Buying in Spain
Spain's east coast is accessible from many French airports. Enjoy a heavenly climate, with summer temperatures around 35°C and pleasant winter temperatures of around 20°C, all accompanied by lower acquisition costs than in France. What's more, if you're looking to invest in rental property, the Costa Brava is France's favorite vacation destination, making it not only an attractive investment for good times, but also a profitable one!
where to buy onthe Costa Brava
Our property hunter process
We are here from A to Z
Understanding the criteria
We listen to your needs and do our utmost to find a property that meets all your criteria. Our follow-up is entirely personalized.
Property pre-selection
Thanks to our local presence, we're in the best position to find properties that match your criteria. We'll carry out site surveys to identify any small problems.
Visits & accompaniments
Once the properties have been selected, we'll send you our photo and video reports to optimize the customer experience and avoid the need for physical travel.
Negotiations
Negotiation is an art.
We'll negotiate the right price for your investment.
Legal, tax and administrative audits
In Spain, buyers have less legal protection. It is therefore essential that we accompany you throughout your purchase.
Sales agreement
We'll be at your side to translate and explain the legal aspects at the notary's office. We'll be there right up to the signing of the deed of sale.
Pre-purchase administrative procedures
We take care of all the paperwork to make your search and purchase experience as smooth as possible.
Post-purchase administrative procedures
We'll take care of the contract changes with the various suppliers, so you can enjoy your new property without any hassle.
NIE
The NIE (Numéro d'Identification d'Etranger) is your key to many administrative procedures, including buying in Spain. This unique number identifies you to the Spanish authorities and enables you to carry out real estate transactions, manage your finances, subscribe to services, register a vehicle, sign an employment contract and much more. Obtaining an NIE is quick and easy, and can be requested from the Spanish consulate.
Bank account
Opening a bank account in Spain is not compulsory if you want to live there, but it can be a considerable asset in simplifying your daily life. In fact, a Spanish account will enable you to carry out daily transactions,
collect your income, manage your finances and benefit from banking services.
Don't hesitate to contact us for further information and assistance.
Bank loan
Financing a property in Spain is an important step for many buyers. Two out of three of our customers take out a bank loan to make their project a reality.
Spanish banks are quick to arrange financing. Bankers are very responsive, taking an average of 7 days to obtain an agreement in principle.
Legal checks
Unlike in French-speaking countries, Spanish notaries are not responsible for drawing up deeds of sale. Their role is limited to authenticating signatures and guaranteeing the legality of the transaction. This makes the intervention of a real estate agent or lawyer essential for buying in Spain in complete safety. Demeures Costa Brava has all the professionals you need to make your purchase with complete peace of mind.
Procedures
After purchase
Empadronamiento is a central concept in Spain. It is not simply a census, as in France, but an official registration with your local town hall. Registration is compulsory for all residents, including foreigners, and has a number of advantages: you can register for Spanish social security, enroll your children in school, and so on. If you used to be able to prove your address by means of utility bills, the "empadronamiento" is the only valid proof of address in Spain.
We understand that buying property in Spain can be complex, especially when it comes to post-purchase administrative formalities. That's why we offer our customers a comprehensive, personalized service that takes care of all the administrative formalities once the deed of sale has been signed.
Trust us your property search
Entrust us with the search for your property on the Costa Brava and enjoy the experience of tailor-made assistance. Whether you’re looking for an apartment, a house, a villa or a plot of land, our dedicated team will accompany you to at every stage of your project.
Our expertise and responsiveness will guarantee you a smooth and efficient buying or leasing experience in Spain.
Don’t hesitate to contact us today to discuss your real estate project on the Costa Brava. Let us guide you to the property of your dreams!
how to buy in spain
Land in just a few steps
Stress-free buying in Spain. We're here to help you avoid pitfalls and unnecessary expenses, thanks to our personalized, tailor-made support. We guarantee you a worry-free purchase in complete confidence.
In Spain, the purchase of a property involves the payment of a "Reserva" or "Señal". This sum, generally between €1,000 and €3,000, represents your commitment to purchase the property and is accompanied by the signature of a pre-contract.
The "compromis de vente", or "Arras" in Spanish, is an important step in the property purchase process. This private contract, drawn up between buyer and seller, formalizes the conditions of sale and is binding on both parties.
Let's go on a questthe property of your dreams
how to buy in spain
The stages legal
The lawyer's role
Unlike French or Belgian notaries, Spanish notaries do not carry out in-depth legal checks. Their role is to validate the documents and the legality of the transaction.
