FAQ's - Buying A Spanish Property

What type of property can I buy in Spain?

Spain offers a wide variety of homes including new build villas, modern apartments, townhouses, country homes, luxury villas, golf resort properties, coastal homes, and investment apartments. At Red Rose Property Spain, we search across the entire market, not just our own listings.

Which are the best areas to buy a property in Spain?

The most popular regions we cover include:

• Málaga – Costa del Sol (Marbella, Mijas, Nerja, Estepona)
• Granada – Costa Tropical (Almuñécar, Salobreña, Motril)
• Almería – Costa de Almería (Mojácar, Vera, Roquetas de Mar)
• Murcia – Costa Cálida (Mazarrón, Los Alcázares, Cartagena)
• Alicante – Costa Blanca North & South (Jávea, Moraira, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa)

Each region offers different climates, property prices, investment returns, and lifestyles.

Is it better to buy a new build or a resale property?

New builds - offer modern design, energy efficiency, warranties, and payment plans.

Resales - often offer more space, character, mature gardens, and better value.

We help you compare both options based on budget, lifestyle, and goals.

How do I start the property-buying process in Spain?

Contact us or complete the Property Wishlist Form, and we create a tailored shortlist for you. We arrange viewings, negotiate prices, and guide you through legal and financial steps.

Do I need a lawyer to buy a property in Spain?

Yes — and strongly recommended. Our trusted multilingual lawyers ensure your purchase is safe and legally compliant, handling due diligence, contracts, NIE numbers, and notary registration.

What is an NIE number and how do I get it?

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is required to buy property, pay taxes, and open a bank account. Your lawyer can apply for it, and with Power of Attorney, they can obtain it for you.

What is Power of Attorney and is it necessary?

Power of Attorney (POA) allows your lawyer to sign documents, open a bank account, apply for your NIE, and complete the property purchase without you traveling to Spain. It is extremely useful for international buyers.

What legal checks are performed on the property?

Your lawyer will check:

• Ownership and registration
• Debts, mortgages, or charges
• Urban planning status
• Community rules and fees
• Building licences
• Utility connections

These checks protect you from buying a problematic property.

Do I need a property survey if I’m buying without a mortgage?

It is not mandatory, but Red Rose Property Spain strongly recommends a private structural survey, especially for resale properties, countryside homes, or older buildings.

What types of surveys are available for cash buyers?

The most common are:

• Structural/Building Survey (full inspection)
• Homebuyer’s Report
• Damp, roof, or foundation inspections
• Technical legal building report (ITV-like inspection)

Who performs independent surveys in Spain?

Licensed architects (arquitectos técnicos) or chartered building surveyors perform detailed inspections. We can recommend trusted professionals in Málaga, Granada, Almería, Murcia, and Alicante.

What does a structural survey include?

It checks:

• Roof condition
• Foundations and structure
• Damp, leaks, plumbing
• Electrical installations
• Walls, ceilings, terraces
• Renovation or repair needs
• Potential hidden defects

You receive a full written report.

Why is a survey important if I’m paying cash?

Because you are fully responsible for any structural issues after purchase. Surveys offer peace of mind, highlight repair costs, and help with negotiation.

Can a structural survey lower the purchase price?

Yes. If the report identifies issues, we can use it to renegotiate the price or ask the seller to complete repairs before completion.

NOTE - This needs to be agreed upon in the reservation contract.

Can foreigners get a mortgage in Spain?

Yes. Our mortgage partners help international buyers secure financing from Spanish banks.

• Residents: up to 70% financing
• Non-residents: 60–65%

What documents do I need for a mortgage?

Typically: bank statements, tax returns, income proof, ID, credit reports, and employment or pension documents. We assist you throughout the process.

What are the buying costs when purchasing property in Spain?

Expect 11–13% extra on top of the purchase price, including taxes, notary, land registry, and lawyer fees.

• Tax rates depend on the region and whether the property is resale or new build.

Do I need a Spanish bank account?

Yes — for paying taxes, utilities, and mortgage payments. If you grant POA, your lawyer can open this on your behalf.

Do I need a property survey in Spain if I’m applying for a mortgage?

Yes. If you are taking a mortgage from a Spanish bank, a property valuation survey (tasación) is mandatory. The bank orders this through an approved, independent valuation company to confirm the property’s market value before offering the mortgage.

Who arranges the survey when a mortgage is involved?

The bank arranges the valuation, but you must pay for it. Prices normally range between €350 and €700, depending on property size and location.

What does the mortgage valuation report include?

