How to Buy a House in Spain
So you are thinking about buying a property in the Costa del Sol, but don’t know what or how to start? No problem, in this blog you will read about the most important steps where you have to think about. But first how do you find your ideal property?
Some questions that you have to ask yourself
What area do you prefer?
Do you want a beach house, an apartment in the center, a villa in the mountains or maybe a townhouse?
What is your budget?
Do you prefer existing building or should it be a new construction?
How many bedrooms do I need or prefer?
Should there be a (private) pool?
Are you searching for rest or you don’t mind a noisy area?
Is this property going to be your main address or just for the holidays?
Financial questions
Do you want a Spanish mortgage or a mortgage in your own country?
Can you or do you want to withdraw the equity of your current home and invest this in the purchase of a new home?
Will this be a property for investment?
Do you have liquid assets?
Take in account that it is necessary to get your NIE number on time!
Step 1. Determining the budget
The first step in the buying process for buying a house in Spain is to determine the budget. We have a large portfolio of homes, with a varying price range. That is why it is useful to determine in advance how much you want to spend, so that it remains clear and you can search in a targeted manner. It is also important to determine how you are going to pay it: with your own money, a mortgage or financing? We advise this to avoid falling in love with a house that is out of your budget. Finally, keep in mind that there will also be additional purchase costs that in our region, in short, are between 13% - 15% of the purchase price of the house.
Step 2. Determining the region and the purpose of your purchase
Now that you know how much money you want to spend and how you are going to pay for the house, the search can really begin. Do you want a house by the sea, an apartment with private pool in the heart of Marbella, or would you prefer a newly built villa next to the golf course? On our website we have a wide range where you can indicate exactly where your wishes lie with our handy search filters. Finally, we are also happy to help you with all your questions on social media, by telephone or by email
Step 3. Viewing trip
So, now you decided where your dreamhouse is going to be and maybe you already have find your specific dreamhouse… It’s time for the fun part! If you are not in Spain yet, then it’s time to take a trip. At Dancha Estate we can arrange a viewing trip for you. The purpose of this trip is to view the properties and get to know the area, beaches and of course us! With our personal guidance, we ensure that you will return with your dreamhouse. If you decide to buy with us, than the trip will be partially reimbursed.
Step 4. Making a bid
You have found your dream home and want to make an offer. During this step we can help you with, among other things, taking out a mortgage and mediate during the bidding.
Step 5. Hiring a lawyer
The legal and financial part of buying your Spanish property has now started. We therefore recommend that you engage a specialized real estate lawyer. Especially if you do not yet master the Spanish language, it is wise to contact a lawyer who knows everything about the Spanish real estate laws and what the house must comply with. This step in the purchase process is very important and must be done accurately. A lawyer can help you with, arrange other things:
Apply for NIE number
Apply for a Spanish bank account
Determine who owns the house
Check whether the house is in the land registry
Check if there are debts on the house
Applying for the building permits
Checking documents and contracts
Step 6. Reserving a house… and sold!
Your offer has been accepted and your dream home in Spain is within reach. Now that there is an agreed price, the house must be reserved. This is done with a reservation document and a down payment that is usually between € 3,000 and € 8,000 (depending on the purchase price of the property). Once this has been done and approved, the property will then be taken off the market.
Step 7. The (preliminary) purchase contract
The word preliminary is actually incorrect, because the provisional purchase contract is still binding. That is why the preliminary purchase contract is also called the purchase agreement. This purchase contract includes the following things:
Names of the buyer(s) and seller(s)
Purchase price
Date of key handover
Any resolutive conditions
Step 8. Congratulations
After signing all the papers, we can congratulate you. You are now officially owner of a house in the Costa del Sol. Cheers! It’s time to relax and enjoy your new house, the area and perhaps (depending on the time of the year) the lovely weather.
