Retirement Dreams: An Expat’s Guide to Buying Property in Spain
Did you know that more than 40,000 Americans are living in Spain? Although these individuals vary in age, many are expats seeking a warm climate, quality healthcare, and the low cost of living that this Mediterranean country offers. Thus, it’s no surprise that retiring in Spain is so popular!
Would you like to learn more about retiring and buying property in Spain? If so, keep reading as we share an overview of the process!
Note: This post may contain affiliate links, which means if you buy from my link I might make a small commission. This does not affect the price you pay. See the full affiliate disclosure here.
Decide Where to Buy Property in Spain
Spain has over fifty different provinces, which vary in geography and climate.
Many expats choose cities on the Mediterranean coast when moving to Spain, such as Barcelona, Valencia, or Marbella. This website is a great example of properties you can buy near the beach.
Of course, inland cities like Madrid or Seville are also great places to call home. And, if you want to experience life in rural Spain, you can choose a property in the Pyrenees mountains or the foothills of Sierra Nevada.
Browse Online Listings
Once you’ve narrowed your property search to a specific province or city, it’s time to browse available properties. A great way to do so is using popular Spanish websites like Idealista or Fotocasa since they offer their platforms in English.
You can contact the seller or real estate agent working with the current homeowners if you like what you see. Often, they’ll even allow potential buyers to schedule a virtual tour of the property, so you don’t have to wait until you’re in Spain to see it.
Work with an Agent
In Spain, most homeowners work with an agent to sell their homes. But, of course, they need to pay this agent a portion of the final sale price. So it would help if you were cautious when speaking to agents since they may be willing to twist information to make a sale and get paid quicker.
Thus, you should find someone to help you navigate the process, such as a property lawyer. Since they know how to buy property in Spain, they’ll ensure that everything goes smoothly and legally.
Make an Offer
Once you find a property you love, you’ll need to make an offer. Usually, you do this through the seller’s agent. If accepted, you’ll sign a preliminary contract.
Order Necessary Inspections
Inspections are always a good idea, but especially for rural properties. Here are some of the things you’ll want to check before moving forward with the purchase:
- Home’s construction
- Survey of property
- Quality of water and soil
If all goes well, you’ll need to pay a deposit of around ten percent of the home’s value.
Sign the Contract
After paying the sale cost, taxes, and other expenses, the last step is signing the contract before a notary. If you aren’t living in Spain, you can have a solicitor act as your legal representative. Keep in mind that the buyer typically has to pay the notary for their services, which can be hundreds of dollars.
Get Help Buying Property in Spain
If you’ve never bought a property in a foreign country, it can be a confusing ordeal. Although this article gave you a general overview of buying property in Spain, it’s best to work with a reputable lawyer or solicitor who understands property law in Spain. But in the meantime, you can have fun picking out your new city and browsing property listings online!
Would you like more real estate tips that can help you live your best life during retirement? If so, browse more of our content!
