1. What is the legal status of the property?
This can affect the price, resale value and the possibility of financing the purchase with a mortgage. Information from sellers and estate agents should always be checked by a lawyer.
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9 crucial questions to ask your estate agent during Spanish property viewings
In this article:
- 1. What is the legal status of the property?
- 2. What is included in the price?
- 3. What are my total costs for buying the property and the running costs as an owner?
- 4. Should I carry out an inspection of the property?
- 5. What guarantees are included?
- 6. When should I contact a lawyer?
- 7. What price did the seller buy the property for?
- 8. Can I rent out this property?
- 9. If you’re buying in a resort complex. Are there maintenance costs?
Expert review and insights from Peter Franke of Franke & de la Fuente. An international law firm specialising in property transactions and tax law.
Once you’ve found ‘the one’, you’ll need to check your chosen property’s legal status. Including making sure the correct permissions for sale are in place, and the person selling it is the legal owner. But don’t worry! Your solicitor can handle these checks for you.
The longer you spend getting to know an area, the more you familiarise yourself with the buying process, and the better off you’ll be in the long run. So get out there and have a look, but don’t forget to ask:
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2. What is included in the price?
Make sure to discuss all conditions early on, such as furniture, parking, storage space, etc.
3. What are my total costs for buying the property and the running costs as an owner?
There are different taxes for different properties. Running costs are usually the local property tax (IBI), community fees, cost for supplies and non-resident tax.
4. Should I carry out an inspection of the property?
When buying an apartment this is usually less important, but when buying a villa or townhouse it is recommended. The inspection should be carried out by a verified inspector.
5. What guarantees are included?
Note that there is a big difference in terms of guarantees if you buy a newly built home compared to a resale. If you buy a newly built home, the builder has an obligation to provide certain guarantees, such as a 10-year construction guarantee. To find our more about new builds, read our article How to buy off-plan or a new build in Spain safely.
6. When should I contact a lawyer?
Better too early than too late. Ideally, have your lawyer review the reservation contract before signing it. Normally a property in Spain is reserved by the buyer transferring a deposit. Note that this should not be transferred to the seller but to a neutral account, escrow account.
7. What price did the seller buy the property for?
Whether you buy as an investment or not, it is always interesting to know what price the seller paid and the price of other units in the same urbanization. This will give you a better idea if the asking price is correct or not. But note that the condition of the property often has a big impact on its value.
8. Can I rent out this property?
If you are thinking of renting out the property, you must, first of all, know the legal status of the property and whether the urbanisation allows short-term rentals. Ask if there is already a rental license and, if possible, obtain documentation on actual returns.
9. If you’re buying in a resort complex. Are there maintenance costs?
Many urbanisations offering shared facilities like swimming pools or communal gardens will charge an annual fee for the upkeep. Double-check that these prices have remained steady over the previous few years and that the bills have been paid by the current owner.
12 comments
Add your voice22 Jul. 2022
22 Jul. 2022
04 Apr. 2023
Hello, I'm looking for a property in Mallorca, would you consider to assist me ? Thank you
06 Apr. 2023
Hi Corina, we would love to help! We have sent you an email with more information.
10 Apr. 2023
Hello, We are 2 families and we would like to buy an apartment in Valencia. Would you assist me as an estate agent? Thank you
27 Apr. 2023
Hello Sebios, thank you for your comment. Please note Kyero.com is a property portal, not an estate agent. We have sent you some information via email. In the meantime, feel free to browse properties for sale in Valencia: https://www.kyero.com/en/valencia-property-for-sale-0l53632 or our location guide on Valencia: https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/places-to-live/valencia-0l53632
30 Apr. 2023
Hello, We would love to buy a bungalow with land around it 30 minutes maximum distance from the city of Valencia. Can you help?
03 May. 2023
Hi Noreen, thanks for your comment. We would love to help you with your search for your dream property. Send your property requirements and budget to help@kyero.com and we will be able to help you and set up some property alerts. We look forward to hearing from you!
24 Sep. 2023
Hi there We are looking at buying a property in the South of Gran Canaria. Can you help? Regards Kate
15 Oct. 2023
Hi Kate, thank you for reaching out! We'd be delighted to help you find your dream property in the South of Gran Canaria. We've sent you an email from help@kyero.com with more details and to discuss your requirements.
12 Mar. 2024
Does it still apply 90days is all you can stay for if your a none resident,would love to live in Spain ,How can you live there permanently.
22 Mar. 2024
Thanks for your question Susan! We recommend that you visit our visa section of this site, to understand your options when it comes to living in Spain as a non-EU citizen. https://www.kyero.com/en/advice/spain/moving-to-spain/visas