Selling a property in Spain while living in France
It might seem complicated—or even risky. Distance, language barriers, foreign taxation, and administrative differences can quickly discourage many.
Yet with proper preparation and trustworthy partners, the process is completely feasible, safe, and secure.
More and more French homeowners are choosing this option: those who bought property in Spain years ago, or those who moved back to France while keeping a home there. Their goal: sell without traveling, while monitoring every step of the transaction remotely.
Today, this is perfectly possible.
Digital tools, electronic signatures, notarized powers of attorney, and remote coordination between notaries and real estate agencies now make it possible to sell smoothly and securely from France.
Local specialized agencies provide full support — from the sales mandate to the receipt of funds — without ever needing to travel to Spain.
But be careful: selling remotely is not something you can improvise.
To ensure a smooth process, you must understand the legal framework, anticipate formalities, and take the right precautions.
Here are the key steps to successfully sell a property remotely and safely.
In Spain, selling remotely is not only possible but quite common — all you need is the right support, a trusted representative, and timely preparation of the required documents.
Appointing a legal representative: the notarized power of attorney
This is the cornerstone of any remote sale.
If you cannot travel to Spain, you can authorize a trusted person (a relative, lawyer, notary, or real estate agent) to sign on your behalf.
This notarized power of attorney can be executed before a notary in France—then apostilled to be valid in Spain—or drafted directly in Spain if you can make the trip.
It authorizes your representative to carry out all necessary steps: negotiations, signing the preliminary sales agreement (“contrato de arras”), and signing the final deed before a Spanish notary.
2. Preparing the required documents
No sale can proceed without these documents:
Property title deed
Energy performance certificate
Latest property tax bill (IBI)
Homeowners’ association fee statements
Utility bills (electricity, water)
And, if applicable, the urban conformity certificate
These can all be sent digitally to your real estate agency or notary.
3. Property valuation and listing
The real estate agency plays a central role: property valuation, photography, listing creation, and organizing viewings.
When selling remotely, choose a reliable and responsive local agency that can keep you updated at every step.
Some agencies, like BuenApart in Valencia, offer regular updates via email, WhatsApp, or video calls, so you can follow the entire process without leaving France.
4. Signing the preliminary contract and final deed
Once a buyer is found, two key steps follow:
Signing the preliminary sales contract (“contrato de arras”), which legally binds both parties.
Signing the final notarial deed, which officially transfers ownership.
These documents can be signed by your authorized representative, under the power of attorney verified by the Spanish notary and kept in the original file.
Payment is made via secure bank transfer, which you can track remotely with your notary or bank.
5. Taxes and fund transfers
As a non-resident seller, you are subject to Spain’s capital gains tax (IRNR).
The notary will automatically withhold 3% of the sale price, paid directly to the Spanish Treasury to guarantee tax compliance.
If no capital gain is realized, you can recover all or part of this amount by filing a claim with the Spanish tax authorities.
Once taxes and fees are settled, the remaining funds can be transferred to your French bank account without restriction.
6. In conclusion: selling from France is entirely possible
Thanks to notarized powers of attorney, digital tools, and a reliable local agency, it is absolutely possible to sell property in Spain without ever leaving France.
Success depends on preparing your documents carefully, clearly defining your representative’s mandate, and maintaining regular communication with your agency and notary.
In short: distance is no longer an obstacle.
With the right support, selling from France is simple, legal, and secure.