Question 1

¿Desempeña Realista algún papel en esta fase de la compra de una vivienda?

Accepted Answer

Yes, our services go far beyond sourcing a property and negotiating its price. Once you have agreed a price with the seller and contracted a lawyer, we continue to oversee the entire process. We act as general coordinators, undertaking such tasks as instructing your lawyer, arranging structural surveys and assisting with finalising finance etc. This removes unnecessary stress and saves you valuable time.

Question 2

¿Cuánto tiempo se tarda en comprar una vivienda en España?

Accepted Answer

The actual time period depends on the buyer and seller, and the schedule is set out in the purchase contract (see below). Typically, the process takes a month, but sometimes it takes longer.

Question 3

Explícanos, a grandes rasgos, cuál es el procedimiento para comprar una vivienda en España.

Accepted Answer

Once your offer is accepted, your lawyer will check all the legal aspects of the property and draw up a purchase contract setting out the terms and conditions for the purchase. Once these are agreed, both parties sign the contract and you as the buyer pay a deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price.
A date is set for completion when both parties (or their legal representatives) attend a Notary’s office for the signing of the title deeds. Once this is done, you have legal ownership of the property and may take possession of it.
Next, the property is registered in your name at the Property Registry Office, a procedure that takes around a month.

Question 4

¿Cuánto hay que pagar en impuestos y tasas al comprar una vivienda en España?

Accepted Answer

The actual amount depends on the purchase price, but you should allow between 10% and 12% of the price to pay for transfer tax or VAT and professional fees such as the Notary and Registry Office.

Question 5

¿Las propiedades en España son en régimen de propiedad absoluta?

Accepted Answer

The vast majority of properties in Spain are freehold.

Question 6

¿Podemos mi pareja y yo ser copropietarios de nuestra vivienda en España?

Accepted Answer

Spanish law allows for multiple owners on the title deeds to a property. We advise you to discuss the implications of sharing title, particularly for inheritance matters, with your lawyer before you buy.

Question 7

¿Cuánto tiempo después de la compra podremos mudarnos a nuestra vivienda en España?

Accepted Answer

When both parties sign the title deeds at the Notary, the seller is obliged to hand over the keys to the property. This means you can move into the property immediately after buying it.

Question 8

¿Tengo que ser residente en España para abrir una cuenta bancaria?

Accepted Answer

No. You can open a non-resident bank account in Spain even if you don’t live there.

Question 9

¿Qué documentos se necesitan para abrir una cuenta bancaria de residente en España?

Accepted Answer

To open a resident account, banks usually ask for:

 	Passport or national ID
 	NIE (Spanish tax number)
 	Proof of address in Spain
 	Proof of income (like a work contract, a pension statement, or a tax return)

Question 10

¿Cuánto cuesta en impuestos ser propietario de una vivienda en España?

Accepted Answer

Owning a property in Spain involves several taxes, payable annually, including:

 	Non-resident income tax based on fiscal value of your property.
 	Non-resident wealth tax on properties with a fiscal value over €700,000.
 	Local council taxes, known as IBI and based on the fiscal value of the property.
 	Refuse taxes, levied by some councils on the Costa del Sol (e.g. Marbella) and usually a fixed rate.

Realista can give you figures for a specific property at the time of viewing.

Question 11

¿Podrías darnos una idea de cuánto cuestan mensualmente los gastos de suministros?

Accepted Answer

It’s very difficult to provide an estimate of how much you will spend on utility costs as these obviously depend on how often you occupy the property, its size and energy-efficiency. Electricity bills are payable monthly or bi-monthly; water bills depend on the provider and may be monthly or quarterly; gas bills are usually monthly; and telephone/internet connections are monthly.

Question 12

¿Cómo debo proceder para pagar los impuestos y las facturas de los servicios públicos?

Accepted Answer

The best way to pay for utility costs and council taxes is via direct debit from your Spanish bank account. At Realista, we are happy to set this up on your behalf.

Question 13

¿Puedo abrir una cuenta bancaria en España antes de mudarme al país?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Most banks allow you to open a non-resident account before moving, which is useful for renting, buying property, or preparing your move.

Question 14

¿Y qué hay de los costes para la comunidad?

Accepted Answer

Community costs are payable on all properties in Spain that share communal services such as gardens, swimming pools, cleaners and security staff. The actual amount, levied monthly or quarterly, depends on the services provided. When you view a property Realista will provide all relevant information about community services and costs so that you know exactly what to expect.

Question 15

¿Pueden los extranjeros sin permiso de residencia solicitar una cuenta bancaria en España?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Foreigners can open a non-resident bank account with just a passport and NIE.

Question 16

¿Cómo funciona el sistema de la comunidad?

Accepted Answer

Community management is based on common consensus among owners who meet at least once a year to decide how they wish to run the community. Decisions are made through majority vote. If you are not able to attend the meeting in person you can give power of representation to another owner.

Question 17

¿Cuánto tiempo se tarda en abrir una cuenta bancaria en España?

Accepted Answer

It can take a day if the bank processes everything quickly. A few days if they need extra verification, or if you’re applying from abroad.

Question 18

¿Cómo funciona la sucesión en España?

Accepted Answer

Once you are the owner of assets in Spain, inheritance becomes important. We advise you to take expert legal advice from your lawyer on this matter.

Question 19

¿Puedo utilizar mi cuenta bancaria en España para recibir mi sueldo o mi pensión?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You can receive a salary, a pension, and rental income. Just make sure the account type fits the bank’s requirements.

Question 20

¿Deberíamos hacer un testamento para nuestra propiedad y nuestros bienes en España?

Accepted Answer

While you are not legally obliged to make a will in Spain, having a legal Spanish will makes the inheritance process considerably easier and quicker for your heirs. Your lawyer can provide advice on making a will in Spain.

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