We went to sort out our NIE numbers last Friday & we were at the office about 11.30 & it was empty.
We haven't actually signed our contract yet (thats another story!) but a copy of the documet completed when we paid our reservation deposit was sufficient.
Also, our NIE numbers are being collected on our behalf but we haven't given any permission, in english or spanish. However, our agent is doing this all the time, so I don't know whether it is strictly necessary.
We were also told it would take about 10 days & that they have to be collected from the police station.
Noreen