The valuer checks the current market value, condition of the property, size, legal status, comparable sales, and confirms whether the property meets the bank's lending criteria.

Does the valuation protect the buyer?

It protects you financially because the bank will not lend more than the property is worth. However, the valuation does not replace a structural survey.

Can the mortgage be rejected because of the survey?

Yes. If the valuation is below the purchase price or the property has legal or structural issues, the bank may reduce the loan amount or decline the mortgage.

Should I get an additional private structural survey even with a bank valuation?

It is recommended, especially for older homes, rural properties, or properties needing renovation. A structural survey goes deeper than the bank’s valuation.

Which areas are best for retirement?

Costa del Sol, Costa Blanca, and Costa Cálida are top choices for retirees due to climate, healthcare, amenities, and international communities.

Which areas are good for families?

Alicante, Murcia, and Málaga offer schools, beaches, and family-friendly towns like Ciudad Quesada, Los Alcázares, and Mijas Costa.

Are the areas safe?

All regions we cover are considered safe and popular with international buyers.

What are the benefits of buying a new build?

Energy efficiency ( realize the new 2030 EU law ), warranties, modern materials, low maintenance, and high resale value.

Do new builds include appliances and kitchens?

Most new builds include fitted kitchens, appliances, fitted wardrobes, aerothermal heating systems, and high-spec finishes. We confirm this for each development.

Is there a warranty on new build properties?

Yes — Spain offers a 10-year structural warranty and shorter warranties for finishes and installations.

Can I do virtual viewings?

Yes. We offer video tours when you cannot travel.

How do I make an offer?

We negotiate on your behalf with the seller or agent to secure the best price and terms.

Is price negotiation common in Spain?

Yes — depending on market conditions, area, and seller motivation.

What is the reservation fee?

Typically €3,000–€5,000 to remove the property from the market while legal checks are carried out.

What is the Private Purchase Contract?

The “Contrato de Arras” is signed after legal checks. At this point, you usually pay 10% of the purchase price direct to the seller. At this point all parties are secured with the sale.

What happens if either party backs out?

If the buyer backs out, the deposit is normally lost. If the seller backs out, they must return double the deposit. This is secured in the Private Purchase Contract.

Do I need to attend completion?

If you have Power of Attorney, your lawyer can complete without you. Otherwise, you must attend the notary.

What happens at the notary?

You sign the deeds (Escritura), pay the remaining balance, and receive your keys.

How long until the property is registered in my name?

Registration typically takes 1–4 weeks.

How do I set up utilities?

Your lawyer or Red Rose Property Spain can set up electricity, water, internet, and community payments for you.

What annual taxes do I pay?

• IBI (property tax)
• Non-resident income tax
• Rubbish tax
• Community fees (if applicable)

Do you offer after-sales support?

Yes — including renovations, furnishing, utility setup, insurance guidance, and property management.

Do I need a tourist licence for rentals?

Yes, for short-term holiday rentals. Some communities forbid them, so always check first. Short term means shorter then 11 days, this means a tourist licence. 

All periods longer then 11 days means Long Term and in that case you DON'T need a tourist license or permission from the community.

What alternatives exist to tourist rentals?

• Winter lets
• Mid-term stays
• Long-term rentals

These do not require a tourist licence.

What taxes must I pay if I rent out my property?

You must declare rental income. A lawyer or gestor handles this easily for you. The tax on renting our your property is 19% of the nett earned. You can deduct all property costs before tax. This includes

• Interest
• Community Fees
• Property Management
• All costs involved

NOTE - You need to have all invoices according your property in your correct name, address and NIE number in order to deduct those from tax.

Does buying property give me residency?

Not automatically, but it helps with certain visas. The Golden Visa requires €500,000 cash investment.

Do I need a Spanish will?

It is recommended but not mandatory.

Do you charge buyers for your services?

Our standard Property Finder Service is 100% free. We are paid by the seller’s agent after a successful sale.

We also offer paid options:

• Exclusive Service (€750 + IVA – refunded upon purchase)
• Ultimate Service (€2.500,00 + IVA) including POA + NIE for 4 people.

Do you search across all agencies?

Yes — we search every agency, developer, and private seller so you see the entire market. 

Next to the +15.000 properties on our website we have a database which contains more then 32.000 properties for sale in Spain.

Which regions do you cover?

Málaga, Granada, Almería, Murcia, and Alicante — including Costa del Sol, Costa Tropical, Costa de Almería, Costa Cálida, Costa Blanca North & South.

Is Red Rose Property Spain multilingual?

Yes — we speak English, Spanish, Dutch, German, French, Russian, and Ukrainian.