Question 1

Do Realista have any part in this stage of buying property?

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

How long does it take to buy a property in Spain?

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

Tell us roughly what the procedure is for buying property in Spain

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

How much does we need to pay in taxes and fees when we buy a home in Spain?

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

Are Spanish properties freehold?

Accepted Answer

The vast majority of properties in Spain are freehold.

Question 6

Can my partner and I share title on our Spanish property?

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

How soon after buying can we move into our property in Spain?

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

Do I need to be a Spanish resident to open a bank account?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 9

What documents are required to open a resident bank account in Spain?

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

How much does it cost in taxes to own a property in Spain?

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

Could you give us an idea of monthly utility costs?

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

How do I go about paying taxes and utility costs?

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

Can I open a Spanish bank account before moving to Spain?

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

What about community costs?

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

Can foreigners without residency apply for a Spanish bank account?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 16

How does the community system work?

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

How long does it take to open a bank account in Spain?

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

What about inheritance in Spain?

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

Can I use my Spanish bank account to receive salary or pension payments?

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

Should we make a will for our Spanish property and assets?

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.

How can we help?

Browse all topics