Buyers Guide
Spanish Property Buyers Guide
Costs to Purchase on the Costa Del Sol - Buying Property in Spain
Below you will find our detailed Buyers Guide for Buying Property in Spain. Our Buyers Guide outlines all stages of purchasing a property on the Costa Del Sol. The costs to purchase in Spain vary depending on the property. This Buyers Guide outlines what happens during the purchase process.
Our comprehensive Buyers Guide answers many of the Important questions you may have on your mind. The costs to purchase in Spain vary depending on the type of property, and also the price of the purchase.
Within the Buyers Guide we highlight each stage of the process. We outline many of the points your Independent Lawyer will check. Click through the different stages below, or alternatively we have provided the text in full further down the page.
If this doesn't answer your questions in full. Then feel free to drop us a message and we will endeavor to answer as soon as we can.
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Buyers Guide
Now that you've made the decision to purchase property in Spain. RJH Estates are ready to help and assist you through the entire process from start to finish.
We can offer local knowledge and 15 years of experience on the Costa Del Sol. And can provide you with help, advice, and many recommendations. Local Independent Spanish Lawyers. Financial Advisors and Currency companies. To ensure that your purchase goes smoothly, and stress-free.
Finding The Property
Finding the right property is just the start of your journey! After making the trip to the Costa Del Sol, and after numerous viewings. You find yourself in the position where your dreams have suddenly turned to reality. So what now?
Negotiation Stage
The next step is to make a formal offer verbally and in writing. Followed by negotiations on price, furnishings, or any other questions raised. Until Buyer and Seller are both in mutual agreement.
Reservation Stage
When everything has been agreed at the Negotiation Stage. The next step is for RJH Estates to draw up a Reservation Contract.
A Reservation Contract is a temporary puchase document. It outlines the details, terms and conditions of the property purchase. These details will have been agreed by both Buyer and Seller. At this stage, the Seller will agree to remove the property off the market. To not allow any further viewings and fix the price agreed. This gives your Lawyer approximately 2 weeks (Sometimes less) to carry out their necessary due diligence and searches. Thus ensuring the property has all deeds and legal documents. Any outstanding debts (If any) are known. And the Seller is the legal owner of the property.
The Reservation Contract is standard practice here in Spain. It is used to reserve or "hold" the property off market for an agreed period of time. It will outline basic terms and conditions of the purchase. And would then be approved and signed by both Buyer and Seller for your Lawyer to take over the next phase.
This document usually includes:
- Full Name of Buyer and Seller.
- Agreed Price of the Property.
- Full Address of the Property.
- Estimated Date to sign the Private Purchase Contract which is a Legally Binding Document.
- Any other special terms/conditions. (Subject to finance, Subject to Viewing, Furnishings to be included etc)
- Deposit amount required to secure/reserve the property.
Reservation Deposit
A €6,000 Euro Reservation deposit will next need to be paid. While the necessary due diligence is carried out. This Deposit can be paid via Credit Card or Bank Transfer. We always recommend it to be paid directly to your Independent Lawyer. The reservation deposit is held in your Lawyers Escrow/Client account.
The Reservation Deposit, along with the Reservation Contract holds the property off market. While your Lawyer checks the paperwork, and gives you time to apply for a Mortgage if required.
This Deposit is FULLY REFUNDABLE. Should your chosen Lawyer discover any legal impediments relating to the property. They will inform you of this immediately and request a refund of monies paid.
Should you decide to continue with the purchase after your Lawyer has carried out their due diligence. The Reservation Deposit will be used towards the purchase price. It's not an additional payment. And will be accounted for by your Lawyer throughout the Purchase Process. Once your Lawyer has conducted their full and thorough due diligence. They will inform you of their findings. And discuss with you directly to prepare and move to Private Purchase Contract.
Due Diligence
We mentioned Due Diligence above. However it's necessary to know exactly what this includes. Your Lawyer will carry out all of the following searches/checks. And be in contact with you at every step with regular updates until their searches are complete:
- Legal declaration from the Seller proving that they are the owner/s. And positioned to sell as outlined and agreed in the Reservation Contract.
- Exact Address, dimensions and details of the Property. It's features and what's included in the Referencia Catastral. The Spanish Government's registration of the property.
- Coordinate with the Sellers Lawyer to agree a completion Date. And handover of keys, signing at Notary etc.
- Obtain a copy of the Escritura or Nota Simple. (Title Deed). Showing any Mortgage or Loan secured against the property.
- Obtain copies of the current accounts from the Community of owners. (If applicable). Showing outstanding debts if any.
