Guide to buy a home in spain
If you are looking to buy a house in Spain as a foreigner, you will need to follow the procedure mentioned below before being able to buy a property.
The steps to follow when buying a house are not complícate but you have to be aware about it before to go ahead with the purchase. It is necessary to have clear which taxes and expenses you will to pay on the top of the price agreed with the seller.
What do you need to buy a house in Spain?
The only thing you need, in legal terms, is the NIE (Número de Identificación del extranjero). This number, which is unique to each individual, is essential to carry out any transaction in Spain. Since it must appear on all documents that you sign or are issued in Spain, you must have it before signing the deed. The NIE is not complicated to obtain, ask your real estate agent to make it easier for you to obtain the NIE in order to speed up the process as much as possible.
In addition, although it is not compulsory, having a bank account in Spain will make all the formalities easier, as it will make payments faster and will probably save you some commissions.
Finally, remember that once you are the owner of a property in Spain, you must appoint a tax representative if you are not resident in Spain.
How to buy a home in Spain step by step?
Although each buying process differs significantly, in general, the phases found in any real estate operation would consist of the following:
- Tax and Budget Planning: The costs of acquiring a house are mainly paid by the buyer, and vary from region to region. Taxes and other paid by the buyer include:
- Property transfer tax 6–10% (existing Properties, resale) / VAT (or IVA) at 10% + 1.5 % (AJD) (new properties);
- Notary costs, title deed tax and land registration fee 1–2.5%;
- Legal fees 1–2% (including VAT).
- Get your NIE: Contact the Spanish administration to get your tax identification number. You don’t need a bank account to buy a house, but we advise you to get one before buying the house. If you take a lawyer, he will advise you in this matter. But the first thing to do is to apply for the NIE.
- Search for properties in Spain. By making use of portals which is one the options more used.
- Reservation agreement and letter of Intent. A letter of intent may be presented by one party to another party and subsequently negotiated before execution (or signature).
- Payment of the Property Transfer Tax or VAT, as applicable and update the Land Registry.
All foreigner can buy a property in Spain?
Of course! There are no restrictions on buying property in Spain, whether it’s commercial, residential or land. In fact, Spain encourages investment by foreigners, both resident and non-resident.
About THE TAXES I NEED TO PAY WHEN BUYING A HOUSE?
All property owners in Spain are required to pay three different taxes each year. If you are a resident, you are subject to Income Tax (including Capital Gains Tax) and Real Estate Tax (IBI).
If you are a non-resident in Spain, you are subject to Income Tax (including Capital Gains Tax), Property Tax, plus an additional Non-resident Property Tax.
Deposit and Mortgage
In general, non-resident buyers in Spain can enjoy the same mortgage conditions as Spaniards, i.e. up to 80% cover in the case of a first home, and between 60 and 70% in the case of a second home.
This means that you must have a minimum of 20% of the price of the available property, plus approximately 15% extra on the cost of the property to pay taxes, lawyer’s fees, notary fees, etc. In addition, your debt cannot exceed 30-35% of your income.
Other important information to bear in mind is that mortgages in Spain are normally taken out for a minimum of five years and a maximum of thirty, with the maximum age of 75 years for completing the mortgage. It should also be noted that each institution has its own risk criteria, in which the country of residence can be included, and that properties abroad are not usually accepted as collateral, as it is difficult to reach them.
Taxes to buy a house in Spain
When you buy a property in Spain, you will be obligated to pay some taxes. Property taxes vary wether you are buying a brand new property or a resale property.
Taxes buying new property
When buying a brand new property, which is being sold for the first time, you will have to pay 10% VAT on the value of the property and the additional 1.5% on behalf of the Legal Documentation Tax.
Taxes buying a resale
When buying a resale property (a property that has changed hands at least once) you will be required to pay the Transfer Tax or ITP in Spanish,
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