FAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
There are several steps you can take to begin the process of buying a property in Marbella, Spain:
- Determine your budget: Set a budget for your property purchase and try to stick to it. Don’t forget to factor in additional costs such as closing costs, taxes, and maintenance expenses.
- Determine your needs: Think about your needs and what you are looking for in a property. Consider factors such as the number of bedrooms and bathrooms, size of the property, location, and amenities.
- Research the market: Research the real estate market in Marbella to get a sense of current prices and trends. Look at listings of properties for sale and compare them to your budget and needs.
- Get a mortgage pre-approval: If you will be financing your property purchase with a mortgage, it’s a good idea to get a pre-approval before you start looking at properties. This will give you a better idea of how much you can afford and help you narrow your search.
- Find a real estate agent: Consider working with a real estate agent who is familiar with the Marbella market and can help you find a property that meets your needs and budget.
- Start looking at properties: Once you have a good idea of your budget and what you are looking for, start looking at properties in Marbella. Be sure to inspect the properties carefully and consider factors such as location, size, condition, and potential for appreciation.
- Make an offer: Once you find a property that you are interested in, make an offer to the seller through your real estate agent. Be prepared to negotiate to reach a final sale price.
- Close the sale: Once you have reached an agreement on a sale price, you will need to sign a contract with the seller and complete the sale. This may involve paying taxes and other closing costs.
To arrange a viewing of a property:
- Find a property you are interested in: Look at listings of properties for sale in Marbella and identify one or more properties that you would like to view in person.
- Contact us: You can contact us, Greystone International Group, to request a viewing.
Schedule a viewing:
Once you have contacted us, we will work with you to schedule a viewing of the
property. It’s a good idea to schedule a viewing as soon as possible, as properties
in Marbella can be in high demand.
Prepare for the viewing:
Before the viewing, make sure you have all of the necessary documents with you,
such as identification and proof of financing (if applicable). It’s also a good idea to
bring a list of questions to ask the seller or your agent about the property.
Attend the viewing:
When you arrive at the property for the viewing, take your time to inspect it
carefully and ask any questions you have. Be sure to pay attention to the condition
of the property, as well as its size, location, and amenities.
Follow up:
After the viewing, follow up with us to ask any additional questions or express
your interest in the property. If you are interested in making an offer, you can work
with Greystone International Group, your real estate agent to do so.
Whether it is worth making an offer on a property or accepting the full price depends on a variety of factors, including the current state of the real estate market, the condition of the property, and your personal financial situation. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whether to make an offer on a property or accept the full price:
- Market conditions: If the real estate market is competitive and there are many buyers interested in the property, you may want to consider making an offer rather than accepting the full price. On the other hand, if the market is slow and there are few buyers interested in the property, the seller may be more willing to negotiate.
- Condition of the property: If the property is in need of significant repairs or updates, you may want to make an offer that reflects the cost of these repairs. On the other hand, if the property is in good condition and requires minimal work, you may be willing to accept the full price.
- Your financial situation: Your personal financial situation will also play a role in whether you make an offer or accept the full price. If you are able to pay the full price without stretching your budget, you may be more willing to do so. However, if you are working with a tight budget, you may need to make an offer in order to afford the property.
Ultimately, whether to make an offer or accept the full price is a personal decision that depends on your individual circumstances. It’s a good idea to carefully consider all of the factors and seek advice from a real estate agent or financial professional if needed.
There are several factors to consider when deciding what is a good offer on a property:
- Market conditions: Look at the current state of the real estate market in the area where the property is located. If the market is competitive and there are many buyers interested in the property, you may need to make a higher offer in order to stand out. On the other hand, if the market is slow and there are few buyers interested in the property, you may be able to make a lower offer.
Condition of the property: Consider the condition of the property when making an offer. If the property is in need of significant repairs or updates, you may want to make a lower offer that reflects the cost of these repairs. On the other hand, if the property is in good condition and requires minimal work, you may be willing to make a higher offer.
Comparable properties: Look at similar properties in the area that have recently sold or are currently for sale. This can give you a good idea of what a fair price for the property would be.
Your budget: Make sure that the offer you make is within your budget. Don’t forget to factor in additional costs such as closing costs, taxes, and maintenance expenses.
Your personal circumstances: Consider your personal circumstances when making an offer. If you are in a hurry to buy a property and the seller is willing to negotiate, you may be able to make a lower offer. On the other hand, if you have more flexibility and the seller is not willing to negotiate, you may need to make a higher offer.
Ultimately, what is a good offer on a property will depend on your individual circumstances and the specifics of the property. It’s a good idea to work with a real estate agent who can help you determine a fair offer.
If a seller does not accept your offer on a property, there are a few options you can consider:
- Make a counteroffer: If the seller is willing to negotiate, you can make a counteroffer that is higher than your original offer, but lower than the full asking price. This may be enough to reach an agreement with the seller.
- Walk away: If the seller is not willing to negotiate or the price is still out of your budget, you may decide to walk away from the property. It’s important to remember that there are many other properties available, and you may be able to find one that meets your needs and budget.
