Deferred sale: how to buy a flat without needing all your savings from day one

18 June 2026 | Insights

Written by ArgisLiving

Buying a home in Madrid is one of the most important decisions of your life. And often, the main obstacle isn’t the monthly mortgage payment, but rather gathering the necessary down payment before closing.

At ARGIS Living, we’ve designed a solution that can change this equation: deferred purchase. This option allows you to reserve the home you want today, locking in its current price, and spread the initial financial outlay over time.

What is deferred selling and how does it work?

Deferred sale is a purchase method that separates the moment of signing the purchase agreement from the moment of the deed, allowing you to divide the initial contributions into convenient monthly installments during the process.

It works simply:

  1. Reserve the home you like best today, at the current price. The price is locked in from that moment, regardless of market fluctuations.
  2. Split the initial payments into monthly installments during the period leading up to delivery, without needing all your savings upfront.
  3. The title deed is signed once the payments are complete, and you’re ready to move into your new home.

It’s important to distinguish it from other options: a deferred sale is not a mortgage, it’s not a rent-to-own agreement, and it doesn’t involve any type of bank financing at this stage. It’s a direct agreement with the developer that gives you time to organize your finances before signing.

Why initial savings are the real obstacle

Many people who want to buy an apartment in Madrid have a stable income and the ability to take out a mortgage. The problem isn’t the monthly payment, but rather raising the necessary down payment.

For a newly built property in Madrid, the initial down payment can range from 20% to 30% of the purchase price, to which you must add the expenses associated with the transaction: notary fees, registration fees, VAT, and taxes.

This means that, for a €400,000 property, a buyer needs to have between €80,000 and €120,000 available before closing. This is an amount that, especially for young people or couples who also pay rent, can take years to accumulate.

Deferred sales spread this effort over time, making the path to homeownership more manageable.

For whom this formula makes the most sense

Deferred sales are especially useful for:

  • Young people and couples with stable incomes but insufficient savings, who can afford a mortgage but haven’t been able to save for the down payment.
  • Buyers with a solid financial profile who prefer not to tie up all their capital at once.
  • Investors who want to spread out the initial outlay and maintain liquidity during the construction phase.

It is important to note that this may not always be the most suitable option: if you need to move immediately or if your financial situation does not allow you to commit to additional monthly payments beyond your current ones, it is advisable to consider other alternatives before deciding.

Deferred sale at ARGIS Living: how we designed it

At ARGIS Living we have created this formula to eliminate the main barrier to accessing new housing in Madrid.

The process is as follows:

  • Reservation: Choose the property you like best and lock in the price at the current rate.
  • Monthly Payments: Throughout the process, you make convenient monthly payments that gradually increase the agreed-upon amount.
  • Closing: Once all payments are complete, you finalize the purchase and get ready to receive your new home.

This option is currently available for a selection of properties in three of our projects in Madrid. The number of units available under this plan is limited.

ARGIS Nuevo Norte – North Madrid

Located next to Avenida del Cardenal Herrera Oria in northern Madrid, ARGIS Nuevo Norte offers well-connected homes in an area that will directly benefit from the Madrid Nuevo Norte development, one of Europe’s most ambitious urban projects.

This is an opportunity to invest in a growing area at today’s price, with the time needed to complete the initial down payment.

On the market

Argis Nuevo Norte

Madrid
1, 2 and 3 Rooms
From 386.000€
Obra Nueva en Madrid Nuevo Norte

ARGIS Urban Viana – Tetuan

Located in the heart of the Tetuán district, ARGIS Urban Viana combines design, functionality, and a strategic location with direct access to Castellana, AZCA, and Chamartín. Available in 1- and 2-bedroom apartments, with the option of communal areas, a rooftop terrace, and a swimming pool.

On the market

Argis Urban Viana I

Madrid
1 and 2 Rooms
From 404.000€

ARGIS Urban Nature – Tetuan

Also in Tetuán, ARGIS Urban Nature offers various configurations adapted to different needs, with options with or without communal areas and different layouts. A versatile alternative for those who want to take the plunge without waiting to see all the savings from the start.

On the market

Argis Urban Nature I

Madrid
1 and 2 Rooms
From 430.500€

Why now may be the time

The new-build market in Madrid maintains strong demand, and prices have continued to rise in recent years in the areas where we operate. Reserving today with deferred payment means locking in the current price and benefiting from any future appreciation while you complete your payments.

Furthermore, the development of Madrid Nuevo Norte and the consolidation of the city’s northern axis make this a real window of opportunity for those looking to buy in areas with growing potential.

The offer is now available. However, units are limited.

Frequently asked questions about deferred sales

How does a deferred sale differ from a mortgage?
They are different arrangements. A mortgage is a bank loan that finances the purchase price and is repaid monthly over several years. A deferred sale is a direct agreement with the developer that allows you to pay the initial installments in installments before signing the deed, without requiring bank financing at that stage.

What happens if I can’t continue with the monthly payments?
Before finalizing any agreement, our team will analyze your situation with you to ensure the plan fits your actual financial capacity. In any case, the specific conditions for this scenario are outlined in the reservation contract, and we always explain them to you in detail before you sign.

Can I apply for a mortgage after completing the payments?
Yes. The deferred sale process handles the pre-closing phase. Once the payments are complete, you can apply for a mortgage with any bank as usual, just like with any other new-build purchase.

How many units are available with this option?
The number of units available through the deferred purchase program is limited within each development. They are available in a selection of homes at ARGIS Nuevo Norte, ARGIS Urban Viana, and ARGIS Urban Nature. We recommend contacting our team as soon as possible to learn about the options available at the time of your inquiry.

Can I choose the home I want?
Yes, within the units included in this program, you can choose the home that best suits you. Our sales team will show you the available options in each project so you can make an informed decision.

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