A guide to purchasing a property in Spain.
A guide to purchasing a property in Spain.
A guide to purchasing a property in Spain.
A guide to purchasing a property in Spain.
A guide to purchasing a property in Spain.
A guide to purchasing a property in Spain.
A guide to purchasing a property in Spain.
Choosing the right house/apartment:
These are the questions you should be asking yourself:
When and how will your home be used?
Is it a holiday home?
In this case, being close to the beaches and restaurants as well as this will play a major role in your choice of property and owning one in a more holiday-oriented area may not bother you as much.
Is it a permanent residence?
In this case it important to be close to as many local amenities as possible (shops, bars and restaurants, leisure, clinics, schools) and that are available all year round, depending on your preferences. It is also important to have others who live all year round near as well.
Should it be rented out when you are not using it?
Keep in mind that the location of the property affects the possibility and the likelihood of renting it out. It is preferred that the property be situated as close as possible to restaurants, swimming pool, beaches as well as other amenities that are usually requested by holiday makers.
There exists another type of tenants that want to spend the winter here in Spain for at least several months. It is usually seen as a lower source of rental income, but they usually rent for longer periods of time.
When you rent out your home, it is mandatory to own a rental license and you are obligated to pay tax on your income. In addition, there are often additional costs, such as someone that acts as a keyholder, making sure that guests are well-received, that keys are handed out and to ensure all is taken care of, such as cleaning and keeping your property presentable. Many homeowners who are seeking to rent out their property use brokerage firms to find tenants, they usually keep between 10-20% of the income, and this means increasing the price of the rent but on the flipside mean receiving a higher income, they can offer services such as maintenance and receiving guests.
Which type of property?
Which type of property would you prefer?
There are many different types of properties, for example:
Quad house
This typically means that there are four homes in one building/plot. You have a small plot that has a balcony/terrace/patio. The residence consists of an upper and lower floor. There may also be variants of this where you only have a ground floor with a plot or an upper floor with a terrace.
Apartment
If it is on the ground floor, there is usually a small terrace or patio. On higher floors you usually find a balcony and the top floor apartment (also known as a penthouse) has a roof terrace. However, if the apartment is in the town or city, it is not certain that you will have a patio at all. Sometimes there may even be a shared roof terrace and it is not always a certainty that there is swimming pool available.
Terraced house/Detached villa
These can be both in a community or completely private. If they are not located within a community, it usually means more maintenance fees for someone to take care of the grounds and of a pool if one is available.
Most of the time, all these properties are in some form of community that takes care of the common areas and pool, etc. However, if you have your own independent villa, it is not certain that it belongs to a community, and this usually means an increased cost to care and maintain the property while you are not there.
The great thing about having community green areas is that you can meet new people.
Measurements, number of rooms, outdoor environment.
In Spain, a property is usually measured in number of bedrooms that it has, apart from that, there is a kitchen, living room and bathrooms.
The size of the property is usually the building area, and any plot/terrace is specified separately. There are various types of outdoor environments, for example, a plot, balcony/terrace, or roof terrace.
Solar orientation
Keeping in mind on how and when you will use your property, it is best to be mindful of its solar orientation. It is something that is considered greatly by citizens of northern countries such as the United Kingdom, this is very important due to there being more hours of sunshine and at a stronger rate than in their home countries. It can be difficult catch the sun during late spring, summer, and autumn. Another thing that is considered is, for example, having large windows facing southwards. This can make all the difference in keeping the property extra warm on the inside during the colder months.
Location
In the City, out in the country, by the sea? How far do you want to be away from the airport? These questions can influence you in your decision making when you are choosing your property and how you use it. If you plan to stay for longer periods, it can be an advantage to live in a larger town with more shops, leisure, and amenities and above all that it is not greatly affected by the low season. If you have the intention of renting your property out, the location of your property is the of the utmost importance, as this directly affects the likelihood of tenants and the amount of income you can receive.
Another important factor to consider is that a property that is near the sea is more likely to require more maintenance as the wear and tear of it being constantly exposed to wind, moisture and sand is higher than more inland properties.
Where should you buy?
Walking and driving distance to beach and amenities.
Will you have access to a car while in Spain?
Car hire is quite cheap during the low season and the range of vehicles is decent. But during the high season it can be significantly more difficult to acquire a car on short notice and it can be significantly more expensive.
Owning a car could be a better option if you are going to spend a lot of time here in Spain.
You are allowed to drive your British-registered car, but it may only be used for 183 days per year and only driven by drivers with a British driving license. It cannot be inspected in Spain but must be checked by the ITV to be able to be used on Spanish roads.
