01 – Purchase Process BEFORE you buy in Spain

01: What you should do BEFORE you visit Sotogrande to look for a property

The first thing to do is to investigate and research Sotogrande. Check out where you want to buy (Check out Locations), who do you want to work with (Research Agents) and be clear on what you want to buy (Have a written brief). 

1. How do I choose a Location within Sotogrande?
2. How to choose an Estate Agent?
3. Define your requirements as brief
4. Key preparations to have ready before you visit Sotogrande
5. Why you should hire a lawyer?
6. Why is Residency status important?

 

1. How do I choose a Location within Sotogrande?

Sotogrande is not Marbella in the same way La Zagaletta or Benhavis, El Madroñal or Guadalmina are not Marbella. They are all districts of Marbella. Marbella is a town the others residential urbanizations around or close to Marbella. Sotogrande happens to be 30 minutes (60km) away along a very good motorway called the AP7. So, only 10 minutes further away than all the other so called “Marbella” districts. Nevertheless, it is important you choose your preferred locations in advance as that way you will be able to focus on property in your area of preference.   Our catchment area is Sotogrande, which provides travel accessibility, shopping facilities, schools, and social environment. On the other hand, should you be looking for more razzmatazz, night and beach club party life then perhaps a location closer Marbella would be more suitable.

Once you have decided on Sotogrande, you may want to begin to fine tune where abouts in Sotogrande would you ideally want to be. We would encourage anyone looking to learn about the Sotogrande areas to check it out here: MAPS OF SOTOGRANDE

There are five main areas to Sotogrande:

Sotogrande Costa

is the part of Sotogrande that is located on the coastal side of the AP-7 motorway. The boundaries are the motorway, the seashore the Guadalquiton forest and the River Guadiaro. Within it you will find the A Zone, the B Zone and the area known as the Kings and Queens. Within the Sotogrande Costa are the Real Club de Gol Sotogrande, the Trocadero beach Club, Bunker beach, The Sotogrande racquet canter, Galerias Paniagua (where Noll Sotogrande is located). This is where Sotogrande began its development in 1962. Some of the oldest villas are located here in the Kings and Queens sector.

Sotogrande Alto

Stretches from the AP7 motorway west and from the Carretera de Arenillas known as the school road as it leads to the Sotogrande international school, south to the boundaries with the San Roque Golf course. The C,D, E, F and G Zones are in Sotogrande Alto and the streets in each zone begin with the corresponding letter. Located in Alto is the So Sotogrande Hotel, formally the Almenara Hotel, and the vary famous Valderrama golf course. 

La Reserva de Sotogrande

It is the area north of the school road, and is the newest part of Sotogrande of the resort. The L and M Zones are found here.  The Sotogrande International School is located at the top entrance, with the bottom entrance leading to the Reserva Country and Golf club, and al the new apartment blocks being developed known as Village Verde, La Finca and Senda Chica. La Reserva is where will most likely find a property with a sea view.

La Marina de Sotogrande

It is where you will find many apartment blocks known as islands or Riberas. Ideal for boat lovers, it is found over the Guadiaro Bridge from the Kings and Queens area. As well as apartments in the Marina area are many restaurants, and moorings. The Octogono tennis club is here as well as the Sotogrande beach. 

Sotogrande Port

The port has been carved out from the sea and is reclaimed land. As such it belongs to the Andalucía government who has leased it to the Sotogrande Port Authority who in turn has sold leases to private owners. In the port you will not only find apartments for sale, but also moorings. Many restaurants are located here as well as the MIM Hotel.

Remember, when looking for a location consider, orientation and views, your future social environment venues such as golf courses, riding schools, tennis or padel clubs, beaches, and accessibility to transport such an airport, railway stations etc. Additionally, facilities such as restaurants, day to day shopping, and schools should be considered. 

2. Pre arrival to Sotogrande a lot of preparation work can be done online by communication with and Estate Agent. But how to choose an Estate Agent?

The real estate profession along the Costa del Sol does have a so-so reputation which is much to do with it being an unregulated industry. However, there are many very reputable estate agents to choose from who will be instrumental to your purchase. The top agents, the ones that have the best result, they are the ones that spend a lot of money and invest on their websites with quality content, quality photography, quality videos and social media. 

We would recommend you choose and agent from Sotogrande, one with direct listings, and not an agent with thousands of listings which they have never seen or visited, and one who is happy to show you who they are and with proven results.  A local agent may also know what is for sale but not yet on the market. These are opportunities you will otherwise mis out on. 

If you were to choose Noll Sotogrande, you will be working with either Stephanie Noll or me Charles Gubbins and our team. We have found that clients like to know who they are working with and for this reason we have produced individual website showing and explaining who we are. Check out www.stephanienoll.de (German web site) or www.charlesgubbins.com (English website) for information about the two Noll Sotogrande partners. 

