Purchase guidance Costa Brava

Why use a buyer's agent

In Spain, it's important to work with a reliable real estate professional. PA Costa Brava operates as a registered real estate agent and is a member of the Asociación Profesional de Agentes Inmobiliarios (API). This means we adhere to professional and ethical standards and guide foreign buyers through a secure purchasing process. For international clients, this offers extra assurance when buying a property on the Costa Brava.

From the first viewing to the notary signing, we ensure the purchase process is secure, transparent, and well-organized.

Purchase process step by step

Buying a property in Spain works differently than in the Netherlands or Belgium. Below you will find the purchase process step by step, so you know exactly what to expect when purchasing a second home on the Costa Brava.

1. Orientation and house hunting

The first step is to determine your needs and budget. You can search for properties through real estate agents, property websites, or a buyer's agent.

Many foreign buyers choose to work with a buyer's agent. In Spain, the estate agent usually represents the seller, while a buyer's agent exclusively represents the buyer's interests.

During this phase you determine your budget, choose your preferred region and visit different properties.

2. Organizing viewings

When you have found interesting properties, viewings will be scheduled. During these visits, it is important to look not only at the property itself but also at:

• The state of maintenance
• The location and surroundings
• Any necessary renovations

The legal status of the property is also very important to have checked. An experienced real estate agent can help you ask the right questions and identify potential risks.

3. Price negotiation

Once you've found a property you want to buy, a negotiation on the price and terms of sale usually follows. A buyer's agent helps by assessing the property's market value and advising you on a realistic offer.

4. Reservation agreement

After agreeing on the price, a reservation contract is often drawn up. This contract temporarily removes the property from the market. The buyer usually pays a reservation deposit. This deposit will later be deducted from the purchase price.

5. Private purchase agreement (arras contract)

The next step is signing the so-called arras contract. This is a preliminary sales agreement that sets out the terms of the sale. With this contract, the buyer usually pays about 10% of the purchase price.

This contract includes, among other things:

• The purchase price
• The details of the buyer and seller
• The property details as recorded in the property register and the cadastre
• The date of the transfer at the notary's office

6. Legal inspection of the property

Before the final purchase, the property is checked for legal compliance.

Important checks are:

• The title deed of the property
• Any debts or mortgages
• Registration in the property register
• Building permits and the legal status of the property

This check prevents post-purchase issues.

7. Signing at the notary

The final purchase takes place at a Spanish notary. Here the official deed of sale is signed.

During this appointment:

• The remaining purchase price is paid
• The buyer receives the keys to the property
• Ownership is officially transferred

8. Registration of the property

After signing at the notary, the property is registered in the Spanish Property Registry. The taxes associated with the purchase are also paid. This ensures that you are officially registered as the owner.