BUYING A HOUSE IN SPAIN: YOUR DREAM UNDER THE SUN!

Do you dream of having your own place under the Spanish sun? Vast beaches, delicious food and more than 320 sunny days a year... No wonder more and more Belgians and Dutch people choose to buy a house in Spain! Whether you dream of a cozy house, a luxury villa or a cozy apartment, there is something for everyone.

But where do you start? Buying a house in Spain is an exciting adventure, and good preparation is essential. In this blog, we explain step by step what you should pay attention to and how you can realize your dream house without pitfalls. Whether you are looking for an apartment with a sea view on the Costa Blanca, a modern villa or a house near the beach, with Bel-Chic Properties we want to help others realize their Spanish dream without pitfalls.

We will help you on your way with this handy step-by-step plan:

Step 1: Set your budget

Before you start house hunting, it is important to know what you can afford. In Belgium, you usually have to pay at least 10-20% of the purchase price yourself, while in the Netherlands, 100% of the property value can often be financed. In Spain, you can also get a mortgage as a non-resident, usually up to 70% of the property value.

In Belgium, young people under 35 can benefit from lower registration fees (3% instead of 12%) when purchasing their first home. In the Netherlands, young people can benefit from the NHG for a better loan and lower interest.

Taxes are the biggest additional costs and differ per region and type of property. Generally you can count on about 14% extra on top of the purchase price, but we can calculate this custom depending on your specific situation.

If you want to buy a house in Spain, it is important to know not only how much you can spend, but also what additional costs will be involved. These costs include:

• Registration fees
• Taxes
• Stamp duty
• Notary fees
• Costs for legal assistance

Step 2: Choose your location and destination

Is the house intended as a holiday home, investment or do you want to live there permanently? Spain offers something for everyone! The Costa Blanca is the most popular region for home buyers, while the Costa Cálida is also attractive for those looking for peace and nature.

Tip: Think carefully about your lifestyle. Are you a fan of walking or cycling? A flat region may be more suitable than a hilly area.

Step 3: Find your favorite broker

In Spain you have the great advantage that you can choose your own favorite real estate agent. Almost every property on the market can be sold to you by this agent. Have you already found a number of interesting properties? Then it is time to visit your favorite real estate agent and plan days to view the properties.

What makes it so unique to choose your favorite broker yourself? You can communicate in your own native language so that you feel comfortable and this builds a bond of trust and your broker is in order with all legal provisions.

At Bel-Chic Properties we guide you personally, so that you have the time to view the properties that interest you. In addition, we work closely with legal advisors who can help you with the legal matters.

We can advise you on the steps needed to make your purchase smooth and safe and ensure you are well informed.

We ensure that you are well prepared and that everything is arranged efficiently, so that you can choose with peace of mind.

Step 4: Start your search

Many people start their home search online, but the wealth of information can be overwhelming and sometimes inaccurate. Also be aware that if you respond to ads on social media or via their website, you may inadvertently be registered as a client of that agent. That’s why it’s essential to work with an expert agent to guide you through the process. We’ll help you every step of the way, from selecting the right properties to negotiating the price and handling the paperwork. Our experience and extensive network means we can provide you with access to exclusive properties that perfectly match your needs. Our team will ensure that you are well-informed and will guide you in making informed decisions. We make the process clear and transparent, so that you can buy your dream home with confidence and focus on the future in your new home, while we do the hard work for you.

Step 5: Reserving the property

Have you made up your mind and found your dream home? Then it is time to reserve the property. We will guide you step by step through the process, so that you know exactly what to do. We will explain how to sign a reservation contract and what the associated costs are.

Step 6: Legal check and purchase contract

After the reservation, it is important to have all legal matters checked. A legal advisor ensures that everything runs correctly and prevents unpleasant surprises. They also recommend that you have the purchase contract drawn up by them and also for the representatives of the sellers. A purchase contract includes the agreed payments, details of the property, agreements that the seller and you must adhere to, and the final date.

Step 7: Power of attorney and NIE number
In your purchase process you can have a power of attorney drawn up by your legal representative so that your representative can act in your name, sign documents and put the utilities in your name. With this they can also apply for the NIE numbers. A NIE number is your fiscal number in Spain, you can compare it with your national registration number (Belgium) and your citizen service number (Netherlands). It is a personal number and for almost every transaction you need this number in Spain.

Step 8: The construction phase (for new construction)

Are you opting for a new-build home? Then the construction process starts now! We ensure that you receive regular updates and photos, so that you can follow everything remotely.

Step 9: Final inspection

Just before the official transfer of the property at the notary, a final inspection is carried out.

Step 10: The transfer at the notary

This is the moment when the property officially becomes yours! The transfer at the notary is an important step in the purchase process, and in Spain this is slightly different than in Belgium or the Netherlands. That is why it is useful to have legal guidance from a lawyer who can help you through this process. We are also present at the notary to ensure that everything runs smoothly and to answer any questions you may have immediately. This way you can confidently go through the last part of the process and officially transfer the property to your name.

Step 11: Connecting utilities

Water, electricity, internet, gas, alarm system, insurance... It is important to have everything arranged properly for your new home. We work together with legal advisors who are specialized in arranging these matters. They ensure that all necessary connections and contracts are arranged correctly, so that you can concentrate on furnishing and living in your new home.

Step 12: Furnishing your home

Now comes the fun part: decorating your new home! Whether you choose furniture from Spain or have your favorite pieces shipped over from Belgium or the Netherlands, this is the time to make your home completely to your taste.

Step 13: Enjoy!

The time has come: you can finally relax and enjoy the Spanish life. Sun, tapas and relaxing in your own home – that sounds wonderful, doesn’t it?

READY TO TAKE THE MOVE?

Buying a house in Spain doesn’t have to be stressful, as long as you know what to look for. Are you dreaming of a home on the Costa Blanca or Costa Cálida? Feel free to contact Bel-Chic Properties . We will be happy to help you on your way and ensure that the entire process runs smoothly and safely!