Buy a property in Spain - LEM Real Estate

CHOOSING THE RIGHT PROPERTY

Knowing our approximate budget is the first aspect to take into account. That will help focus on the most suitable properties, avoiding those that are not affordable.

Compare. We strongly recommend that you work with a professional. Being advised by a qualified real estate agent is essential to avoid any unpleasant surprises and waste of time. Before making any final decision, it is advisable that you visit different properties with your real estate agent.

Payment method: cash or mortgage. If you are considering to apply for a loan in Spain, you need to know that the maximum mortgage amount allowed to non-residents is 60% of the valuation price. This procedure can take up to one month.

Check the property’s legal situation. In order to make sure that all the legal requirements are met along the purchase process (Due Diligence, contracts, tax payment, etc.), we recommend that you hire a lawyer who has experience in real estate. Your real estate agent can also advise you about this.

REQUIREMENTS TO PURCHASE A PROPERTY IN SPAIN.

THE PROCESS.

Non-residents willing to buy a property in Spain are required a NIE (identification number for foreigners).

This is your personal identification number and it is necessary for any transaction that you need to make in Spain.

Bank account.

Even though it is not compulsory, it is highly recommended to open a Spanish bank account. Payments related to the purchase as well as future bills (utility bills, taxes) need to be paid in Spain and setting a direct debit will make it easier.

Once you have found the right property and the seller has accepted your offer

The next step is to sign and pay the reservation contract (the usual amount is €6,000) in order to take the property off the market.

After this and usually within 10 days, the lawyers will create a private agreement where 10% of the property price will be paid.

Finally, within an agreed period of time (normally, 1 or 2 months), the title deed will be signed and the remaining amount will be paid. Then, you will receive the property keys and ownership.

TAXES ASSOCIATED WITH BUYING A PROPERTY IN SPAIN.

New build properties: When buying a new property in Spain, the buyer will have to pay VAT and Stamp Duty (IVA y Actos Jurídicos Documentados).

VAT

The tax value is 10% of the total selling price.

Resale properties (second-hand properties)

When buying a second-hand property, the tax that applies is the transfer tax (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales). In Andalucia, the percentage is 7%.

Stamp Duty

This tax depends on the autonomous region and it has to be paid when the deed is signed at the notary and later registered in the Land Registry. In the case of Andalucia, the stamp duty is 1.5% of the property selling price. However, this percentage has been reduced to 1.2%.

TAXES AFTER PURCHASE (ANNUAL)

Property Ownership TAX

(Impuesto sobre bienes inmuebles - IBI). This is a local tax that applies to properties. The amount is calculated according to the property cadastral value.

Rubbish collection TAX

This is a fee established by the city council and the value varies depending on the town.

Personal Income Tax

(Impuesto sobre la Renta de No Residentes – IRNR). This is a tax that non-residents pay for their properties in Spain.

EXPENSES WHEN BUYING A PROPERTY IN SPAIN.

IMPORTANT ADVICE: Look, compare and choose your property with the help and guidance of a real estate professional.

If you let a professional real estate agency guide and advise you through the purchase process, you will avoid unpleasant surprises.

Notary

Notary expenses depend on the property price and the number of pages that the deed has. For example: for a property whose purchase price is €200,000, notary fees can be €900 approximately.

Land Registry

These fees are related to inscribing the property deed with the Land Registry. The prices are legally regulated and the total amount is calculated in relation to the purchase price and the number of buyers. It is usually inferior to the notary fees.

If you apply for a mortgage, valuation, notary and loan fees will also be included.