However, you will be banned from driving said vehicle in Spain again, once you leave the country with it.[CBTSS1]
A good alternative is to purchase a Spanish-registered car so you can have it inspected without any problems and the cost of car tax and car insurance is cheaper than in Britain.
If you do not plan to acquire or don’t have access to a car, it is important to have an idea and think about where you are going to buy your property, so that you are near where all the essential amenities are and be within walking distance of them. If you find yourself in a town or a city, public transport is an alternative way of moving around your surroundings, as well as moving around on electric bicycle/scooter and standard bicycle and having the possibility to broaden your horizons.
When you have the need to purchase furniture and other goods, most shops have webpages from where you can order online and have them delivered to your property free of charge or for a small extra fee. I you require help with assembling furniture many companies can offer this service to you, as well as taking your old furniture and/or appliances away with them.
Some supermarkets have the possibility to deliver to your home as well for a small fee.
New build or second hand?
Does it need renovation or remodeling?
Buying a new build is easy. You get the latest building standards and sometimes you even get the opportunity to pick materials. Usually, these properties are what is called “key ready” and can be moved in to straight away. Some construction companies even leave a furniture package for the newly built property, which means you can go to a selected shop and choose furniture and accessories for a predetermined sum of money.
When buying a used property, you should examine it properly so that everything is complete and in working order and that there are no structural faults with the building itself. These homes are often owned by foreigners, and they usually leave the existing furniture in the property itself. Don’t let minor renovations deter you from turning the property into your dream home, as it is usually cheaper to renovate in Spain, the only thing you must be careful about is who you choose to execute your plan, as there are a lot of “cowboy” tradesmen who are looking to make a quick buck.
Budget
When buying a home in Spain a value tax is of 10% of the purchase price is added. Then you must add on additional costs for notary, lawyers and electricity and water contracts, etc. This usually costs between 2-5% of the purchase price. (When you set your budget, you have to factor in between 12-15% on top of the purchase.
Your Guide to Buying a Place in Spain
Picking the Right House or Apartment:
First things first, think about how you plan to use your new home.
Is it a Holiday Spot?
If you’re buying a vacation home, you’ll probably want to be near beaches and restaurants, so look for properties in popular vacation areas.
Is it Permanent?
If it’s your full-time home, it’s vital to be near local amenities like shops, bars, restaurants, schools, and clinics that operate all year. Plus, having neighbors who live there year-round can be a bonus.
Planning to Rent It Out?
If you’re thinking of renting when you're not there, location is key. Homes near restaurants, pools, and beaches tend to rent out more easily. There’s also a growing market for winter rentals, though they might not bring in as much money. You’ll need a rental license and have to pay taxes on rental income. Plus, think about costs for a keyholder and cleaning services. Many people use agencies to find tenants—they take a cut, but they can help with maintenance and guest services.
What Type of Property?
Quad House:
This usually means four homes in one building, with your own patch of land. Expect a couple of floors, maybe just one with a garden or an upper floor with a terrace.
Apartment:
Ground-floor apartments might have a small patio, while those higher up come with balconies. A penthouse typically includes a roof terrace. City apartments might lack these features and may not have access to a pool.
Terraced House/Detached Villa:
These can be in a community or standalone. Standalone places might mean higher maintenance costs. Community properties often have shared amenities, which can be a great way to meet people.
What to Consider:
Size and Layout:
In Spain, properties are often described by the number of bedrooms. The total size usually refers to internal space with outdoor areas specified separately.
Sunlight:
Think about how much sun you want. For folks from places like the UK, south-facing windows are a big plus, especially in cooler months.
Location:
City life, countryside, or seaside? Consider how close you want to be to an airport. If you’ll be renting it out, location can make a big difference in demand and income. Note that coastal properties may require more upkeep due to weather conditions.
Getting Around:
Do you plan to drive? Renting a car is cheaper in the offseason, but pricier and harder to find in peak times. Consider buying a car in Spain, which can be more economical. If you’re not driving, think about proximity to essential services. Public transport, bikes, and scooters can also be handy.
Most stores offer online shopping with home delivery, and many supermarkets deliver for a small fee.
New vs. Pre-Owned:
New Builds:
Building new is straightforward, and you can often choose some materials. These homes are typically move-in ready, sometimes even with a furniture package.
Second-Hand Homes:
Make sure everything’s in working order and check for any structural issues. Previous owners often leave furniture, so minor renovations shouldn't be too off-putting. Renovating in Spain is usually affordable—just choose trustworthy tradesmen.
