Buying Property in Sitges as an Expat – What to expect
It’s not complicated – but it’s not always obvious either.
Most people I speak to at the beginning feel the same way.
They’ve already decided that Sitges could be the place. They might have even looked at a few properties online. But then the questions start.
How does buying actually work here?
Is it the same as in my country?
What do I need before I even start?
And the honest answer is:
No, it’s not the same. But it’s also not as complicated as it might seem.
It usually starts earlier than people think
Many buyers believe the process begins when they find a property they like.
In reality, it starts before that.
Things like:
getting your NIE number
understanding how fast the market moves
knowing what documents or financing you’ll need
All of this can make a big difference later on.
Because when the right property comes up, there’s often not much time to decide.
The moment you find “the one”
This is where things tend to pick up speed.
In Sitges, good properties don’t stay on the market for long. Especially apartments in central locations or homes that are priced well.
Once you decide to move forward, the next step is usually a reservation agreement.
This means:
the property is taken off the market
you pay a small deposit
both sides agree on the next steps
For many expats, this is unfamiliar – and often the moment where uncertainty starts.
Understanding the deposit structure
After the reservation, the process typically moves on to what’s known as an arras contract.
This is a private agreement between buyer and seller, usually involving around 10% of the purchase price.
It sets the conditions:
timeline
final price
completion date
And it’s binding.
This part is important to understand properly, because it defines the purchase framework.
Financing and timing
If you’re buying with a mortgage, this stage runs in parallel.
Banks in Spain follow their own process, including:
property valuation
financial checks
final approval
Timing is key here, as everything has to line up with the deadlines agreed in the contract.
The final step: the notary
The purchase is completed at the notary.
This is where:
the final deed is signed
ownership is transferred
the remaining amount is paid
Shortly before signing, there is usually a final check to confirm that the property has no debts.
It’s a structured process, but for many international buyers, it feels very different from what they’re used to.
What makes the difference
Technically, the process is always the same.
But what really makes the difference is:
understanding what’s happening
knowing what’s normal
having someone who can guide you through it
Because most of the stress doesn’t come from the process itself – it comes from not knowing what to expect.
Our role in this
We’re not here just to show properties. We’re here to make sure:
you understand every step
you feel comfortable making decisions
and nothing gets overlooked along the way
For us, it’s about clarity, not pressure.
Starting your property journey in South of Barcelona?
Buying property abroad can feel exciting and overwhelming at the same time. That’s exactly why Marion created a Buyers Guide especially for Expats moving to Sitges and the surrounding areas.
Inside, you’ll find helpful insights about the Catalan buying process straight forward and easily explained. .
Send us a message or contact Marion directly via WhatsApp and we’ll gladly send it to you.
Email: marion@happyexpat.es
WhatsApp: https://wa.me/34660252739
