The purchasing process

Buying a house in Spain is different from the Netherlands. I will personally guide you from start to finish throughout the entire purchase process.

Do you want to buy a house on the Costa Blanca?

The house-buying process in Spain is exciting and unique. Many people find it overwhelming—that’s not surprising! That’s why I offer personal guidance, from start to finish. I’d be happy to explain what this journey looks like, so you can be well prepared and buy your dream home in Spain without worries.

Before buying a house in Spain

I love a personal approach. That’s why I’m happy to make an appointment so I can provide you with all the information. What’s involved when buying a house in Spain, and what’s possible? This way, you’ll be well prepared before you start viewing properties in Spain and you can focus on looking in particular. We’ll also discuss your wishes and set a date for viewing properties in Spain. You’ll receive a selection of homes by email, and you can indicate which properties you’d like to see. After that, I schedule the properties for viewing. I can also help you find the right accommodation for your stay in Spain.

During the process

Once we’re in Spain, we will view the properties, and I’ll show you a bit of the region so you get a good impression of the area. The house is important, but so is the surroundings! Usually we plan around two days. With the information already gathered in the Netherlands, you’ll quickly get a clear picture of what’s possible and how realistic your wishes are. Often, your wishes are adjusted, and I’m flexible so we can also look at other properties that weren’t selected earlier. In many cases, you only truly get clarity on what you want during the viewings in Spain—and in general I can respond to that right away.

Reserving the property

Sometimes even while you’re staying in Spain, but also after returning to your country, a bid is placed on the property you liked. If the buyer and seller agree on the bid, a deposit of generally € 3000 is paid to reserve the property. The seller then removes the property from the market (especially because a house can be listed for sale with different agents). By the way, this reserved amount is deducted from the purchase price. A reservation contract is also signed. After reserving, a number of steps must be taken—steps that I will of course help my clients with, and which set the process in motion. Think of:

• Applying for a NIE number

This is a sort of citizen service number in Spain, and I’ll help you with the application.

• If desired, applying for a mortgage

Of course, I’ll first inform you about the options in advance. I introduce you to a good bank and help with the application as well, including with the language.

• Engaging a lawyer

I put you in touch with a good lawyer who checks the property, including for any debts and charges, whether there are municipal claims on it, whether any renovations were carried out legally, and whether the m2 listed in the land registry matches reality. I keep up with the lawyer’s correspondence, monitor the process, and explain which steps need to be taken if necessary.

• Signing the preliminary purchase contract about three weeks after the reservation

Once everything has been checked and approved, the preliminary purchase contract is signed and the 10% deposit is paid. A date for the transfer is also agreed. I review all documents and check whether the Spanish translation matches the English translation, since the Spanish text is legally binding.

• Opening a bank account

I arrange an appointment at the bank for that and go with you.

• Insurance for the property

I put you in touch with a good insurance provider who also speaks Dutch.

• Transfer

On the day of the transfer, I’m present for the pre-notary check of the property, and afterwards I accompany you to the notary. The deed is then signed and you receive the keys to your home.

After transferring your house in Spain

After the transfer, there are still a number of things that need to be arranged, and I’ll be happy to help you with those as well:

• I ensure that everything is handled correctly from a tax perspective in Spain for you

• Arranging the poolboy, landscaping company and, if applicable, appointments

• Discussing the options for WiFi and satellite TV

• Discussing the rental of the property and the options

• A renovation/refresh of the property

• Address for transporting belongings from the Netherlands

• Tips on where to buy items in Spain

Want more information about how I work? Watch my company film.

Are you looking for your dream home in Spain? Feel free to contact me with no obligation at all. I’d be happy to help you with it.