7 Things You Need to Know Before Buying a Property in Costa del Sol

Key takeaways:

• Dive into the nitty-gritty aspects before buying a property in Costa del Sol.
• Associate with professionals who can help you minimise risk and maximise profits.

Are you thinking of investing in Spain’s property market?

Then you can’t ignore Costa del Sol.

Why?

It attracts a high percentage of 35.3% international buyers, the third highest in Spain.

And who’s leading the percentage charts?

British buyers accounted for 10.1%.

However, there are multiple factors you must know before buying a property in Costa del Sol.

Let’s find out.

7 Things to Know About Costa del Sol Investment

Making the right property investment in Costa del Sol requires a lot of precision and the right decision-making. 

So, we have finalised a list of seven things you must know before making your investment move. 

1. Focus on the location

Location is key when considering buying a property on the Costa del Sol. 

The stunning coastal area in southern Spain is blessed with various towns and cities.

Each brings its unique charm and character.

So, you must know where to place your bet.

Do your homework on the area, such as: 

• How close are you to essential amenities? 
• Are there any transportation options available?
• What attractions are nearby? 
• Does the area’s potential for property value growth?

Think about what these factors mean for your investment in the long run.

2. Consider the impact of seasonal fluctuations

When investing in property on the Costa del Sol, consider how seasonal changes can affect rental income, property maintenance, and overall demand. 

The region experiences high tourist traffic during certain months, which can be lucrative for holiday lets, but quieter off-season periods may see reduced income. 

Understanding these patterns can help you plan for consistent returns throughout the year.

3. Find the right financing 

As an investor in the UK, arranging financing is a key element when buying a property in Southern Spain.

Mortgages are readily available even for non-residents. 

It’s wise to compare different mortgage products and check interest rates and terms before choosing one.

Ensure that your mortgage broker or bank explains the contract, especially any clauses and associated costs like early cancellation fees. 

Also, understand the mortgage laws in Spain to understand your obligations and rights better.

4. Understand the legalities

Before finalising your purchase, you must carry out comprehensive legal due diligence. 

Hiring a lawyer who is well-versed in Spanish property law is advisable.

Why?

Your lawyer will examine all relevant legal documents, contracts, and permits associated with the property.

It removes any potential risks or legal issues and creates a path for a secure and smooth transaction.

5. What’s the purchase process?

Buying property differs from country to country, and Spain has its unique steps. Here’s a general outline for purchasing a home on the Costa del Sol:

• Reservation: Once you decide on a property, you pay a small fee to reserve it and take it off the market.
• Paperwork check: Your lawyer verifies all the property documents to ensure everything is correct.
• Purchase contract: Your lawyer drafts a contract that outlines all details of the sale, such as price, timeline, and costs covered by each party and what’s included (like furniture). Both you and the seller sign the contract, and you have to pay a deposit of around 10% of the purchase price.
• Finalising the purchase: On the agreed date, you and the seller meet at a notary office to sign the final deeds. You pay the remaining balance and receive the keys to your new home.
• Registration and Taxes: Your lawyer registers the deeds in your name at the Property Registry, handles the payment of necessary taxes and fees, and sets up direct debits for ongoing expenses like utilities and local council taxes.

Pro Tip: Ensure you fully understand the contract before signing, as it is legally binding

6. What to do after the purchase?

After buying your home on the Costa del Sol, it’s important to know your next moves:

• Refurbishment and furnishing: If you consider updating your new property, reputable estate agents can refer you to reliable contractors. This is especially important if you can’t supervise the work in person.
• Holiday lets: To rent out your property as a holiday let, you’ll need a license from regional authorities. Your estate agent can guide you through the requirements and application process.
• Property management: If you won’t live on the property, you can hire a property management company. They offer full services including cleaning and maintenance, which is ideal for holiday lets.

Pro Tip: Consult with established property management experts.

7. Associate with professionals

Completing a successful international property purchase can get complex if you don’t have professionals helping you out at different steps.

You need a team to complete the on-ground task, finalise a decent property, and help you complete the purchase. 

That’s where you can trust Pluxa Property.

Pluxa Property Can Handle Your Spain Property Investments

Property investment in Costa del Sol for property investment requires great understanding and knowledge. 

We at Pluxa Property offer end-to-end property investment solutions to help you achieve your desired financial outcomes.

With years of experience assisting different investors in the UK to complete successful property purchases in Spain, we can help you, too.

So, what’s making you wait?

Contact our team.

FAQs

Which area of Costa del Sol has the best value?

Estepona and Mijas offer great value, being more affordable than coastal locations.

What are the new rules for buying property in Spain?

As of January 2024, there are no restrictions on foreigners buying property in Spain. Key requirements include:

• NIE (tax ID number)
• Passport
• Proof of funds
• Local legal representative