This is the day it becomes real. Completion in Spain happens at the notary's office, and while it's a formal occasion, it's also a well-rehearsed one: thousands of people do it every week, and your solicitor and notary have done it thousands of times. Knowing the running order means you can enjoy it rather than worry through it.
In this article
What happens at the notary
You, or your representative under power of attorney, attend the notary's office to sign the title deed, the Escritura. This is the moment the sale completes. The remaining money is paid over as part of the process, the final arrangements are confirmed, and once payment is made you receive the keys to your new home. That's the bit nobody forgets: walking out with the keys.
The taxes and the registry
Completion isn't quite the end of the admin. You'll pay the property taxes due on the purchase, the transfer tax or the new-build taxes covered earlier in this series, within their deadlines. And the Land Registry must be informed of the change of ownership, which needs to happen within 10 days. Your notary can arrange the registration if you ask them to, and your solicitor will make sure the taxes are paid correctly and on time. This is the stage where having professionals in your corner quietly pays off.
Then, the good bit
Once the deed is signed, the money has changed hands and the keys are yours, the years of dreaming, researching, budgeting and searching come down to a single set of keys in your palm. Put the champagne on ice, by all means. You've earned it.
After completion there's a short list of sensible things to sort, which the next and final stage of this series covers, but the hard part is behind you. The house in Spain is yours.
Your checklist for this step
- Confirm the completion date and who's attending (you or via power of attorney)
- Make sure the balance and tax funds are in place and your currency is sorted
- Sign the Escritura at the notary and collect your keys
- Pay the purchase taxes within their deadlines (your solicitor will guide this)
- Ensure the Land Registry is updated within 10 days
- Keep your signed deed and receipts safe; you'll need them later
Know exactly what to expect
The free Spain Buying Guide walks through completion day step by step.
Download the free Spain Buying Guide →
Or carry on reading. The final stage begins: "I've got the keys - what now?"
Written by
Nick StoreyNick Storey is the Operations Director at Kyero.com, where he leads platform operations, product delivery, and commercial strategy.
Having lived and worked in Spain for 14 years, Nick began his career as an estate agent on the south coast of Granada and brings first-hand market experience to his work.
He joined Kyero in 2007 and has since played a central role in scaling the business, shaping its product direction, and strengthening how international buyers connect with agents across Spain, Portugal, France, and Italy
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