Hmmm... Slightly simplistic reply there. You need an NIE to purchase property not just if you need a mortgage. You need an NIE to sign on the padron, you need an NIE to apply for residence, you need an NIE to buy a car. etc etc etc.
In other words, you need an NIE for nearly everything.
This has been discussed many times so go down to the main thread Buying A Property and you will see loads of information and discussion on NIE.
That reply was to the one before Georgia.
Except to say, we didn't pay anything for our NIE, just the photos and copy of a water bill did it for us.
This message was last edited by bobaol on 6/20/2008.