Buying Property in Spain
Buying Guide
The process of buying a property in Spain is very simple and straightforward yet is often the most important investment many people will make after purchasing their own home.
At Into Spain we will assist you every step of the way, to ensure that you avoid any potential pitfalls and are aware of everything you need to make your purchase simple and transparent, creating an enjoyable and profitable venture.
Established on the Costa del Sol, Into Spain is formed by an international and multilingual team and pride ourselves in providing an extremely professional, yet personal service that meets our clients’ needs and requirements.
The Into Spain team knows the Costa del Sol region inside out. We have access to thousands of properties through our linked Real Estate Network database which is continually updated with the latest and most exciting property listings ranging from the latest budget opportunities, recent bank repossessions to newly built luxury villas and gated developments.
We can help you find the perfect property in every area of the Costa del Sol to match your criteria including price, type, size, location and lifestyle needs.
It normally takes 4 to 6 weeks to purchase a property, from the time of placing a deposit to signing of the Deed (Escritura) and receiving the keys to your new property.
We will listen and consult with you at every step of the buying process and do everything possible to reduce the cost, time and stress that can be involved when buying a home or investment property.
There are five basic steps:
1. The Viewings
The first step is to select properties for viewing that meet your criteria from our Search Properties section. It is never too early to prepare, weather you are already in Spain or still at home we can begin the selection process simply by sending us the reference details of the properties that meet your interest. We will organise a viewing itinerary at your request.
2. The Offer
Once you have decided on your favourite property an offer to the seller is made. We will work with you to negotiate the purchase on the most advantageous terms for you, using our vast experience of market intelligence.
When the offer has been accepted you will then be expected to sign a Reservation Agreement with the current owner and pay a deposit. The deposit is normally 6,000 €. It can be held in the Spanish Property company client account or with a lawyer of your choice.
It is highly advisable to hire the services of a local lawyer at this stage. We can recommend a list of highly respected lawyers in the area.
3. The Reservation Agreement
This is a temporary reservation document to be signed by the buyer and seller and should state the basic terms and conditions of the purchase. The signing of this document will secure the property is taken off the market.
This document would typically include:
- - Full name of buyer and vendor
- - Price of the property
- - Property address
- - Date to sign the Purchase Contract
- - Date of Completion and Escritura
- - Deposit amount placed to reserve the property
Your lawyer will conduct due diligence of the property to ensure the property is legal and all respective documents are in order. Should your lawyer find the property has legal impediments and advise you against purchasing then your deposit will be fully refunded.
4. The Purchase Contract
The Purchase Contract (Contrato de Arras) is a legally binding contract to sell and buy and requires a 10% payment. It protects the buyer and the seller, in that if the vendor withdraws from the contract they are required to return double the deposit paid, and if the buyer withdraws from the contract they lose their deposit.
Your lawyer should explain the laws and procedures in relation to producing and signing this contract.
5. The Completion
Following the signing of the Purchase Contract, all parties must confirm the dates for completion. The buyer pays the balance and the vendor arranges a date and time for the Completion Contract (Escritura de Compra venta) to be signed by both the buyer and vendor at the local Notary's office.
Note: Non-residents can appoint a lawyer with Power of Attorney to handle the signing of the Escritura.
The Escritura (equivalent to the Deeds of the property) is signed in the presence of an official Notary and the property is transferred to the new owners. Once this has been done and the property has been registered at the Land Registry Office and Local Tax Office, the transfer of ownership has taken place.
PROPERTY PURCHASING COSTS IN SPAIN
Purchasing costs in Spain can vary between 11% and 13.5% depending on the purchase price.
- - 8% IVA (VAT) Transfer tax (on resales)
- - 8% to 10% IVA (VAT) Transfer tax (new developments) depending on price category
- - 1% Notary fees
- - 1.5% Stamp Duty tax
- - 1% Legal fees Lawyer
Should you require a mortgage, you calculate an average of 1 - 1.5% for the set up fee cost with a Spanish bank.
* Please contact us directly for further assistance on buying a property in Spain.
ADDITIONAL SERVICES
We can assist you with additional services or recommend local reputable professionals
- - Spanish Lawyer
- - Currency Exchange
- - Mortgages
- - Property Management, Rental and Cleaning
- - Advice on Schools and Banking
- - Contracting water & electricity
- - Organising of NIE number