Buying a property in Spain?​

At Dream Properties International we are here to help and guide you through the full process of buying a property in Spain. We want to ensure that your purchasing process is safe, valid, follows all of the correct procedures and is as painless as possible.

To help you with the purchasing process in Spain we have prepared a buying guide. Here we simplify the buying process into 5 easy to follow steps. Remember we will be with you, helping you through each step of the process.

Spanish roperty with pool - Buying a property in Spain

Step 1: Find your property in Spain

The first step is where your journey begins and is the most exciting part. Contact us to discuss your requirements and we can send you a selection of properties that fit your specifications. Once you’re ready to begin viewing, simply book your appointment with us and we will show you the best properties we have found.

We may even put you in contact with some of our partners who are local to the area and extremely knowledgeable in the specific property area in which you are looking. No matter who you view the property with we will always be here to offer advice and help you while you’re looking for your dream property in Spain.

You will find that our service is relaxed, with a no-pressure atmosphere, we guarantee that you will at no time feel pushed or forced on to any decision, in fact, our philosophy is to work our hardest to find the property which you are looking for and then we let you decide how you would like to proceed.

Once you have viewed the best properties in the area and have a shortlist, we can then organize second viewings. Then it’s down to you to decide.

Step 2: Make an offer on your dream property

Once you have decided on your property, it’s time to make it yours! We will go through all the purchasing costs and taxes for the property with you to ensure that everything is clear before you place your offer (see fees and taxes below).

Placing an offer is very simple, just inform us of the offer you wish to make, and we will contact the broker/vendor and make the offer on your behalf.

At point of offer there are 2 main options:

  • One is the traditional way of placing the offer verbally and waiting until the vendor answers, at which point negotiations are underway. Once a verbal agreement is made we proceed to the next step.
  • The second option is to place a reservation deposit alongside your offer and send the offer contract. This usually gives you a stronger negotiation position since you are committing to your offer if the vendor agrees.

We will forward whichever option you choose to the vendor. This process is of course subject to the property being legal and the vendor having the correct documentation.

Lawyer signing contract - Buying a property in Spain

Step 3: Reserving the property and legal check

When we have reached this point it normally means that we now have a verbal or written agreement in place for the purchase of your property. We now ensure that the property is reserved and taken off the market. We will provide you with a reservation document for your signature which will include all the terms and conditions of the agreement.

If the option to place a deposit with the offer was not taken up previously then at this point a reservation deposit will be required. This deposit will vary depending on the property and vendor requirements (usually between €3000 – €6000). The deposit is taken to officially remove the property from the market and acts as an intent to purchase to the vendor.

A property reservation form will be sent to the vendor for signing and once everyone is happy the property is officially reserved. The reservation fee is non-refundable, however it is subject to legal searches, therefore if any property searches were to produce any anomalies (issues with the property or its paper work) a full refund would be available (as per the terms and conditions of the reservation form).

Once you get to this point we would highly recommend to instruct a law firm to represent you in the purchase. If you do not have a lawyer for your property in Spain we will be happy to recommend one to you, as we have experience with many good law firms and can advise accordingly.

Legal Procedures for buying a property in Spain

  • Determining who the owner of the property is to verify that the vendor is entitled to sell the property.
  • Check that the property is legally registered in the corresponding property registry.
  • Clarify that the property is free from charges and debts (mortgages, seizures, etc).
  • Check that the property has been granted the corresponding municipal building permit by the town hall.
  • Check that the legal requirements of the plans and rights of the property are respected.
  • Research, preparation and signing of all of the contracts required to complete the purchase.
  • The lawyer will then proceed to make arrangements for payment of all costs taxes arising from the purchase on behalf of the client (you). This includes registering the public deeds in the corresponding Land Registry.

The lawyer will then proceed to pay all the expenses and taxes arising out of the purchase on behalf of the client. This includes registering the public deed in the corresponding Land Registry.

Additionally, the lawyer can undertake additional services which can include the preparation of a will, transfer of gas, water and electricity and payment of invoices and taxes.

You will also need to have a Spanish bank account and a NIE for the transfer. A NIE (Número de Indentificatión de Extranjaro) is a Spanish tax/ Social Security Number.

Once the lawyers have finished their legal checks, they will inform you of the results. If they are positive the next step will be either:

  • Exchange of contracts (if applicable): Go to Step 4.

or

  • Completion: Jump to Step 5.
juridische controle van een huis in valencia

Step 4: Exchange of contracts

This will depend on the agreement made with the vendor. If it has been agreed to exchange contracts usually a payment of 10% (minus reservation fee already paid) would be paid to the vendor and a contract signed. A mutually agreed completion date will be stipulated in the contract.

Step 5: Completion

The big day has come and today you get your keys! By completion day your lawyer and property advisor will have prepared everything so that the signing goes as smoothly as possible. Completion can be done in person, however if you cannot be there you can also give your lawyer power of attorney to sign on your behalf.

We are happy for you to contact us for any help you may need before and after your purchase, we like to keep in touch! We also offer additional property services which you may be interested in.

We encourage you to contact us for any help you may need before and after your purchase as well, we like to keep in touch!

Champagne glasses - Buying a property in Spain

Buying a property in Spain: which purchase costs do you have to take into account?

When you`re buying a property in Spain, you have to take into account a number of extra costs. For example, there is the agreed price for the house, but also the buyer’s costs. This may vary by region, but take into account approx. 13 – 15% of the purchase price (or higher for lower purchase prices).

What is covered by the buyer's costs?

Transfer Tax (ITP/IVA): ~10%

Lawyer’s fees: ~ 1 to 2% ((note, this varies per law firm, they often use a % and minimum of approx. € 2000.00 excl. 21% VAT)

Notary & Registration Fee: ~ 1%

New construction tax (AJD): ~ 1.5% for new construction there is an additional levy & registration fee

Bank charges: bank checks are used for the transfer, for which money is charged by the bank.

Mortgage costs: ~if a mortgage is taken out, additional costs also apply

Disclaimer: This information is provided as a guideline and is to be used as is and is not intended to be a substitute for professional legal advice. All information provided here is approximate. Contact us for more detailed information or questions.

Contact us for more on buying a property in Spain

We believe that buying a property in Spain should be a fun and exciting event. At Dream Properties International we work very hard to ensure your purchase runs smoothly.

We introduce you to the very best partners we work with and highly recommend them as local professionals who can help you along your buying journey (see our services section). We hope you find this easy-to-follow step-by-step guide to securing your property in Spain helpful!

If you have any questions about buying a property, want more in-depth information regarding legal issues and taxes or if you need advice about any step of the buying process contact us now by filling in the form provided.

We are here to help you!

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