Buying Process

Buying a House in Spain: An Exciting Journey

Buying a house in Spain is an exciting step for many people. Our mission is to support you before, during, and after your home purchase, minimizing as much stress and tension as possible. We often get questions like: How do I buy a house in Spain? What should I look out for? Do I need a lawyer? Are there any fine print details? In this 8-step guide, we’ll explain what you can expect when buying a property in Spain.

Step 1: Determine Your Budget The first step in the home-buying process is determining your budget. At Nelemans Real Estate, we offer an average of 300 houses, villas, and apartments ranging in price from €150,000 to over €5,000,000. It’s helpful to decide in advance how much you want to spend so you can see the forest for the trees. It’s also important to determine how you will pay for it: with your own money, a mortgage, or financing? We advise this to avoid falling in love with a house outside your budget. Lastly, remember that additional purchase costs will apply, which in our region are roughly 12% - 14% of the purchase price.

Step 2: Start Your Search Now that you know how much you want to spend and how you will pay for the property, the search can truly begin. Do you want a house with the sea as your backyard, an apartment with a private pool on the Costa Blanca, or a new-build villa next to a golf course? On our website, we have a wide selection where you can use our handy search filters to specify exactly what you want. Prefer to receive an email when a house matching your preferences comes on the market? Activate our personal search assistance. Finally, we are happy to help you with all your questions via social media, phone, or email.

Step 3: Viewing Trip Great, you’ve found your dream house or are still deciding between two, three, or more properties. In this phase of your search, we assist you with a viewing trip. The goal 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 you return to the Netherlands with a clear favorite. Did you know... costs are partially reimbursed?

Step 4: You’ve Found Your Dream Home in Spain! You’ve found your dream home in Spain. During this step, we can help you secure a mortgage and mediate if you want to make an offer. Offers are only applicable to existing properties.

Step 5: Hire a Lawyer The legal and financial process for buying your Spanish property has now begun. We recommend hiring a specialized real estate lawyer. Especially if you’re not fluent in Spanish, it’s wise to hire a lawyer who knows everything about Spanish property laws and what the house must comply with. This step is crucial and must be handled meticulously. A lawyer can help you with:

• Opening a Spanish bank account
• Applying for an NIE number
• Verifying property ownership
• Checking the land registry
• Ensuring there are no debts on the property
• Applying for building permits
• Reviewing documents and contracts

Nelemans only works with reliable partners who have been carefully selected over the past 30 years.

Step 6: Sold! Your offer has been accepted, and your dream home in Spain is within reach. Now that a price has been agreed upon, the house needs to be reserved. This is done with a reservation document and a deposit, usually between €6,000 and €11,000. Once this is done and approved, the property is taken off the market.

Step 7: The (Preliminary) Purchase Contract The term preliminary is somewhat misleading because the preliminary purchase contract is still binding. Therefore, it is also known as the purchase agreement. The preliminary purchase contract includes:

• Names of the buyer(s) and seller(s)
• Purchase price
• Date of key transfer
• Any resolutive conditions

Step 8: Key Transfer Congratulations, you’ve bought a house in Spain! After signing the final documents, the house is officially yours. You can now enjoy the weather, beaches, and delicious food, not as a tourist, but as a resident of Spain! Don’t forget to read our last extra tip.

Extra Tip: Work with a Notarial Power of Attorney In Spanish, the power of attorney is also known as "Escritura de Poder" or "Poder Notarial". People who are not directly available to attend certain matters grant the power of attorney. They use this document to designate a specific person to represent them during bureaucratic processes. This saves you a lot of extra costs, valuable time, and allows you to immediately enjoy your Spanish dream home the next time you are in Spain. The specialists working with Nelemans can fully guide you in this process.

Do you have more questions? Contact us now!

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