Your dream home in Spain: a step-by-step guide by Gold Estates

Do you dream of your own home under the Spanish sun? At Gold Estates you have come to the right place. It doesn't matter whether you are looking for a second home or want to permanently migrate to this dream country, we will help you every step of the way.

We make it a point to assist you throughout the entire journey - not only when looking for the ideal property or handling the purchase, but also with practical concerns such as the NIE number or Belgian TV. For our customers, only a VIP service is good enough.

Curious about how this actually works? Below we explain our method.

Step 1: exploratory conversation

Everything starts with a small seed. Maybe you have been dreaming of living in Spain for a long time, but you don't know how to get started in practice. Contact us without obligation. One of our colleagues will take your details and discuss your wishes with you. Are you looking for a small apartment or a luxurious villa? Is a sea view a must or would you rather live near cafes and shops? We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different regions, answer all practical, legal and financial questions and explain the entire sales process from needle to thread.

Step 2: VIP info trip (aka: house hunting)

The seed has been planted. As soon as you give the green light, we will start looking for options. If there is enough interest, we will organize a VIP information trip: together we visit potential properties. Because of course you don't buy based on some photos. No, you explore the area, taste the pastries from the local bakery and have a chat with the neighbors. We take care of the entire organization. In Spain we not only guide you from one villa to another apartment, we also tell you about the region and give you tips. Then it's up to you to decide.

Step 3: Find a lawyer

A lawyer is indispensable when purchasing a home in Spain. It is a maid for all work that represents you at the police, municipality, taxes, bank, electricity and water company, notary and court. Ideally, you choose a lawyer who speaks both Spanish and Dutch, so that you are always informed. If desired, we have the necessary contacts to help you on your way.

Step 4: reserve your dream property

The house hunt went well and you fell head over heels in love with a property. The next step is to reserve that dream home. You do this with a reservation document. In Spanish this is called contrato de reserva. In this letter you, as a buyer, express your intention to purchase the home. At the same time, you make an offer through your lawyer in which you clearly indicate at what price and under what conditions you want to purchase the house. It then disappears from the market for about three weeks, enough time for your lawyer to carry out all possible checks (see below). It usually costs 6,000 to 15,000 euros to reserve a home, although this can often be negotiated.

Step 5: apply for a NIE number

Thanks to the European Union, you can relax as a tourist in Spain without papers, stamps or visas. But as soon as you want to do something official, such as buying a house under the Mediterranean sun, you need a NIE number. NIE is the abbreviation of Número de Identidad de Extranjero. There are various ways to request such an identification number - including at the consulate in Brussels or through a power of attorney with a notary in Spain. In this blog post we discuss the different methods in detail. Don't feel like hassle? Our reliable partner can help you with the application .

Step 6: arrange financing

Unless your money is full enough to fully pay for your dream home, you will need to finance your purchase. Generally speaking, there are four options for this: via a new mortgage in Belgium, the retake of an existing mortgage, your individual pension commitment (find out how this works ) or a mortgage loan from a Spanish bank.

Step 7: lawyer at work

In Belgium the notary carries out the necessary background checks, in Spain he only draws up the notarial deed. That is why a competent lawyer is of the utmost importance. A lawyer checks the land register and building permit of the property, checks whether it is not burdened with debts and finds out who the legal owner is. He or she also inspects whether the property is structurally correct and as described. The notary will draw up the deed based on these findings. The lawyer is also present when the deed is executed, to ensure that the property is correctly registered in your name.

Step 8: Sign compromise

The private purchase contract - comparable to the Belgian compromise - contains the details of buyer and seller, a description of the property to be sold, the price, the payment method and the ultimate date on which the notarial deed must be signed. In principle, this binds all parties for the purpose of ratifying the sale. This is also the moment when you pay a deposit, usually ten percent.

Step 9: go to the notary to sign the contract for purchase

The final phase of the purchase is the signing of the notarial deed, or escritura. This requires all parties to be present in the notary's office - your lawyer, the mortgage lender (if applicable) and the seller (or their legal representative). The notary draws up a deed containing the obligations of all parties. It is not his job to know the contents of the contract or to vouch for its completeness or correctness. The notary only notes what the parties dictate to him. That is the main reason why you should hire a lawyer to do the necessary research. After signing, you have one month to pay the registration fees, register the deed in the register of properties and inform the municipality, land registry and utility companies.

Step 10: after purchase

After that, only the delivery remains. If additional renovations are required afterwards, ask the project developer or the key holder for quotes. Your lawyer will help you connect utilities, your real estate agent or key holder will help you purchase furniture. And then... enjoy!

Our VIP service: extra services

At Gold Estates we like to exceed expectations. This not only applies when we search for the ideal home, but also for the exclusive VIP service that we offer our customers. Because only the best is good enough for you, we work with selected partners, each of whom contributes their own expertise. All to improve your experience.

Watch internet and TV without an additional subscription

Our collaboration with Watching TV in Spain allows you to effortlessly enjoy your favorite Belgian programs, without the hassle of dishes or extra subscriptions. This way you can stay up to date with Belgian news, football results or the latest developments in your favorite soap in Spain.

Car and valet service

Our partner TopGear Mobility offers extensive services for your own car. For only 375 euros per year you can make unlimited use of their valet service, where they can pick up your car or drop it off at any time that suits you. In addition, TopGear Mobility can help with importing your car, its maintenance, tire replacement and professional cleaning. This way your car is always in top condition.

We understand that your lifestyle requires more than just a beautiful home. It's about the whole experience. With our VIP service and collaboration with renowned partners, we strive to make your stay in Spain both carefree and unforgettable. We pay attention to the details that make the difference. Discover the best of Spain with Gold Estates. Your dream home is waiting for you.

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