Completion is the final step in your sale. With the right preparations, the notary appointment becomes safe and efficient. This is a practical guide for sellers on the Costa Blanca and Costa Cálida – created by Nordic Home Spain – so your sale can be completed smoothly and on time.

Before the notary appointment – preparations that save time

Document folder ready

CEE (energy performance certificate), escritura (title deed), current Nota Simple (land registry extract), NIE + passport copies, latest IBI (property tax) receipt, certificate from the community/owners’ association confirming no outstanding fees, and any loan documents for cancelación de hipoteca (mortgage cancellation).

Check all details

Make sure that names, address, property reference and sizes match across all documents. We review everything with you and flag any discrepancies in good time.

Power of Attorney (POA) if you cannot attend

We help you arrange a valid power of attorney and coordinate with the notary so that a representative can sign on your behalf.

Payment flow & 3% retention

Confirm how the purchase price will be paid (banker’s draft/transfer). Are you non-resident? Plan how the 3% withholding tax (retention) will be handled and offset in your subsequent tax return.

Handover & meter readings

Gather keys, fobs, garage remotes, manuals and warranties. Plan for photos/readings of electricity and water meters (and gas, if applicable) on the day of completion.

At the notary’s office – step by step

1. Identity check – the notary verifies ID/NIE and any powers of attorney.
2. Review of the purchase deed – the escritura de compraventa is read out and all terms are confirmed.
3. Payment & receipts – the purchase price is paid according to the agreed method; receipts and any retention are handled.
4. Signing & stamping – the parties sign; the notary stamps and submits for registration.
5. Key handover – confirmation of keys/accessories and what is included in the sale.

After completion – checklist for a clean finish

• Utilities: send customer numbers and details needed to transfer/cancel electricity, water (and any internet/TV).
• Finances & tax: secure the retention receipt (if you are non-resident) and plan the next steps in your tax declaration.
• Documents: keep your copia simple and all receipts.
• Communication: inform the community/owners’ association and property manager about the change of ownership.

Timeline – how to avoid delays

• T-14 to T-7 days: Document check, book notary appointment, confirm payment model and POA if needed.
• T-3 days: Confirm final details, keys/accessories, meter readings and meeting place/time.
• T-day (notary): Signing, payment, keys, retention (if non-resident).
• T+1 to T+7 days: Utilities, receipts, community/owners’ association informed.
• T+30 to T+120 days: Tax follow-up according to your status (e.g. 3% retention → subsequent tax return/refund where applicable).

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be present at the notary?
No. With a correct power of attorney, we can handle the signing for you.

Which documents do I need to bring?
ID/NIE, escritura, current Nota Simple, CEE, IBI receipt, certificate from the community/owners’ association confirming no debt, plus any loan documents.

How does the 3% withholding for non-residents work?
The buyer withholds 3% of the price at completion. This amount is later offset in your tax return; any excess can be refunded if the conditions are met.

When do I receive the money?
At the notary, according to the agreed payment method (banker’s draft/transfer) – we make sure everything is traceable and properly receipted.

What happens after signing?
The notary sends the deed for registration. You handle the utilities and keep all receipts; we guide you through the post-completion steps.

How Nordic Home Spain supports you

• Sales start & document check – we ensure all paperwork is correct and complete.
• Coordination – notary, banks, retention and powers of attorney.
• Secure signing – clear timeline, payment flow and key handover.
• Aftercare – utilities, receipts and tax follow-up.

Book your sales start – get a plan for notary & completion

Would you like a clear timeline and checklist tailored to your property and location? Book a sales start with Nordic Home Spain – we make the whole process smooth, from the first call to the final key handover.