The current statistics of the Spanish market

Recent national data

According to analyses byIdealista, a reference in the Spanish real estate market, 50% of owners manage to sell their property in the first year of placing on the market. This statistic reveals an interesting distribution of sales times:

• 13% of sales are completed in less than a week
• 21% between one week and one month
• 22% between one and three months
• 31% between three months and one year
• 13% take more than a year

These figures show that approximately 56% of sales are completed within the first three months, which corresponds to a relatively dynamic market compared to other European countries.

In a dynamic and competitive Spanish real estate market, some ads stand out by generating up to ten times more visits than the average. This performance is not the result of chance, but is the result of a subtle combination of factors. Understanding these ingredients is essential to maximize the exposure and effectiveness of your real estate ads.

The real estate market in 2025

Since 2022, the real estate market has begun a solid recovery after the health crisis. The average sales period, which had reached 6 months in 2020 compared to 5 months in 2019, was gradually reduced and stabilized at around 4.5 months in 2024. This improvement is explained by the lifting of travel restrictions, the massive return of international buyers and the digitization of notary and banking procedures. In tourist areas, where transactions fell by 40% in 2020 (415,748 sales), sales volume has now returned to its pre-crisis level, exceeding 520,000 transactions in 2024, thanks to the renewed mobility of non-residents and the rise of virtual visits.

Significant regional disparities

The fastest markets

Madrid stands out as the most dynamic market with an average lead time of 3.8 months. The capital benefits from strong local demand and a mature market. barcelona follows closely with 4.5 months, while grenada holds the record with only 2.2 months on average.

The other major cities show varying performances:

• valencia : 4.9 months
• Malaga (including Costa del Sol): 5 months
• seville : 5.7 months
• Alicante : 6.4 months

Slower markets

In contrast, some rural provinces have much longer timelines. Teruel, Palencia and Zamora exceed regularly 12 months, reflecting lower demand and less dynamic local economies.

This disparity is explained by several factors: urbanization, local economic dynamics, proximity to transport infrastructures, and tourist attractiveness.

Factors that influence the length of sale

The price segment

Data analysis reveals a clear correlation between price and length of sale:

• ‍Properties up to €500,000 : average time of 1.5 months
• Properties between €500,000 and €1 million : between 3 and 10 months
• Properties over €1 million : between 4 and 12 months

This increase is explained by the natural reduction in the pool of potential buyers as the price increases.

The initial evaluation of the price

Valuing the price correctly from the start is the most decisive factor to reduce sales times. Overvalued properties can stay on the market for months or even years. Professionals recommend carrying out a “tasación” (professional evaluation) costing between 250 and 600 euros to establish a realistic market price.

A properly valued property can be sold in less than 30 days , while a property overvalued by 10% may remain on the market 6 more months.

The characteristics of the property

The location remains the main criterion. Factors that accelerate sales include:

• Proximity to public transport
• City center or popular areas
• Presence of green spaces
• Access to services (schools, shops, hospitals)

The physical characteristics also influence the duration:

• Presence of an elevator (its absence may reduce the value by 30% in some areas)
• General condition of the property
• Energy efficiency
• Area and layout

Seasonality

The Spanish real estate market has marked seasonal cycles. The months of spring (April-June) and autumn (September-November) are traditionally the most active, with reduced sales times. Summer may be slower in some areas, while Winter generally shows less activity.

The sales process step by step

Preparation phase (1-2 months)

This critical phase includes:

• Gathering of mandatory documents
• Obtaining the required certificates (energy, habitability)
• Professional valuation of the property
• Selection of professionals (lawyer, real estate agent)

Insufficient preparation can delay the sale for several months. Do not hesitate to contact us in order to best prepare the sale of your property in Spain [link to home]

Marketing and buyer research (variables)

The length of this phase depends entirely on the factors mentioned earlier. “Express sales” (less than a week) represent a growing phenomenon, especially in big cities where demand is high.

Contractual phase (15 days to 3 months)

Once a buyer is found, the process generally follows this timeline:

Booking : The buyer pays around 1% of the price to remove the property from the market for 30 days maximum.

Sales agreement : Signature of the deposit contract with payment of 10% of the price. The period until the authentic instrument is generally 2 months, but can be reduced to 15 days if all the documents are ready.

Authentic act : Final signature at the notary, transfer of ownership.

Post-sales (1-3 months)

Full registration in the property register usually takes 1 to 3 months additional, but does not prevent possession.

