Bid & Reservation
How do I successfully bid and reserve a property in Spain?
The bidding process in Marbella is private and strategic. Once your bid is accepted, you must act quickly to remove the property from the market using a formal Reservation Agreement. In Marbella, the transition from offer to legal 'lock' happens via a reservation agreement and a deposit.
The Bidding Strategy
Your offer should include the price, your proposed completion date, and any conditions (such as a mortgage or structural survey). We recommend including an expiration date of 48-72 hours to prevent the seller from using your bid to leverage other buyers.
The Reservation Deposit
To secure the house, you pay a holding deposit (typically between €6,000 and €20,000), which is held by your lawyer or the agent. This deposit grants your legal team a 14-30 day window to perform due diligence without fear of a secondary buyer outbidding you. Never sign a reservation contract without your lawyer reviewing the wording first.
from a specialist who understands the psychological landscape of the Marbella market.
What usually happens
- You submit a written offer with clear conditions.
- Upon acceptance, the reservation contract is signed and the deposit paid.
- The property is marked as 'Reserved' and your lawyer begins deep due diligence.
Prepare
- Formal written bid
- Reservation agreement
- Proof of deposit payment
Risks
- Being pressured to sign a contract without your lawyer's approval.
- Not realizing that deposits can be non-refundable if you withdraw without legal cause.
Secure bidding
- Define clear conditions (financing, furniture, dates)
- Add an expiration date (48h/72h) to maintain control
- Subject the deposit to successful technical/legal review
- Never sign without legal approval of the reservation contract