Budgeting:
Buying in Spain comes with a 10% value-added tax, plus additional costs for notary services, lawyers, and utilities, which add another 2-5% of the purchase price. Plan for 12-15% extra on top of the home’s price.
A guide to purchasing a property in Spain.
Choosing the right house/apartment:
These are the questions you should be asking yourself:
When and how will your home be used?
Is it a holiday home?
In this case, being close to the beaches and restaurants as well as this will play a major role in your choice of property and owning one in a more holiday-oriented area may not bother you as much.
Is it a permanent residence?
In this case it important to be close to as many local amenities as possible (shops, bars and restaurants, leisure, clinics, schools) and that are available all year round, depending on your preferences. It is also important to have others who live all year round near as well.
Should it be rented out when you are not using it?
Keep in mind that the location of the property affects the possibility and the likelihood of renting it out. It is preferred that the property be situated as close as possible to restaurants, swimming pool, beaches as well as other amenities that are usually requested by holiday makers.
There exists another type of tenants that want to spend the winter here in Spain for at least several months. It is usually seen as a lower source of rental income, but they usually rent for longer periods of time.
When you rent out your home, it is mandatory to own a rental license and you are obligated to pay tax on your income. In addition, there are often additional costs, such as someone that acts as a keyholder, making sure that guests are well-received, that keys are handed out and to ensure all is taken care of, such as cleaning and keeping your property presentable. Many homeowners who are seeking to rent out their property use brokerage firms to find tenants, they usually keep between 10-20% of the income, and this means increasing the price of the rent but on the flipside mean receiving a higher income, they can offer services such as maintenance and receiving guests.
Which type of property?
Which type of property would you prefer?
There are many different types of properties, for example:
Quad house
This typically means that there are four homes in one building/plot. You have a small plot that has a balcony/terrace/patio. The residence consists of an upper and lower floor. There may also be variants of this where you only have a ground floor with a plot or an upper floor with a terrace.
Apartment
If it is on the ground floor, there is usually a small terrace or patio. On higher floors you usually find a balcony and the top floor apartment (also known as a penthouse) has a roof terrace. However, if the apartment is in the town or city, it is not certain that you will have a patio at all. Sometimes there may even be a shared roof terrace and it is not always a certainty that there is swimming pool available.
Terraced house/Detached villa
These can be both in a community or completely private. If they are not located within a community, it usually means more maintenance fees for someone to take care of the grounds and of a pool if one is available.
Most of the time, all these properties are in some form of community that takes care of the common areas and pool, etc. However, if you have your own independent villa, it is not certain that it belongs to a community, and this usually means an increased cost to care and maintain the property while you are not there.
The great thing about having community green areas is that you can meet new people.
Measurements, number of rooms, outdoor environment.
In Spain, a property is usually measured in number of bedrooms that it has, apart from that, there is a kitchen, living room and bathrooms.
The size of the property is usually the building area, and any plot/terrace is specified separately. There are various types of outdoor environments, for example, a plot, balcony/terrace, or roof terrace.
Solar orientation
Keeping in mind on how and when you will use your property, it is best to be mindful of its solar orientation. It is something that is considered greatly by citizens of northern countries such as the United Kingdom, this is very important due to there being more hours of sunshine and at a stronger rate than in their home countries. It can be difficult catch the sun during late spring, summer, and autumn. Another thing that is considered is, for example, having large windows facing southwards. This can make all the difference in keeping the property extra warm on the inside during the colder months.
Location
In the City, out in the country, by the sea? How far do you want to be away from the airport? These questions can influence you in your decision making when you are choosing your property and how you use it. If you plan to stay for longer periods, it can be an advantage to live in a larger town with more shops, leisure, and amenities and above all that it is not greatly affected by the low season. If you have the intention of renting your property out, the location of your property is the of the utmost importance, as this directly affects the likelihood of tenants and the amount of income you can receive.
Another important factor to consider is that a property that is near the sea is more likely to require more maintenance as the wear and tear of it being constantly exposed to wind, moisture and sand is higher than more inland properties.
Where should you buy?
Walking and driving distance to beach and amenities.
Will you have access to a car while in Spain?
Car hire is quite cheap during the low season and the range of vehicles is decent. But during the high season it can be significantly more difficult to acquire a car on short notice and it can be significantly more expensive.
Owning a car could be a better option if you are going to spend a lot of time here in Spain.
You are allowed to drive your British-registered car, but it may only be used for 183 days per year and only driven by drivers with a British driving license. It cannot be inspected in Spain but must be checked by the ITV to be able to be used on Spanish roads.