Learn how to choose the right Real Estate Agent Here

3. Before you visit Sotogrande, write out your requirements as brief?

What kind of property do you want? Spell it out! Literally write it out…

The better you can describe your requirements the quicker and more accurate we can find the perfect property for sale for you. Details such as bedrooms and bathrooms are obvious but small details such as orientation (north or south), views, privacy, design (contemporary or Spanish), etc. are also critical in delivering to your needs. Deal breakers are of course important to know in advance.

Some clients have found it very useful to set up some sort of scoring system when visiting a property Sotogrande. They do so to facilitate viewing comparison criteria. The list would have the obvious such as number of bedrooms, pool size, orientation, garden/ plot size, but criteria such as heating systems (gas, electric or even self-sufficient with solar panels or photovoltaic installations), window quality, terrace sizes, architectural style, water well, relative distance to amenities and many others. Giving your criteria a score and ranking for each property visited can assist when it comes to discarding options and focusing on the most suitable.

 

4. What should you have ready in preparation for your Sotogrande visit?

Before visiting Sotogrande I would advise you be clear on what you can afford (Funds) and who will look after you legally (Lawyer). Also knowing your future Residency Status is critical. Anyone can buy a property in Spain. However, the amount of time you spend in the country will determine whether you become a Spanish tax resident or not. 

Your Funds 

It is very important you know your budget and understand what you can afford on an ongoing manner. Once you have chosen a property and have an agreed offer from the vendor you will quickly need to access funds and begin to spend money. Not having access to funds could delay the purchase process and you could lose out on the purchase of your preferred property. Therefore, I stress, know what you can afford before you start looking, and how quickly you may be able to access funds and get them into your future Spanish bank. A lawyer, a surveyor, and a reservation deposit may quickly be required once you decide on a property.  Thereafter 10% of the purchase cost will be needed to secure the property with a private contract.  Following that notary and registration fees will need to be paid.

You should also find out the monthly ongoing expenditures of the property you are buying. Maintenance fees, insurance, property taxes, community charges, monthly mortgage payment, utilities, parking, etc should be understood. Don’t fall into the trap of buying a property you cannot afford.

Also, fully understand the speed at which you can access funds. Obtain mortgage pre-approval (agreement in principle) from your lender and/or bank and understand what amount you are qualified to borrow.

These points are obvious, but it will be helpful for a real estate agent to know exactly where you stand, when it comes to a making an offer, and the time it may take to complete the sale.

Blog: How to get Finance in Spain

 

5. Why should I engage a Lawyer, what’s his role?

Buying a property in your own country is a complicated matter, but one you can navigate with input from family friends if you are not confident. Buying in a foreign country is no more complicated, but most of it will be in a foreign language and is different to your home country. A reputable lawyer will become your best friend very quickly as he or she will help you navigate the process!  

Your lawyer’s principal task is to undertake due diligence on the property you wish to buy. Due diligence entails a great number of legal checks, and ensures the property you are buying is legal, and does not have debts. Your lawyer will check, details of current ownership, possible charges on the property such as a mortgage, any rights of occupation, e.g., tenants, any planning issues, correct registration, ensure tax payments are current, that it has a first occupation licence in place, that all utilities are paid up, and more… and importantly, prepare the purchase deed and mortgage deed if applicable.

A lawyer can also assist you with obtaining a NIE number and opening a bank account both necessary to buy a property in Spain as a foreign national. 

The NIE Number is a Foreigner Identity Number and is the identity number issued in Spain to all foreigners who are operating in Spain for economic, professional, or social reasons. This number is required for any property transaction (buying, selling, utilities, insurance, etc.)

Read more here: Duties of a conveyancing lawyer

 

6. Why is Residency status important?

It is not necessary to have a residence permit to buy a property in Spain unless you are planning to live in Spain for over 183 days per calendar year. In that case, you need to apply for fiscal residence in Spain. All, Non-European Union citizens who want to reside permanently in Spain must obtain a special residence visa from the Spanish Consulate in their home country. With this visa, they can apply for a residence permit.

There are several VISAS available for foreigners, such as a Student Visa a Work Visa a Non-Lucrative Visa a Intercorporate-transfer Visa and a Golden Visa or Investor Visa are some.

After five consecutive years as resident in Spain, it is possible to apply for a permanent residency, and after ten years it’s possible to obtain Spanish nationality.

It is advisable to consult with a lawyer for best legal advice to choose the best possible residency option. Beware if you stay more than 183 days you will de-facto be considered TAX resident in Spain. 

Read More here: Spanish Visas 

 

Let us help you find your home in Sotogrande!

We are always available to guide you and we can provide advice in your own language if you prefer.

Charles Gubbins.
Email: charles.gubbins@noll-sotogrande.com
Mobile: +34 607 911 661

Stephanie Noll
Email: stephanie@noll-sotogrande.com
Mobile: 34 607 465 383

© Noll Sotogrande Real Estate

Disclaimer: Please note the material contained in this guide is for informational purposes only. This information is general in nature and has not taken into consideration your specific personal circumstances.