- Obtain copies of IBI and Basura payments. (Council Tax and Refuse Collection) from the local Town Hall. Again showing outstanding debts if any.
- Obtain copies of bills and Account Numbers for Utilities. (Electricity, Water etc) to show any debts. And to change service for uninterrupted connection after completion.
- Obtain copies of Passports. NIE Documents and/or Identity Documents for both Buyer and Seller.
- Anti Money Laundering documents. Proving or tracing the funds used for the purchase and where the money originated.
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) showing the Energy rating of the property. This is now a legal requirement in Spain and provided by the Seller of the property.
- Apply for Mortgage if applicable.
- Apply for NIE Numbers (Spanish Identity Number for non residents/foreigners).
- Open Bank Accounts if necessary.
- Transfer of utilities (Electricity, Water etc) and Direct Debit payment set-up.
- IBI, Community Fees, Basura payments set-up for Direct Debit.
- Application or advice on Buildings and Contents home insurance.
- Arrange to sign a Power of Attorney. Giving your Lawyer the Power to obtain and sign any Legal Documents on your behalf. Any decisions made are with your written authorization.
This list is to be used as an example. Most or all of the Due Diligence above will be included as part of your Lawyers Legal fee. Conveyancing and services provided will be included in the Schedule/Breakdown of costs.
Private Purchase Contract
When all of the above has been checked and agreed. And both parties are ready to move forward. Your Lawyer will prepare the Private Purchase Contract ready for signing. And instruct you to start making preparations for transfer of funds. If there is a Mortgage involved, they will be in contact with the Bank in question. And arrange a date for completion and access to the funds ready to transfer. All transactions are handled through your Lawyers Escrow/Client account.
Depending on the type of purchase, a further deposit will need to be paid. (Less the Reservation Deposit). As a percentage of the purchase price. The Reservation deposit forms part of this payment. And will be deducted from the total balance outstanding. Any applicable taxes will be added. And your Lawyer will provide you with a FULL Breakdown of costs associated with the purchase.
After signing of the Private Purchase Contract and transfer of Deposits. The completion date will be agreed by both parties in preparation for completion at Notary.
On completion at Notary, your Lawyer will handle the property transaction in full. They will pay off any existing or outstanding debts. And sign on your behalf with Power of Attorney if necessary. The entire process takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks depending on the purchase. And if there is any Mortgage/Finance application involved.
At Notary, after signing and hand over of keys. You will be the new legal owner. And the property will be free of any/all outstanding debts and unencumbered.
At this stage we always recommend a Locksmith to change the locks. There could possibly be other Family Members. Other Estate Agents. Or even past Tenants with sets of keys that we are unaware of. This is for your own peace of mind and security. It's not a necessity yet advisable. And we can point you in the right direction of a local Locksmith to organize.
Congratulations!! you are now the New Legal Owner.
Costs to Purchase in Spain
Purchase costs vary depending on the property. If it's a Resale or New Build. And of course the purchase price. As a guide we have outlined below, however total costs can vary from 11% to 15%. Your Lawyer will provide a statement of account. And concise Schedule and Breakdown of costs associated with the purchase:
Some of the costs applicable, percentages are based on the agreed purchase price.
- 10% IVA (VAT) - On New Build/Off Plan properties.
- 8%, 9% or 10% IVA (VAT) - On Resale properties, depending on the purchase price and works on a sliding scale.
- 1% Legal Fees (Plus 21% IVA on the 1%) - Your Lawyers fee to carry out the Due Diligence above
- 1% Notary Fees - Scales depending on the agreed purchase price. And will be worked out exactly in the breakdown of costs.
- 1.5% Stamp Duty - Tax charged to make all documents legally effective.
- 1-1.5% Mortgage Set-up costs - Only applicable if the purchaser requires a mortgage.
We hope you found our Buyers Guide useful and informative. If you have any further questions. Or if any of the points were unclear in any way, please let us know.
Your feedback is VERY important. So please drop us a message using the contact form below with any questions you may have.
Buyers Guide for the Costa Del Sol
Buying Property in Spain and costs to purchase.
Now that you've made the decision to purchase property in Spain. RJH Estates are ready to help and assist you through the entire process from start to finish.
We can offer local knowledge and 15 years of experience on the Costa Del Sol. And can provide you with help, advice, and many recommendations. Local Independent Spanish Lawyers. Financial Advisors and Currency companies. To ensure that your purchase goes smoothly, and stress-free.
Finding The Property
Finding the right property is just the start of your journey! After making the trip to the Costa Del Sol, and after numerous viewings. You find yourself in the position where your dreams have suddenly turned to reality. So what now?
