Why buying a house in Spain is different from buying one in the Netherlands

If you’re buying a home in Spain for the first time, you’ll quickly notice that the process runs  just a bit differently than in the Netherlands. Often, I hear from clients that they’re surprised by the differences – from the language to reserving a property. In this blog, I’ll take you through a number of key points that you éreally need to know before you buy your dream home under the Spanish sun.

The language barrier: documents always in Spanish

Although many people on the Costa Blanca speak English, and sometimes even Dutch, official documents are always drawn up in Spanish. For many buyers, this feels a bit awkward at first. After all, how can you be sure you understand everything correctly? That’s why I always recommend hiring a reliable lawyer. That way, you can be confident you won’t run into any unpleasant surprises.

Working with real estate agents: the address stays secret

In the Netherlands, it’s very common that you know in advance exactly where a property is located. In Spain, it works differently. It often happens that a home is listed for sale online, but the address isn’t shared. Only when you view it is the location revealed. At first, this can feel strange, but it’s the standard here. It’s meant to protect the interests of sellers and real estate agents. Data protection in Spain is taken very seriously.

Reserving a property: obligations and rights

Another important difference is reserving the property. In Spain, a reservation contract is often drawn up, in which you pay an amount to take the home temporarily off the market. This gives you time to sort out the legal and financial matters. But pay attention: there are also obligations attached to it. So it’s essential that you know exactly what you’re signing and which rights and duties apply.

The role of the notary: different from the Netherlands

The notary also works differently in Spain. Where the notary in the Netherlands checks everything in detail, his role here is mainly to officially record the purchase and carry out the final checks. The legal preliminary due diligence – such as whether the property has no debts or is properly registered – is handled by the lawyer. That’s why good guidance is indispensable.

Small things that make a big difference

Many people also appreciate the small things that are arranged ná after the purchase. Think about organising a pool cleaner or a gardener. For you, this might seem like a minor detail, but often these people speak only Spanish. Without help, it’s difficult to arrange this yourself. These very practical matters are what ensure you can enjoy your new home worry-free.

Conclusion: good guidance makes the difference

Buying a house in Spain is a wonderful adventure, but it’s also a process full of new experiences. The language, reserving the property, the notary’s role – all of these are aspects that differ from what you’re used to in the Netherlands. With the right guidance, this process isn’t complicated, but rather becomes a valuable and enjoyable journey. My goal is that you not only buy safely, but also enjoy your place under the Spanish sun without worries.