How do you pay for a house in Spain?
Buying property in Spain is done by bank check or urgent transfer. So this works differently than in the Netherlands, where the buyer transfers the money to the notary's account and the notary transfers the amount to the seller after delivery.
To make a bank check, you need a Spanish bank account. Before you go to the notary, have checks made at your bank. It is common to make your own check for the real estate agent and settle it immediately with the purchase amount.
Collecting a bank check takes several business days. Sometimes the seller wants the money faster and an urgent transfer through the Banco de España is also an option. The money is then transferred while you are at the notary's office. The notary then waits to register the deeds until he sees proof of payment.
Making checks costs money, an urgent transfer usually even more. The banks charge hefty commissions for this. These are negotiable. So always check with your bank about the possibilities.