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Retirement Dreams: An Expat’s Guide to Buying Property in Spain

February 28, 2022 By Admin

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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!

Quiet Spanish street

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. 

Spanish walking street

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. 

Colorful street in Spain

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. 

Madrid, Spain cityscape at Calle de Alcala and Gran Via.

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. 

Ronda (Andalucia, Spain): old typical street with white houses

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. 

Trees on both sides of street in Spanish city

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. 

Large city in Spain

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!

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Filed Under: Home Buying

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