Buying & Selling

1. 💰 Know what you can spend
Before dreaming of sea views or Mediterranean tiles: dive into your finances. What can and do you want to spend? Think of the purchase price plus extra costs like taxes and notary fees (budget an extra 11–15%). Need a mortgage? Sort that check early in the process.

2. 🧭 What do you really want?
Are you dreaming of a new build or a charming house that needs some love? A sunny balcony, a garden, peace and quiet, beach nearby or the buzz of a city? Be clear on your must-haves and nice-to-haves. Clarity helps reduce decision stress.

3. 📍 Pick your spot in Spain
Beach, mountains, city or village? Spain is incredibly diverse, from the warm south to the lush northern coast. Consider accessibility, climate and how you plan to use the property. Never been to the region? Plan an orientation trip – because location isn’t something you can change.

4. 👀 Seeing is knowing
Let yourself be inspired! Based on your wishes and budget, we can already propose some properties. This gives you a realistic picture of what’s possible — and brings your dream into focus.

5. 🤝 Bring us in
The buying process in Spain is different from Belgium or the Netherlands. With SpaansVastgoed.be – a certified (buyer’s) agent – at your side, you’ll avoid hassle and save money. You’ll be guided from A to Z.

6. 🗓️ Plan your trip wisely
Time to visit? Be aware of Spanish holidays and the fact that Saturdays and Sundays are often off-limits for viewings. Coordinate your travel dates with us – and make sure your financial documents are ready in case you want to reserve quickly.

7. 🏡 Stay open – but focused
The house hunt begins! Together, we’ll create a shortlist of properties that are truly worth seeing. Be critical, stay open to suggestions, and avoid an overloaded viewing schedule. You're not buying a loaf of bread – take your time and stay focused.

8. ⚖️ Let a lawyer check everything
Never buy based on trust alone. We’ll connect you with an independent lawyer or gestor who checks all documents, including title deeds, permits and any outstanding debts. This way you avoid nasty surprises and ensure everything is 100% legal.

9. 🔗 Use our network
From mortgage advice to renovations or keyholding while you're away – we have the right people. Trusted, experienced, and with your best interest at heart. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel.

10. 🏖️ Bienvenido a tu casa
All set? Then it’s time to fully enjoy your place in Spain. The sun, the food, the peace (or the energy) — you made it happen. Welcome home!

🔸 Every purchase is a unique journey for all involved. This guide is just a roadmap, but we hope it gives you a clear picture of what to expect with SpaansVastgoed.be.

As soon as you sign the reservation contract and pay the deposit, a key phase of the purchase process begins. Here’s a step-by-step guide of what to expect:

1. ✅ Reservation contract signed & deposit paid

Your property is temporarily off the market! The seller agrees not to sell it to others while you finalize your documentation.
💡 Tip: Keep a copy of the signed contract and proof of payment of the reservation fee (usually €3,000 – €6,000).

2. 🧑‍⚖️ Hire a lawyer

An independent Spanish lawyer or gestor checks the full legal status of the property:
• Is the owner correctly registered?
• Are there debts, mortgages, or building issues?
• Are all permits in order?
💡 This is crucial to avoid surprises later on.

3. 📄 Drafting the private purchase contract (Contrato de Arras)

The ‘Arras’ contract is prepared. It’s binding for both parties. You usually pay 10% of the purchase price.
💡 If you back out as the buyer, you lose your deposit. If the seller backs out, they must repay double.

4. 🏦 Mortgage application (if needed)

Need financing? Then the mortgage process starts now.
💡 Start this process as soon as possible – it can take up to 2 months.

5. 📑 NIE number & power of attorney

• An NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is required for every purchase.
• A power of attorney is practical: your lawyer or gestor can handle everything without you having to travel back and forth.

💡 We advise getting this already sorted during your property search.

6. 📅 Schedule notary appointment & official transfer

Once all documents are approved and financing is confirmed, the notary appointment is scheduled. You’ll sign the deed of ownership (escritura pública).
💡 From this moment, you are officially the owner!

7. 💡 Utilities, taxes & registration

After the transfer, your lawyer or advisor takes care of:
• Changing water, electricity, internet into your name
• Land registry registration
• Tax declaration
• Possible municipal registration

8. 🏠 Furnishing, key management & possible rental

The home is yours! Now you can start decorating, arrange key holding, or prepare for (holiday) rentals. LuxEliteFinance or your agent can connect you with reliable partners.

🎉 Time to enjoy

After all the paperwork — it’s finally here: welcome to your slice of Spain! Whether you stay yourself or rent it out – you’ve made a valuable investment and found a new home under the sun.

Thinking of buying a home in Spain and (partially) financing it with a mortgage? You can — even if you don’t live in Spain! Below is a clear, structured explanation of how a Spanish mortgage works, what to expect, and what to watch out for.

📌 1. Foreigners can also get a mortgage in Spain

Good news: Spanish banks do provide mortgages to non-residents (foreigners without tax residence in Spain).
💡 Note: usually up to 70% of the purchase price can be financed.

📌 2. You always need personal funds

You’ll need to cover about 30% of the purchase price yourself, plus 11–15% for additional costs (notary, taxes, lawyer…).
💡 Plan for about 40–45% of the total in personal capital.

📌 3. Your income determines how much you can borrow

The bank will assess your monthly income, fixed expenses, and any existing loans.
💡 As a rule of thumb: your total financial obligations (including those in your home country) may not exceed 35–40% of your income.

📌 4. Mortgage types and durations

The most common type is an annuity mortgage (fixed monthly payments).
• Terms: usually 15 to 25 years
• Interest: fixed or variable, depending on the bank and your profile

📌 5. Documents you’ll need to apply

To apply for a mortgage, you’ll need to provide several documents, such as:
• Recent payslips or annual income statements
• Employer or pension statement
• Overview of current loans (official doc)
• Bank statements (last 6 months) of ALL accounts
• Proof of ownership or rental agreement
• Passport or ID (plus apply for your NIE asap)

💡 If you’re self-employed, an accountant’s declaration may be required.