However, you will be banned from driving said vehicle in Spain again, once you leave the country with it.[CBTSS1]
A good alternative is to purchase a Spanish-registered car so you can have it inspected without any problems and the cost of car tax and car insurance is cheaper than in Britain.
If you do not plan to acquire or don’t have access to a car, it is important to have an idea and think about where you are going to buy your property, so that you are near where all the essential amenities are and be within walking distance of them. If you find yourself in a town or a city, public transport is an alternative way of moving around your surroundings, as well as moving around on electric bicycle/scooter and standard bicycle and having the possibility to broaden your horizons.
When you have the need to purchase furniture and other goods, most shops have webpages from where you can order online and have them delivered to your property free of charge or for a small extra fee. I you require help with assembling furniture many companies can offer this service to you, as well as taking your old furniture and/or appliances away with them.
Some supermarkets have the possibility to deliver to your home as well for a small fee.
New build or second hand?
Does it need renovation or remodeling?
Buying a new build is easy. You get the latest building standards and sometimes you even get the opportunity to pick materials. Usually, these properties are what is called “key ready” and can be moved in to straight away. Some construction companies even leave a furniture package for the newly built property, which means you can go to a selected shop and choose furniture and accessories for a predetermined sum of money.
When buying a used property, you should examine it properly so that everything is complete and in working order and that there are no structural faults with the building itself. These homes are often owned by foreigners, and they usually leave the existing furniture in the property itself. Don’t let minor renovations deter you from turning the property into your dream home, as it is usually cheaper to renovate in Spain, the only thing you must be careful about is who you choose to execute your plan, as there are a lot of “cowboy” tradesmen who are looking to make a quick buck.
Budget
When buying a home in Spain a value tax is of 10% of the purchase price is added. Then you must add on additional costs for notary, lawyers and electricity and water contracts, etc. This usually costs between 2-5% of the purchase price. (When you set your budget, you have to factor in between 12-15% on top of the purchase.
Your Guide to Buying a Place in Spain
Picking the Right House or Apartment:
First things first, think about how you plan to use your new home.
Is it a Holiday Spot?
If you’re buying a vacation home, you’ll probably want to be near beaches and restaurants, so look for properties in popular vacation areas.
Is it Permanent?
If it’s your full-time home, it’s vital to be near local amenities like shops, bars, restaurants, schools, and clinics that operate all year. Plus, having neighbors who live there year-round can be a bonus.
Planning to Rent It Out?
If you’re thinking of renting when you're not there, location is key. Homes near restaurants, pools, and beaches tend to rent out more easily. There’s also a growing market for winter rentals, though they might not bring in as much money. You’ll need a rental license and have to pay taxes on rental income. Plus, think about costs for a keyholder and cleaning services. Many people use agencies to find tenants—they take a cut, but they can help with maintenance and guest services.
What Type of Property?
Quad House:
This usually means four homes in one building, with your own patch of land. Expect a couple of floors, maybe just one with a garden or an upper floor with a terrace.
Apartment:
Ground-floor apartments might have a small patio, while those higher up come with balconies. A penthouse typically includes a roof terrace. City apartments might lack these features and may not have access to a pool.
Terraced House/Detached Villa:
These can be in a community or standalone. Standalone places might mean higher maintenance costs. Community properties often have shared amenities, which can be a great way to meet people.
What to Consider:
Size and Layout:
In Spain, properties are often described by the number of bedrooms. The total size usually refers to internal space with outdoor areas specified separately.
Sunlight:
Think about how much sun you want. For folks from places like the UK, south-facing windows are a big plus, especially in cooler months.
Location:
City life, countryside, or seaside? Consider how close you want to be to an airport. If you’ll be renting it out, location can make a big difference in demand and income. Note that coastal properties may require more upkeep due to weather conditions.
Getting Around:
Do you plan to drive? Renting a car is cheaper in the offseason, but pricier and harder to find in peak times. Consider buying a car in Spain, which can be more economical. If you’re not driving, think about proximity to essential services. Public transport, bikes, and scooters can also be handy.
Most stores offer online shopping with home delivery, and many supermarkets deliver for a small fee.
New vs. Pre-Owned:
New Builds:
Building new is straightforward, and you can often choose some materials. These homes are typically move-in ready, sometimes even with a furniture package.
Second-Hand Homes:
Make sure everything’s in working order and check for any structural issues. Previous owners often leave furniture, so minor renovations shouldn't be too off-putting. Renovating in Spain is usually affordable—just choose trustworthy tradesmen.
Budgeting:
Buying in Spain comes with a 10% value-added tax, plus additional costs for notary services, lawyers, and utilities, which add another 2-5% of the purchase price. Plan for 12-15% extra on top of the home’s price.
