Buying a property in Spain

Buying on the Costa del Sol

Purchasing a property overseas can be a daunting process, we know, we’ve done it ourselves! With over 15 years experience in the property market we will guide you through the entire process, from helping you to find the perfect property to recommending legal and financial professionals and aftersales services, holding your hand every step of the way.

Once you have found the ideal property and have decided that you wish to move forward with the purchase, it is time to make an offer. Once a price has been agreed both the seller and buyer will sign a reservation contract which is a standard procedure used in Spain to outline the basic terms and conditions of the purchase. At this stage the buyer will also be required to pay a reservation deposit of usually 6,000€. This will guarantee that the vendor withdraws the property from the market whilst your chosen lawyer conducts the searches and due diligence. This reservation deposit can be held by your chosen lawyer and is fully refundable in the event that any legal impediments relating to the property are discovered.

Once the lawyers due diligence has been completed, private purchase contracts will be drawn up by both, yours and the vendors lawyers, and you will usually be required to pay 10% deposit (less the initial reservation fee). This normally happens within two weeks but can vary.

The balance payment and exchange of keys is performed before a public notary who signs the new Escritura (title deed) and the land registry will be informed that a change of ownership has taken place.

Depending on whether the property is new or a re-sale, purchase costs in Spain including IVA (VAT), stamp duty, notary and legal fees can vary, but are usually 10% to 13.5% of the purchase price. If you require a mortgage for your purchase you should also consider average 1% to 1.5% mortgage set up fees.

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