Lawyer's fees
Lawyers set their fees based on a percentage of the property value (between 1 and 2%). Certain criteria can modify these fees (complexity of the case, location, etc.).
The role of the notary
The role of the notary in Spain differs from that of his French counterpart when buying property. The Spanish notary is impartial, representing neither buyer nor seller. His main role is to ensure that the deed of sale complies with local law.
Power of attorney
By entrusting us with your power of attorney, you give us the authority to carry out the administrative procedures involved in buying a property on your behalf. You benefit from a smooth and secure transaction, with no stress or complications.
The differencesbetween housing
When buying a new-build property or a new-build project in Spain, future buyers are subject to a different set of taxes than when buying an old-build property. To benefit from the quality of a new-build home, the buyer must pay value-added tax (IVA), which corresponds to Value-Added Tax (VAT) in France. Called Impuesto al Valor Anadido in Spain, this tax represents 10% of the value of the property.
Buying property in Spain, especially older property, involves paying a number of taxes. Among the most important is the Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales (ITP), or Property Transfer Tax. Its rate varies according to Spain's autonomous regions.
how to buy in spain
The various taxes when you own your own home
Property tax IBI
If you own property in Spain, whether resident or non-resident, you will have to pay the impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles (IBI) equivalent to property tax.
Non-resident income tax
If you own property in Spain and are not a tax resident, you will have to pay non-resident tax. This is a percentage based on the cadastral value of the property purchased.
The Costa Brava
Discover the villages of the Costa Brava
Platja D'Aro
Platja d’Aro est une destination balnéaire attrayante, avec ses plages, ses loisirs nautiques et son centre-ville animé. Entre ses boutiques, restaurants, terrains de golf et vie nocturne, elle combine cadre idyllique et dynamisme social, idéale pour investir ou profiter de son potentiel locatif.
Calonge
Calonge, sur la Costa Brava, charme par son histoire et sa tranquillité. Son centre historique et ses plages, comme la Platja de Sant Antoni, allient détente et authenticité. Idéale pour une résidence paisible ou un investissement, elle offre une expérience unique, proche des trésors de la région.
Santa Cristina D'Aro
S'Agaró
À proximité de Playa d’Aro, S’Agaró se profile comme une oasis naturelle. Ce sanctuaire de sérénité et de luxe, très prisé par des stars mondiales, a vu le jour grâce à la vision éclairée d’un homme visionnaire : l’architecte Rafael Masó. Découvrez ce joyau côtier où la quiétude méditerranéenne rencontre l’élégance exclusive, créant un cadre idyllique inspiré par la passion et l’audace.
Sant Feliu de Guíxols
Sant Feliu de Guíxols allie histoire maritime et vie moderne. Son quartier médiéval, ses plages comme Sant Pol, et son port animé reflètent son charme. Festivals, marchés et gastronomie créent un équilibre entre tradition et modernité, faisant de cette ville méditerranéenne un lieu idéal pour vivre ou se détendre.
Begur
Begur, élégante et discrète, charme avec ses collines verdoyantes, ses plages dorées et son centre médiéval. Les criques isolées comme Aiguablava et Sa Riera offrent des retraites paisibles, tandis que le château rappelle son histoire. Harmonie entre tradition et modernité, Begur est prisée pour vivre ou se détendre.
Calella de Palafrugell
We answer all your the questions you're asking
When you buy a property in Spain and wish to make a power of attorney, you have two options:
- Going through a Spanish embassy or consulate: fees vary from €40 to €100, depending on the consular service. Procedures are straightforward, but processing times are long and require a trip to the consulate.
- Using a Spanish notary: notary fees are usually around €100 to €150. Procedures are quicker and more flexible. This option is preferable.
When looking for a property in Spain, you'll notice that the surface area indicated is often referred to as "superficie construida". It's important to understand that this method of calculation differs from the one used in France, which may have an impact on your estimates.
- Including walls and partitions: the surface area takes into account the entire surface area of the dwelling, including walls and partitions. In France, living area does not include walls and partitions.
- Addition of common areas: The surface area also includes a pro rata share of the surface areas of the building's common areas, such as the corridor and stairwell. This pro rata is calculated on the basis of the surface area of the apartment itself.
- Inclusion of certain non-habitable surfaces: certain surfaces considered non-habitable in France can be added to the constructed surface area in Spain. Examples include balconies, terraces and cellars.
If you're thinking of moving to Spain, it's important to know the conditions for becoming a tax resident. The main condition is that you must stay in Spain for at least 183 days per calendar year. This means that you must spend more than half the year on Spanish territory. It is important to note that occasional absences are possible, provided you can prove that you have been a tax resident in another country for more than 183 days.