- Keep looking: If you are unable to reach an agreement with the seller, you may want to continue looking at other properties in the area. This will allow you to compare prices and find a property that meets your needs and budget.
Ultimately, whether to make a counteroffer, walk away, or keep looking will depend on your individual circumstances and how strongly you feel about the property. It’s a good idea to carefully consider all of your options and seek advice from a real estate agent or financial professional if needed.
There are several steps you can take to ensure that you are getting good value for money on your Spanish property:
- Determine the value of the property: Look at similar properties in the area that have recently sold or are currently for sale. This can give you a good idea of what a fair price for the property would be.
- Consider the condition of the property: Evaluate the condition of the property and consider any necessary repairs or updates. If the property is in need of significant work, you may want to make an offer that reflects the cost of these repairs.
- Research the location: Consider the location of the property and whether it is in an area that is likely to appreciate in value. Look at factors such as the local real estate market, the quality of schools, and the proximity to amenities.
- Seek professional advice: It can be helpful to seek advice from a real estate agent or lawyer who is familiar with the Spanish property market. They can help you determine a fair price and ensure that you are getting good value for money.
- Compare prices: Look at a range of properties in different locations and at different price points to get a sense of what is available in your price range. This will allow you to compare prices and ensure that you are getting good value for money.
Ultimately, getting good value for money on a Spanish property will depend on your individual circumstances and priorities. By doing your research and seeking professional advice, you can make an informed decision about what is a fair price for the property you are considering.
It is generally a good idea to seek legal advice when you are considering purchasing a property, especially if you are unfamiliar with the process or if the property is a significant investment. A lawyer can help you understand your rights and obligations as a buyer, review the purchase agreement and other documents, and ensure that the transaction is carried out smoothly and in your best interests. They can also advise you on any potential issues or risks associated with the property, such as hidden defects or encumbrances, and help you negotiate any necessary terms or conditions. Overall, consulting a lawyer can help you make an informed decision and protect your interests when buying a property.
Yes, we can recommend a lawyer to you. We have relationships with lawyers who specialise in real estate matters and can assist with the legal aspects of buying or selling a property. We only work with professionals with the most experience and highest qualifications. We can also provide references from other clients who have worked with the lawyer in the past.
In Spain, the concept of freehold ownership is known as “propiedad en propiedad” or “fee simple.” In this type of ownership, the owner has complete and unrestricted rights to use, occupy, and dispose of the property as they see fit, subject to any legal restrictions that may apply. In Spain, it is possible for properties to be owned in fee simple, although it is not the only type of ownership that exists. Other types of ownership in Spain include “usufruct,” in which the owner has the right to use and benefit from the property but does not have the right to sell it, and “emphyteusis,” in which the owner has the right to use and benefit from the property for a specified period of time.
Yes, it is possible for you and your partner to share title to a property in Spain. There are several options for doing so, including:
- Joint Tenancy: In this case, both partners have equal ownership rights and responsibilities. If one partner dies, the surviving partner automatically inherits the deceased partner’s share of the property.
- Tenancy in Common: In this case, both partners have equal ownership rights, but they do not necessarily have equal shares in the property. Each partner can leave their share of the property to whomever they choose in their will.
- Community Property: This option is only available to married couples and gives both partners equal ownership rights and responsibilities.
- Co-ownership Agreement: In this case, the partners can specify the terms of their ownership arrangement in a legally-binding agreement.
It is important to carefully consider which ownership arrangement is best for you and your partner, and to seek legal advice to ensure that your rights and interests are protected.
It is generally possible to move into a property in Marbella as soon as the purchase process is completed and the keys are handed over to you. However, there are a few steps involved in the purchase process that can take some time, including:
- Negotiating the purchase price and terms of the sale with the seller.
- Hiring a lawyer to review the purchase contract and carry out due diligence on the property.
- Obtaining financing, if necessary.
- Completing the necessary paperwork and obtaining any required permits or approvals.
The exact amount of time it will take to complete these steps will depend on the specifics of your situation, but it is generally possible to move into a property in Marbella within a few weeks of making the purchase. It is a good idea to work closely with your lawyer and other professionals to ensure that the process goes smoothly and that you are able to move into your new home as soon as possible.
As a non-resident in Spain, you may be subject to the following taxes:
- Non-Resident Income Tax (Impuesto sobre la Renta de no Residentes): This tax applies to income earned from Spanish sources, such as rental income from a property in Spain. The tax rate is progressive and ranges from 19% to 23%.
- Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio): This tax applies to the net worth of an individual, including assets such as property and financial investments. The tax rate is progressive and ranges from 0.2% to 2.5%. However, there are exemptions and reductions available for certain assets.
- Inheritance and Gift Tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones): This tax applies to transfers of assets through inheritance or gifts. The tax rate varies depending on the value of the assets and the relationship between the donor and recipient.
- Value-Added Tax (IVA): This tax applies to the sale of goods and services in Spain and is typically included in the price of the goods or services. The standard rate is 21%, although some items are taxed at a reduced rate of 10% or 4%.
It is recommended to consult with a tax professional to understand your tax obligations as a non-resident in Spain and to ensure that you are in compliance with the relevant laws.