Negotiation Stage
The next step is to make a formal offer verbally and in writing. Followed by negotiations on price, furnishings, or any other questions raised. Until Buyer and Seller are both in mutual agreement.
Reservation Stage
This section of our Buyers Guide for the Costa Del Sol explains the reservation stage
When everything has been agreed at the Negotiation Stage. The next step is for RJH Estates to draw up a Reservation Contract.
A Reservation Contract is a temporary puchase document. It outlines the details, terms and conditions of the property purchase. These details will have been agreed by both Buyer and Seller. At this stage, the Seller will agree to remove the property off the market. To not allow any further viewings and fix the price agreed. This gives your Lawyer approximately 2 weeks (Sometimes less) to carry out their necessary due diligence and searches. Thus ensuring the property has all deeds and legal documents. Any outstanding debts (If any) are known. And the Seller is the legal owner of the property.
The Reservation Contract is standard practice here in Spain. It is used to reserve or "hold" the property off market for an agreed period of time. It will outline basic terms and conditions of the purchase. And would then be approved and signed by both Buyer and Seller for your Lawyer to take over the next phase.
This document usually includes:
- Full Name of Buyer and Seller.
- Agreed Price of the Property.
- Full Address of the Property.
- Estimated Date to sign the Private Purchase Contract which is a Legally Binding Document.
- Any other special terms/conditions. (Subject to finance, Subject to Viewing, Furnishings to be included etc)
- Deposit amount required to secure/reserve the property.
Reservation Deposit
This section of our Spanish Buyers Guide explains the need for a reservation deposit.
A €6,000 Euro Reservation deposit will next need to be paid. While the necessary due diligence is carried out. This Deposit can be paid via Credit Card or Bank Transfer. We always recommend it to be paid directly to your Independent Lawyer. The reservation deposit is held in your Lawyers Escrow/Client account.
The Reservation Deposit, along with the Reservation Contract holds the property off market. While your Lawyer checks the paperwork, and gives you time to apply for a Mortgage if required.
This Deposit is FULLY REFUNDABLE. Should your chosen Lawyer discover any legal impediments relating to the property. They will inform you of this immediately and request a refund of monies paid.
Should you decide to continue with the purchase after your Lawyer has carried out their due diligence. The Reservation Deposit will be used towards the purchase price. It's not an additional payment. And will be accounted for by your Lawyer throughout the Purchase Process. Once your Lawyer has conducted their full and thorough due diligence. They will inform you of their findings. And discuss with you directly to prepare and move to Private Purchase Contract.
Due Diligence
This section of our Buyers Guide for the Costa Del Sol outlines Due Diligence. This is carried out according to your Independent Lawyers Instruction.
We mentioned Due Diligence above. However it's necessary to know exactly what this includes. Your Lawyer will carry out all of the following searches/checks. And be in contact with you at every step with regular updates until their searches are complete:
- Legal declaration from the Seller proving that they are the owner/s. And positioned to sell as outlined and agreed in the Reservation Contract.
- Exact Address, dimensions and details of the Property. It's features and what's included in the Referencia Catastral. The Spanish Government's registration of the property.
- Coordinate with the Sellers Lawyer to agree a completion Date. And handover of keys, signing at Notary etc.
- Obtain a copy of the Escritura or Nota Simple. (Title Deed). Showing any Mortgage or Loan secured against the property.
- Obtain copies of the current accounts from the Community of owners. (If applicable). Showing outstanding debts if any.
- Obtain copies of IBI and Basura payments. (Council Tax and Refuse Collection) from the local Town Hall. Again showing outstanding debts if any.
- Obtain copies of bills and Account Numbers for Utilities. (Electricity, Water etc) to show any debts. And to change service for uninterrupted connection after completion.
- Obtain copies of Passports. NIE Documents and/or Identity Documents for both Buyer and Seller.
- Anti Money Laundering documents. Proving or tracing the funds used for the purchase and where the money originated.
- EPC (Energy Performance Certificate) showing the Energy rating of the property. This is now a legal requirement in Spain and provided by the Seller of the property.
- Apply for Mortgage if applicable.
- Apply for NIE Numbers (Spanish Identity Number for non residents/foreigners).
- Open Bank Accounts if necessary.
- Transfer of utilities (Electricity, Water etc) and Direct Debit payment set-up.
- IBI, Community Fees, Basura payments set-up for Direct Debit.
- Application or advice on Buildings and Contents home insurance.