Accelerating and decelerating factors

Things that speed up sales

Complete documentation from the start and a realistic competitive price can significantly reduce sales times, sometimes from several weeks to half the time. High-quality professional marketing and specialized legal support also facilitate the sale by avoiding administrative obstacles and by promoting the property.

• Full documentation: having all of the required documents from the start can reduce delays by several weeks.
• Competitive price: a realistic market assessment can cut the time frame in half.
• Professional marketing: quality photos, attractive description, presence on the main platforms.
• Legal support: a specialized lawyer avoids administrative obstacles.

Things that slow down sales

Real estate sales in Spain can be slowed or stalled by several key factors. Among them, legal issues such as incomplete title deeds or unpaid debts can cause significant delays. In addition, the absence of mandatory certificates, an overvaluation of the property, or an unattractive local market are all frequent obstacles that often extend the time needed to close a sale.

• Legal problems: incomplete title, unpaid debts, urban non-conformities can block a sale for months.
• Missing certificates: the absence of an energy or habitability certificate can delay or cancel sales.
• Overvaluation: the main factor in the downturn, which can extend the sale for a year or more.
• Unfavorable local market: in some rural or unattractive areas, insufficient demand naturally extends deadlines.

Impact of the buyer profile

National vs international buyers

Spanish buyers represent around 82% of the market and generally follow faster processes thanks to their familiarity with the system. However, they may be more sensitive to economic conditions and interest rates.

Foreign buyers (18% of the market) may slow down the process due to:

• Obtaining the NIE (Foreigner Identification Number)
• International bank verifications
• The need for translations
• Lack of knowledge of the Spanish legal system

Paradoxically, foreign buyers are often less sensitive to price increases and can speed up negotiations.

Cash buyers vs financing

Cash purchases represent around 35% of transactions and are generally concluded more quickly, with the delay being able to be reduced to 2 weeks in optimal cases.

Purchases with financing require additional time for:

• Obtaining the bank agreement (2-6 weeks)
• Bank valuation (tasación)
• The constitution of the loan file

Recent Market Developments

Post-COVID recovery

Since 2022, the Spanish real estate market has shown signs of strong recovery. Transactions increased by 20% in 2024 compared to 2023, with a record number of 68,600 homes sold in March 2025.

This positive dynamic is accompanied by a reduction in sales times in the most requested areas, with some segments regaining pre-pandemic deadlines.

Impact of digitalization

Accelerated digitalization during the pandemic has permanently changed the market:

• Generalized virtual visits
• Electronic signatures for some documents
• Dematerialized banking processes

These innovations contributed to reduce average lead times by 15 to 20% in many regions.

Recommendations to optimize deadlines

For salespeople

• ‍Early preparation : Start preparing documents 3-6 months before going on sale.‍
• Professional assessment : Invest in a tasación to set a realistic price.‍
• Professional support : Hire a specialized lawyer and an experienced real estate agent.‍
• Flexibility : Remain open to negotiations and adapt your strategy according to market developments.

Market Factors to Watch

• ‍Economic conditions : Interest rate, unemployment rate, purchasing power.‍
• Local regulations : New restrictions on tourist rentals, tax changes.‍
• Seasonality : Plan your listing according to local market cycles.

Development perspectives

Short-term trends (2024-2025)

Analysts expect a stabilization of deadlines around 4-5 months on a national average, with persistent regional variations. Foreign demand continues to grow, especially on the Mediterranean coast and islands.

Future challenges

The rise in prices (7.3% on average in 2024) could extend deadlines in certain segments, especially for Spanish first-time buyers.

The new regulations on energy efficiency and tourist rentals are changing the situation in some regions.

Conclusion

The duration of a real estate sale in Spain varies considerably depending on multiple factors. Although the national average is between 3 and 6 months, this range can be significantly reduced with adequate preparation and a realistic market price, or on the contrary extend over more than one year in the event of legal problems or overvaluation.

The key elements for a quick sale All that remains is a correct price assessment, comprehensive documentation, professional support and a marketing strategy adapted to the local market.

The Spanish market in 2025 shows encouraging signs of dynamism, especially in big cities and tourist areas, offering great opportunities for well-prepared sellers. Increasing digitalization and the sustained interest of foreign buyers contribute to maintaining this positive trend.

For owners considering a sale, foresight and preparation remain the best allies to optimize deadlines and maximize transaction value in a constantly evolving Spanish market.