📌 6. The property must be appraised

The Spanish bank will arrange an official property valuation (costs approx. €350 – €700). This helps determine the loan amount.
💡 The loan is based on the lower of the purchase price or the valuation.

📌 7. The bank makes an offer

Once your file is assessed, you’ll receive a binding mortgage offer (FEIN). This must be delivered at least 10 days before signing the deed.
💡 Review the terms carefully, including interest rates and any mandatory insurance policies.

📌 8. Signing at the notary

The mortgage deed is signed together with the title deed at a Spanish notary.
From that moment, everything is official — you’re now both owner and mortgage holder.

📌 9. Monthly payments are auto-deducted

Repayments are taken automatically from your Spanish bank account.
💡 Make sure your balance is sufficient — and schedule international transfers in time.

📌 10. Need help? Let an expert guide you

The Spanish mortgage process is different from what you may be used to. LuxEliteFinance guides you step-by-step, from simulations to key handover — negotiating with banks on your behalf.

✨ Your Spanish dream is closer than you think — even with a mortgage.

Congratulations on your purchase! But even after signing at the notary, owning a home in Spain comes with ongoing obligations. Here’s a clear overview of what still needs to be done – depending on whether you are a fiscal resident or non-resident.

🔹 General – What EVERY owner must do (resident or not)

✅ 1. Registration in the Property Register (Registro de la Propiedad)
After the notarial deed, your lawyer or gestor will register your name in the land registry. This is essential to legally secure your ownership.

✅ 2. Transfer of utility contracts
• Water, electricity, gas, internet, etc.
• Automatic payment from a Spanish bank account is recommended.
💡 Make sure everything is in your name and that the previous owner is de-registered.

✅ 3. Activation of municipal taxes (IBI & basura)
• IBI = annual property tax
• Basura = waste collection fee
Your property must be registered in your name with the municipality, with auto-payment set up.

🔹 For non-residents (not fiscally living in Spain)

✅ 1. Mandatory NIE tax return (Modelo 210)
As a non-resident property owner, you must file a yearly Modelo 210 tax return — even if you don’t rent out the property.
• You pay a kind of “deemed rental income tax.”
• For EU residents, the rate is usually 19%.
💡 Have this filed by a gestor or tax advisor — late filing leads to high fines.

✅ 2. Renting out? Additional rules apply
• Quarterly tax declarations required
• Costs may be deducted (if you're an EU resident)
• A rental license may be required for tourist lets

✅ 3. Make sure you have a Spanish bank account
Needed for automatic payments: utilities, taxes, IBI, etc.

🔹 For residents (fiscally living in Spain)

✅ 1. Include the property in your Spanish tax return (IRPF)
Your home is part of your worldwide assets and must be declared in your annual income tax (IRPF).

✅ 2. Renting it out? Declare rental income
• Rental income must be declared
• You may deduct depreciation and costs

✅ 3. Primary residence? Declare this status
If it’s your main home, you may qualify for tax benefits — but you must actually live there and be registered with the town hall.

🔹 Optional / Depending on your situation

• Draw up a Spanish will (highly recommended)
• Spanish health insurance or registration with Seguridad Social (for residents)
• Wealth tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio) if your assets in Spain exceed the threshold

✨ Important: Get proper advice!
Tax and legal rules differ by situation. Good guidance — from a lawyer, tax advisor, or gestor — prevents mistakes and unpleasant surprises.

🧭 Tip: SpaansVastgoed.be works with trusted lawyers and fiscal experts to help with all post-purchase formalities. You relax — we take care of the rest.

A Rent to Buy agreement (alquiler con opción a compra) combines renting a property with the right to purchase it later. This type of contract is ideal for buyers who need time to arrange financing or want more certainty before committing.

🔹 1. Contract structure

A Spanish alquiler con opción a compra consists of two parts:
• A rental agreement (contrato de arrendamiento)
• A purchase option (opción de compra)
These are usually merged into one legally binding contract.

🔹 2. Key financial elements

✅ Monthly rent
• Paid like in a standard rental contract.
• Often slightly above market price, as the owner reserves the property for the tenant.

✅ Contract duration
• Typically 1 to 5 years.
• During this period, the tenant may purchase the property under predefined terms.

✅ Purchase price
• Agreed in advance in the contract.
• This protects the tenant from future price increases.

✅ Option fee (prima de opción)
• Often an upfront payment is required (e.g. 5–10% of the purchase price).
• This amount is deducted from the final price if the purchase happens.
• If the tenant decides not to buy, this fee is lost.

✅ Offsetting rent payments
• In many cases, part or all of the paid rent is deducted from the final price.
• Example: after 3 years at €1,000/month, €36,000 is discounted from the purchase price.

🔹 3. Advantages

For buyers/tenants:
• Time to arrange a mortgage or build savings.
• Fixed price provides certainty.
• Opportunity to “test” the home.

For sellers/owners:
• Rental income.
• Potential buyer without agency fees.
• Reduced vacancy period.

🔹 4. Taxes and costs

• IBI (property tax): usually paid by the owner until purchase.
• Transfer tax (ITP) or VAT: only due upon buying.
• Notary and registration fees: also due only at the final stage.

💡 It is highly recommended that both parties involve a lawyer to draft the contract properly.

🔹 5. Risks

• Tenant loses the option fee if they don’t proceed with the purchase.
• Financial changes may affect the buyer’s ability to purchase.
• The owner cannot sell the property to others during the contract term.

Exemple Calcuation