Buying Property in Andorra - Step-by-Step, Licensed Guidance
Buying property in Andorra - quick answers
- Typical timeline: 4 to 8 weeks once price, documents and funding are ready.
- Deposit (arras): commonly around 10% to reserve the property and fix key dates.
- Foreign investment: may be required before the notary if you are not Andorran.
- Buyer costs: purchase tax (ITP or IGI), notary, registry and administration.
- Next steps: we manage checks, contracts, notary coordination and move-in setup.
Buying property in Andorra - FAQs Can UK citizens buy property in Andorra?
Yes. UK citizens can buy property in Andorra, but foreign investment authorisation may be required. We confirm the correct route early so it does not delay the notary date.
How long does it take to buy a property in Andorra?
Most purchases complete in 4 to 8 weeks once the price is agreed and documents and funds are ready. The main variables are bank readiness, authorisation (if needed) and notary availability.
What is the arras contract and how much is the deposit?
The arras is a private reservation contract that fixes the price and key dates. The deposit is commonly around 10%, and the contract sets the remedy if either party withdraws.
Do I need foreign investment authorisation?
If you are not Andorran (or buying via a foreign-owned entity), you may need authorisation before the deed. We prepare and track the filing and keep your notary pack aligned.
What taxes apply when buying property in Andorra (ITP vs IGI)?
Buyer-side purchase tax is usually ITP for resale properties and IGI for certain new-build situations. We confirm which applies and link the costs to your timeline. See property buying costs in Andorra.
Do I need an Andorran bank account to buy?
It is strongly recommended, especially for deposits, notary payments and utility direct debits. If needed, start with banks in Andorra.
What checks should I do before signing?
We focus on title and documentation, habitability status, community rules and practical reality checks such as winter access, parking and heating. The goal is to remove surprises before money moves.
What is the Habitability Certificate and why does it matter?
Habitability status is commonly required to sell and to connect utilities. We confirm validity early and ensure it is ready for handover and setup.
Can I buy remotely if I cannot be in Andorra?
Often yes, using a suitable power of attorney and clear document preparation. We advise what must be done in person and what can be handled in advance.
What happens after completion?
After notary, we help with handover, building administration and practical setup such as utilities and internet so you can move in smoothly.
Buying property in Andorra should feel organised and predictable. We start with a short discovery call to confirm budget, timing, parish and location preferences, and the lifestyle you want. From there, we curate a realistic shortlist focused on properties for sale in Andorra that genuinely match your criteria, then plan efficient viewings so you can compare options in a single, well-structured visit.
Most purchases complete in roughly 4 to 8 weeks once the price is agreed and documents and funds are ready. The pace depends on five things: bank and KYC readiness, the deposit contract being signed and funded, foreign investment authorisation if required, the habitability certificate being in order, and the notary slot. We front-load these items so signing day is administrative, not stressful.
When you are ready to proceed, we coordinate the key steps: document checks, the deposit or arras contract, foreign investment filing (where applicable), and the notary and registry pack. You will know what happens next, who is doing it, and when each step will be finished. After notary, we stay with you for move-in essentials like utilities and internet setup and building administration.
If buying is part of a wider plan to move to Andorra or support residency in Andorra, we align your residency timeline and practical setup with your purchase dates so everything is ready when you get the keys.
“Quality is not an act, it is a habit”
Aristotle
The process of buying a property in Andorra, at a glance
We start with a short call to confirm budget, timing and priorities. Then we build a focused shortlist and line up viewings in a sensible route so you can compare the best options in one efficient visit. When you are happy to proceed, we manage the offer, paperwork and coordination between you, the seller, your bank (if you are using one) and the notary, so there is no guesswork. After completion, we help with utilities and internet and building handover so you can move in smoothly.
- Discovery and brief: a 30-minute call to agree must-haves vs nice-to-haves.
- Shortlist and viewings: hand-picked homes, organised logically by area and priority.
- Offer and checks: pricing sense-checks plus practical checks on title, building and community rules.
- Contracts and notary: reservation agreement and arras deposit, then deed and registration pack prepared in parallel.
- Handover and setup: keys, utilities, internet, building admin and immediate move-in steps.
How long does it take to buy a property in Andorra
Most purchases wrap up in about 4 to 8 weeks once documents and funds are ready. The pace comes down to five things:
- Opening a bank account and having identity and source-of-funds documents ready,
- Signing and funding the deposit (arras),
- Foreign investment authorisation (if applicable),
- Habitability paperwork in order, and
- Locking the notary date. We front-load these items so signing day is calm and administrative.
Deposit and contract mechanics (arras)
It is normal to reserve the property with a simple private contract and a deposit, often around 10%. This fixes the price, key dates and what happens if either side withdraws. We draft or verify the terms with you before any money moves, so you know exactly what you are agreeing to.
Foreign investment authorisation (if applicable)
If you are a foreign buyer (or buying via a foreign-owned entity), authorisation may be required before the deed. Where relevant, we prepare the pack, file it early and track progress so the notary appointment is not delayed.
Habitability and technical checks
Homes need a Habitability Certificate to sell and to connect utilities. We confirm status and expiry with the seller. Beyond paperwork, we focus on day-to-day Andorra realities like winter access and parking, sunlight, heating and insulation, and distance to services and schools.
Fees and buyer-side taxes to expect
Use our dedicated page for the numbers and examples: Cost of buying property in Andorra.
What we handle vs what you handle
- We handle: shortlist and viewing planning, coordination with seller and notary, document pack preparation, habitability checks, and post-deed practicalities like utilities and internet setup.
- You handle: decisions, signatures, and supplying straightforward identity and source-of-funds documents. We provide a short checklist and templates so it is painless.