How should you prepare to buy property in Spain?

Buying property abroad is a major decision – which is why it’s important to approach the process methodically and thoughtfully. Below, we present a practical step-by-step guide – from setting priorities to working with your chosen real estate agency. The best way to start your search for your dream property in Spain is by finding the right real estate agency.

A guide for home buyers on the Costa del Sol

In Andalusia, there is no exclusive listing system, which means that most properties are listed simultaneously with multiple agencies. That’s why it’s worth choosing a single, trusted partner who will guide you through the entire process – from the initial consultation to handing over the keys – and provide ongoing support and service after the purchase.

An agent who understands your needs can better respond to changing priorities, suggest suitable properties, and genuinely support you in making the right decisions. It’s not just about “showing properties,” but providing real support throughout the entire process and protecting you from potential issues. Importantly, in Andalusia, the real estate agency’s commission is always paid by the seller.

The first contact is usually a brief phone call during which the key characteristics of the property you’re looking for are established: type, location, budget, and purpose of purchase (permanent residence, vacation home, or investment). Next, the agent prepares a set of proposals and sends them to you – this is the time to clarify your expectations. You will also receive new offers on an ongoing basis. The next step is an on-site visit, ideally planned for a few days, combined with property viewings and meetings with a lawyer and the bank.

1. Apartment or villa on the Costa del Sol?

Before you start browsing listings, ask yourself the key question: what type of property are you interested in?

• Apartment or penthouse: low-maintenance, often in gated communities with pools, security, and shared amenities.
• Townhouse or semi-detached house: a compromise between an apartment and a detached house.
• Villa: privacy, space, a garden, but also higher maintenance costs.

The choice depends partly on your budget, but mainly on your lifestyle.

Apartments are easy to manage – you can literally “lock the door” and not worry about maintaining a garden or pool. Apartments are always located in complexes managed by homeowners’ associations. It is to this association that you pay the community fee.

With a villa, you have significantly more privacy, but you bear the full costs of maintaining the property yourself. You also have to take care of all kinds of repairs, pool and garden maintenance, and cleaning. In most cases, houses are located in residential complexes, and in such cases, a community fee for maintaining green spaces or lighting sidewalks in common areas is added to the running costs.

2. Define the purpose of your property purchase in Spain and your budget

The next step is to clearly determine how much you can allocate to the investment and what your expectations are.

Consider whether you have the full amount available or plan to take out a mortgage – Spanish banks typically require a down payment of 50% of the property value.

Consider whether you’re interested in a modern apartment near the beach, a quiet house in the suburbs, or perhaps a luxury villa with a sea view. Clearly defining your budget and preferences significantly narrows down and simplifies the search for the right property.

Additionally, keep in mind that all property prices listed in offers and on real estate websites are net prices, to which you must add – depending on whether it is the secondary or primary market – between 8% and 13% (this also includes the costs of applicable taxes, notary fees, and legal services).

Regardless of the financing method – cash or loan – we offer full support at every stage. Banks for non-residents typically finance 50–60% of the property’s value, which means you must have 40–50% of your own funds,

Ask yourself why you want to buy a property on the Costa del Sol? What will its intended use or purpose be for you?

• For personal use: comfort, lifestyle, proximity to school/work.
• For rental: profitability, seasonality, and tourist demand.
• Mixed use (owner-occupied and rental): you use it when you want, and rent it out when you’re away.

3. Are you wondering whether to choose the secondary or primary market?

The primary market in Spain

• New properties: often with amenities, no need for renovation.
• You often buy “off-plan,” which means a waiting period until completion (e.g., 1–2 years).
• The secondary market in Spain
• Existing homes and apartments – often in better locations and with the possibility of price negotiation.
• Sometimes they require renovation or modernization.

During the initial search phase or even during your first visit, we recommend viewing properties from both the Spanish primary market and the secondary market, which can be helpful in making your final decision.

4. Choose a real estate agency in Spain that will guide you through the entire purchase process

In Andalusia, there is practically no exclusivity, so one agency’s listings often cover 99% of available properties.

However, it’s worth choosing one trusted agent who:

• conducts a detailed interview with you about your needs,
• matches listings to your lifestyle, budget, and purpose of purchase,
• knows the local market and the region’s topography,
• adapts to changes in your priorities,
• provides support at every stage of the process.

An agent who understands your needs (e.g., “I need to be close to schools,” “a sea view is important,” “I want to be near golf courses”) can more efficiently find a property that suits you.

In Andalusia, the agency fee is always covered by the seller – so you can use an agent’s services at no additional cost.

5. On-site visit to view properties in Spain

Once the list of offers is ready, the best way to make a decision is to spend a few days in the region.

During your visit:

• you’ll meet with a local agent,
• you’ll view properties,
• it’s also worth scheduling meetings with:
  • a lawyer (familiar with local regulations),
  • a mortgage advisor/bank.

Why choose Agnes Inversiones real estate agency?

Agnes Inversiones is the oldest and most recognizable real estate agency with Polish roots on the Costa del Sol, supporting clients throughout the entire purchase process – from the first contact through to after-sales service.

Our strengths:

• over 20 years of experience on the Costa del Sol,
• hundreds of completed transactions,
• service in Polish, Spanish, English, and German,
• thorough knowledge of the law, local realities, and procedures in Andalusia,
• collaboration with lawyers, notaries, and financial advisors,
• support at every stage (negotiations, contracts, mortgages),
• comprehensive assistance even after the purchase: management, rentals, and consulting.
• long-term partnership – we help not only with purchasing a property but also with effectively maintaining, renting, and developing its investment potential.

We are active in the local community and are part of the international LPA network, an association of leading agencies specializing in the sale of luxury real estate on the Costa del Sol. LPA members are required to adhere to a code of ethics in their work with clients. As a responsible company, Agnes Inversiones also holds civil liability insurance coverage of 2 million euros.