Sale Completion Prior to Receiving NIE

I wanted to sell my property in Spain quickly and put it up at a tempting price, and my estate agent has already found a buyer who wants to complete before the end of July.

However, I do not yet have an NIE number.
(I bought the property some time ago before an NIE was required...)

The lawyer organising things in Spain is saying that I should apply for the NIE, and they will then push through with completion of the sale before the NIE is issued.

However, everywhere else advises that you MUST have an NIE BEFORE signing over the deeds.

Should I delay the completion date until I have my NIE card in hand - or is the solicitor organising the sale correct to think that things can go ahead based on an application for an NIE?

I should perhaps mention that the purchaser is also refusing to pay a deposit, and wishing to pay by bankers draft. Am I right to start thinking that this is all too dodgy to continue with?

Dear Sir/Madam,

It's the Notary himself who will request you have a NIE number at completion, as from December 2007.

Yours faithfully,

Well now I'm even more confused.

So the notary can still confirm the sale without an NIE if they so choose?
Or is the Notary legally required to demand one?

Perhaps this local lawyer has a relationship with the local notary and can get things pushed through...?

Will the sale be legal?

No, you've misunderstood my post.

A Notary will not let you complete without a NIE number as there will be problems later on, on registering the property at the Land registry.

Applying for a NIE number and receiving it takes 3-5 days on average:

NIE Number Direct.