- Arrange to sign a Power of Attorney. Giving your Lawyer the Power to obtain and sign any Legal Documents on your behalf. Any decisions made are with your written authorization.
This list is to be used as an example. Most or all of the Due Diligence above will be included as part of your Lawyers Legal fee. Conveyancing and services provided will be included in the Schedule/Breakdown of costs.
Private Purchase Contract
This section of our Buyers Guide for Spain explains the Private Purchase contract.
When everything above has been checked and agreed. And both parties are ready to move forward. Your Lawyer will prepare the Private Purchase Contract ready for signing. And instruct you to start making preparations for transfer of funds. If there is a Mortgage involved, they will be in contact with the Bank in question. And arrange a date for completion and access to the funds ready to transfer. All transactions are handled through your Lawyers Escrow/Client account.
Depending on the type of purchase, a further deposit will need to be paid. (Less the Reservation Deposit). As a percentage of the purchase price. The Reservation deposit forms part of this payment. And will be deducted from the total balance outstanding. Any applicable taxes will be added. And your Lawyer will provide you with a FULL Breakdown of costs associated with the purchase.
After signing of the Private Purchase Contract and transfer of Deposits. The completion date will be agreed by both parties in preparation for completion at Notary.
On completion at Notary, your Lawyer will handle the property transaction in full. They will pay off any existing or outstanding debts. And sign on your behalf with Power of Attorney if necessary. The entire process takes approximately 6 to 8 weeks depending on the purchase. And if there is any Mortgage/Finance application involved.
At Notary, after signing and hand over of keys. You will be the new legal owner. And the property will be free of any/all outstanding debts and unencumbered.
At this stage we always recommend a Locksmith to change the locks. There could possibly be other Family Members. Other Estate Agents. Or even past Tenants with sets of keys that we are unaware of. This is for your own peace of mind and security. It's not a necessity yet advisable. And we can point you in the right direction of a local Locksmith to organize.
Congratulations!! you are now the New Legal Owner.
Costs to Purchase in Spain
This section of our Costa Del Sol Buyers Guide explains the various purchase costs in Spain.
Purchase costs vary depending on the property. If it's a Resale or New Build. And of course the purchase price. As a guide we have outlined below, however total costs can vary from 11% to 15%. Your Lawyer will provide a statement of account. And concise Schedule and Breakdown of costs associated with the purchase:
Some of the costs applicable, percentages are based on the agreed purchase price.
- 10% IVA (VAT) - On New Build/Off Plan properties.
- 8%, 9% or 10% IVA (VAT) - On Resale properties, depending on the purchase price and works on a sliding scale.
- 1% Legal Fees (Plus 21% IVA on the 1%) - Your Lawyers fee to carry out the Due Diligence above
- 1% Notary Fees - Scales depending on the agreed purchase price. And will be worked out exactly in the breakdown of costs.
- 1.5% Stamp Duty - Tax charged to make all documents legally effective.
- 1-1.5% Mortgage Set-up costs - Only applicable if the purchaser requires a mortgage.
We hope you found our Buyers Guide useful and informative. If you have any further questions. Or if any of the points were unclear in any way, please let us know.
Your feedback is VERY important. So please drop us a message using the contact form above with any questions you may have.
Quick Enquiry
Buyers Guide Costa Del Sol
Client Testimonials
"After searching for our very own "Place in the Sun" from the comfort of home, we finally decided to take the plunge and ventured out to the Costa Del Sol. We contacted RJH Estates who were more than helpful in making all the arrangements, and after a number of viewings we found the perfect Holiday Home that we had always dreamt of! Richard was so helpful and attentive to our needs, he not only found us the perfect home, but introduced and recommended us to Solicitors to handle the purchase. We fully recommend Richard and RJH Estates"
"Our plans to retire and live in sunny Spain were finally realised after speaking with RJH Estates. Richard made us feel so relaxed for what was such an important decision and the whole process was surprisingly stress free from start to finish. We eventually found the Villa we always pictured in our minds, and plan to be drinking Sangria in the Sun for many years to come."
"We decided to invest in Spain after speaking with friends who had already bought an apartment from plan. Our ideas were to spend the Winter on holiday, and rent our property for the Summer months, after visiting numerous projects and going through plans we decided on a beachfront apartment and couldn't be more happy with our decision. RJH Estates guided us and entertained us through the duration, and would highly recommend."
"Fully recommend Richard who helped us find our new home. Really appreciated his punctuality and reliability and nothing was too much trouble for him. He quickly grasped our requirements therefore avoiding unnecessary viewings. Completely recommend him."
