Buying

Elpano Estate can help you find the best available properties in Costa del Sol. We cover the area between Malaga and Estepona and can offer a variety of properties in all price ranges. If you are searching for properties in cities like Malaga, Torremolinos, Benalmadena, Fuengirola, La Cala de Mijas, Marbella or Estepona it is wise to start here.

The key to find a good property is to be openminded and determined. Elpano Estate has different approaches to find a suitable property. We have a lot of resales through the cooperation between property agents and all new developments are listed in our webpage.

Buying a house or apartment in Spain is not complicated, but is a bit different from what we are used to. A property purchase takes about 6–8 weeks and everything is done in Spanish. There is a lot to keep track of, and we help you through this process. We recommend that you always hire a solicitor who will guide you through the legal process as well.

The buying procedure

1

Viewing and bidding

Find a property you like, view it, and make your offer.

2

Reservation contract

When price and dates are agreed we make a reservation contract that both parties sign. The buyer pays 6 000 € to either the lawyer's account or the real estate agent's client account. The property is now removed from the market and the legal examination begins.

3

Legal examination

Your solicitor contacts the vendor's legal representative and asks for all necessary documents to confirm the property has no legal issues — e.g. debts, taxes, mortgages, tenants or other bindings.

4

Private purchase contract

Once the solicitor has confirmed everything is in order, a private purchase contract is signed stating all dates, payments and conditions. Normally you pay 10% of the agreed price minus the 6 000 € already paid in deposit.

5

Title deed (Escritura)

The final step is meeting at a notary where all documents are signed. The outstanding money is paid and keys are handed over to the buyer. The title deed must be signed by three parties: buyer, vendor and notary.

6

Registration of the property

A few days after signing, the title deeds are retrieved from the notary and handed to the property register. All costs, taxes, transfer fees and legal expenses are paid. Your solicitor ensures all contracts — water, electricity, owner association etc — are transferred to the buyer.

Fees & costs

Resale property

  • 7% transfer fee (independent of property value)
  • 2% notary and land register fees
  • 1% + VAT solicitor fee
  • Golden visa available for purchases over 500 000 €

New development

  • 10% VAT
  • 1.5% stamp duty
  • 2% notary and land registry fees
  • 1% + VAT solicitor fee

Depending on how you finance the purchase there may be additional costs for obtaining a mortgage.