, if you wish, furnishing, management or rental.
Taxes and costs
For a new-build home in Andalucía you pay 10% VAT (IVA) on the price and 1.2% stamp duty (AJD) at completion, plus notary, land registry and lawyer’s fees. All figures are explained in our guide to costs and taxes of buying a villa in Marbella.
Buying from abroad
You don’t need to be in Spain for every step. With a power of attorney, your lawyer can obtain your NIE, open the bank account and sign on your behalf. We organise video viewings and keep you updated during construction.
Note that Spain closed the property route of the Golden Visa in April 2025, so buying a home no longer gives access to that residence permit. Read more in our article on residency options for Marbella buyers.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to buy a new-build villa?
Reservation and contract usually take a few weeks. Completion depends on the construction schedule of the project.
Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?
Yes. Spanish banks lend to non-residents, usually a lower percentage of the price than to residents. A mortgage broker can compare offers for you.
Is my money safe if I buy off-plan?
Spanish law requires developers to guarantee all payments made before completion with a bank guarantee or insurance. Make sure you receive the guarantee for each payment.
Talk to us before you buy
Leave your details and we will call you to answer your questions and send you the Tierra Viva fact sheet. You can also message us on WhatsApp or call +34 617 455 454.
We meet every buyer privately: a presentation at our office or by video call, with floor plans, availability and prices.
Looking for a luxury villa in Benahavís? Explore the Tierra Viva Lamborghini villas for sale — Esmeralda, Zafiro and Diamante, from 4 to 6 bedrooms — and request prices and the brochure.
