Great news ... Sarah's UK Passport arrived a few days ago. Yesterday Sarah also went to the Spanish Consulate in Sydney and applied for an NIE number. Still waiting for my passport to a arrive and then I can do the same. Telephoned a lawyer last night based in Alicante ... Elizabeth ... English girl who has been based in Spain for 11 years. Just had a chat to touch base. feeling a little more confident now. Elizabeth told me that we don't need the NIE number to make an offer on a property!