Have you been dreaming of a holiday home on the Costa del Sol for years or are you considering living there permanently? Then the question "How to buy a house in Spain?" surely has already occurred to you. Buying a property in Spain can be a great experience, at least if you keep in mind the pitfalls. To ensure this process goes smoothly, it is essential to avoid the common mistakes many buyers make. We have listed the 5 most important mistakes for you.

Uno: You have not prepared

A common mistake when buying a house in Spain is the lack of proper preparation. Unlike the careful process people are used to in their own country, it is common here for people to act impulsively, ignited by the holiday atmosphere and pleasant weather.

However, it is crucial to prepare properly:

• Get to know the regions: Become familiar with the different regions of Spain and take into account the advantages and disadvantages of each.
• Additional costs: Don't lose sight of additional costs such as taxes, lawyer and notary fees, etc.
• Purchase process: Immerse yourself in the Spanish buying process and the required documentation involved.

If you are well informed about this process, you can avoid unpleasant surprises and make your purchase go more smoothly. Our complete guide for buying a house in Spain will help you get started.

Property surroundings disappointing in retrospect

By thoroughly exploring the area beforehand, you avoid buying a house in a location that later disappoints. Take into account the following aspects:

• Distance: Check proximity to hospitals, shops and other amenities.
• Habitability outside the summer season: Consider whether the area is also suitable in winter when it is quieter.
• Security and crime: Investigate neighbourhood safety and crime levels.
• Maintenance: Check whether the municipality maintains the area well and whether there is litter or neglect.
• Infrastructure: Check the quality of roads and public transport in the area.

Dos: No funding before provisional sale agreement

Another common mistake that buyers make is not arranging financing before the preliminary sales agreement. The preliminary sales contract is a private agreement between you and the seller in which the seller confirms his/her intention to sell. Further, in it you confirm your intention to buy the property at the agreed price and under the specified conditions. In addition, this contract also contains the specified date when the notarial transfer should take place.

Some key points:

• Timely preparation: Make sure you have enough time before signing the preliminary sales agreement as it determines the closing date at the notary.
• Financing plan: Start planning your finances and mortgage options before committing to anything. Research loan terms and interest rates.
• Negotiate terms: Discuss and lay down any conditions precedent to protect you from unexpected situations.
• Advance payment: As a buyer, you usually have to pay a deposit, usually 10% of the sale price. In case of seller's cancellation, you will get double back, but in case of buyer's cancellation, the down payment can be lost unless there is a suspensive mortgage condition.
• Long maximum term: Define as long a maximum period as possible, for example 4 months, to minimise risks and have time for all necessary steps.

Tres: You underestimate the time it takes to get an NIE

In Spain, as a foreign buyer of property, which includes EU citizens, you must apply for an NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) to buy a property. You can apply for your NIE at a police station in Spain. If you are outside Spain, you must apply directly to the Spanish embassy or consulate in your home country.

A useful tip is to hire a lawyer or solicitor to take care of these administrative matters for you, especially if you don't feel like dealing with Spanish bureaucracy. This can make the process go more smoothly.

Cuatro: You do not engage a lawyer

Some people think that, especially if they have bought a house in Belgium before, they can arrange everything themselves in Spain to save money. In doing so, they economise on an estate agent or lawyer, which is not really wise in Spain.

A lawyer will make sure all permits, documents and contracts are in order before you transfer large sums of money. He or she can translate documents and arrange administrative matters for you. If you cannot travel to Spain in person, the lawyer can sign documents on your behalf.

It is therefore important to hire a reliable, local lawyer to avoid potential problems and ensure that the purchase process goes smoothly. Therefore, enlist our help. Alness, your reliable companion, will effortlessly guide you through the entire purchase process. We are by your side, from providing essential information to putting you in touch with the right professionals such as lawyers and tax advisers. We are here to support you and help you make important decisions.

Cinco: The broker is unreliable

And to conclude: don't make the mistake of hiring an estate agent who can't actually be trusted. Many 'estate agents' in Spain are aware that as a foreigner you know too little about buying a property in Spain and are out to sell you something they would like to get rid of. ****To avoid this, it is smart to use a Belgian estate agent.

Why using a Belgian estate agent is important

If you are wondering the best way to buy a house in Spain, calling on a Belgian estate agent is the most important tip we can give you. A Belgian estate agent who sells houses in Spain knows how everything works in the country and can make sure you don't make any mistakes.

A big advantage is that they understand the language well and can translate if needed. They also have contacts with various experts in Spain, such as lawyers and notaries. These contacts can be very useful. If you need help with things like electricity, water, internet, insurance or healthcare, they can also refer you to the right people.

How to buy a house in Spain? With Alness of course!

In short, calling on a Belgian estate agent can save you a lot of worry and, on top of that, ensure that the buying process runs smoothly. So enlist the help of Alness. With Alness, you can count on personal assistance from start to finish. Rely on our expertise and experience to find your dream home in Spain without the pitfalls and worries that many buyers encounter. Take contact with us and let's work together to make your dreams a reality!