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The Search for the Right Property
Can I see more photographs and get more details?
Yes, we would be happy to send further details and photographs. Simply note
down the reference numbers of the properties that interest you, and either send us an e-mail, or complete the form on the Contact Us page. We´ll try to reply within the same day if possible (we´re not open weekends though).
I can´t find what I want, can you help?
We understand that it can be very difficult to know from descriptions and photographs
whether one property is right for you or not. Our representatives know most of the properties on our site extremely well, so can often help in deciding which properties most closely match your
requirements. Let us know the kind of thing you´re interested in: the location, the style, the plot size, proximity to town and neighbours, the number of bedrooms, and of course the budget, and we
can advise which properties do and which do not meet your needs.
How can I get to see the properties?
There is no substitute for coming out here and having a look at the properties in the
flesh - that´s when you really get an idea about what´s right and what´s not
We offer tailor-made no obligation Inspection Trips which give you two or three days
dedicated to searching for the right property. See our Inspection Trips page for more details.
Alternatively you can make an appointment by calling or e-mailing us. Appointments are usually for one half day, starting around 10am and concluding at around 2pm - we try and show you five or six properties in this time to give you a good idea of what´s available.
Never mind Euros, how much is it in Pounds?
The rate of exchange does vary of course, but 1 Euro is worth about 66p, so one pound
is about 1.40 Euros. You should, however, check with a reputable currency provider for exact quotations to ensure that you are working to the right numbers.
Click this link to see the current rate of exchange or to convert any Euro amount into any other currency.
Can I get a Spanish mortgage?
The quick answer is yes, if you can prove your income will cover the repayments.
There are generally two levels of mortgage offered, one for residents and one for
non-residents. For non-residents the mortgage offered is generally around 70% of the declared value, for residents it is usually around 80% (or more) of the value of the property.
We can arrange of all this on your behalf through our established relationships with
BBVA and Caja Madrid. See our Mortgages page for more details.
What´s a water deposit (storage tank)?
Some areas are not yet connected to mains water.
It is usual in these areas to have a large tank which holds a drinking water supply. This tank needs to be filled by arrangement with a water delivery company who will deliver the water in a tanker.
To create the right pressure, the water is pumped into the house as needed
Is solar electricity sufficient?
A decent solar electricity system, well-maintained, is usually more than sufficient
for an average house. Indeed many houses have both solar and mains and sell surplus electricity back to the electricity supplier.
Can you translate m2 into acres / square feet?
An acre is about 4000m2 which is about 43,000 square feet.
Can I buy the property freehold?
Yes, most country properties are freehold.
Can I buy the property if I am not an EU citizen?
Yes, with a valid visa to enter Spain you can obtain an NIE number and purchase
property in the country.
Why use Advanta Homes?
Advanta Homes offer a complete service for anyone wishing to buy in the Costa Blanca
region - every step of the way we are there to help and advise, and the service doesn´t stop once the purchase is complete - we are always here to help however many years later you might need our advice.
Advanta Homes, as a member of the EEAU, works in approved professional best practise
ways. We focus on ensuring that we have the best choice and service and offer the most experience of the property business in this part of Spain. This allows us to commit to showing you a
broad selection whatever your budget or requirements, allowing you to get a really good appreciation of exactly what´s on offer.
See our Testimonials page to see what other customers have said about our service.
If you are serious about purchasing property in this region within the upcoming
twelve months or so, then consider using our Serious People service - this involves no cost or commitment, but allows us to offer you the very best in personalised service.
Buying the Right Property
How do I make an offer?
If you have found the right property and want to make an offer to purchase it, simple
let us know and we will liaise directly with the owner on your behalf.
What happens when my offer is accepted?
You will be asked to sign a simple contract (in English) and pay a non-refundable
deposit, which is usually 10% (never more) of the total purchase price (the remaining 90% is payable on the signing of the Title Deeds before the Notary)
This can all be done from the UK when you get back home, so there is no pressure to
bring money with you to Spain, and no need to feel pressured into making quick decisions.
This is taken as official confirmation of your intent to purchase that property and
the seller´s intent to sell you that property, at the agreed price.
If you are purchasing a property off plan,
the Constructor may ask for stage payments to be made on the property. These can vary dependent on the Constructor.
Following this, your appointed solicitor will then carry out all necessary searches
on the property; to ensure that it is owned by the vendor, it has planning permission, there are no outstanding debts or charges on the property.and other legal encumbrances.
Once the searches on the property are satisfactorily completed and the deposit has
been paid in accordance with the terms and conditions of the contract then the Title Deeds are prepared, ready to be signed by both the buyer and the seller before the Notary.
Can I be gazumped?
Once the deposit is paid, the seller is committed to selling you the property at the
agreed price and so you cannot be gazumped. However, prior to the deposit being received, the property usually remains on the market and the seller will remain open to other offers.
How can I be sure that everything is going ahead as planned once I return to the UK?
You can feel confident that we will be monitoring the progress of your
property. In the case of new constructions to ensure that the stages are going ahead as planned, and in the case of resale property to ensure that once the property has been checked for
encumbrances that the signing of the title deeds can take place as soon as possilble. We will endeavour to keep you well informed at every stage.
How do I transfer money from the UK?
Most banks offer a service to transfer money from the UK to a non-UK bank account for
a small fee. Alternatively you can set up an account with a reputable currency transfer company who tend to offer better exchange rates and do not charge a fee for the service.
Advanta Homes recommends HIFX who have always been very good to our clients over the
years. They make no charges for transfer, offer very good rates, and will even refund any charges made your Spanish bank on receipt of the fund. They can be contacted by clicking on this link or contact us for further details.
We suggest you set this service up as soon as possible as it can take a couple of
weeks for them to complete all the necessary paperwork. It involves no cost or no commitment, but can save time and money when you do need it.
What if I change my mind on a property?
Once you have signed a contract for the property and paid a deposit this is
considered an official intent to purchase the property. It is therefore extremely important that you are absolutely certain that this is the property you wish to purchase and that you do not feel
under any duress to sign the contract.
How long does it take between signing the contract and completion?
Depending on the outcome of the searches made by the solicitor, the process can take
anywhere between 3 weeks and 3 months.
Do I have to use your solicitor when I purchase a property?
No. You are free to use a solicitor of your choice or we can recommend one in the
local area.
We guarantee that we only recommend entirely independent solicitors, from the local
area, who have proven records for competence and honesty and have many years experience in the country property market in this region of Spain.
Additionally we absolutely guarantee that we neither pay nor receive any commissions
(or any other form of payment) to or from any solicitor involved in your property purchase. Contact Us for details.
What happens to my deposit if the searches are returned
unsatisfactory?
If for whatever reason the searches are returned unsatisfactory, you will receive
your deposit back in full. It is for this reason that the initial deposit is not paid immediately to the owner.
What if I want changes made to the property before I move
in (such as building work or a swimming pool installed)?
This is no problem, once all related plans and quotations have been agreed, we can
arrange and manage this process on your behalf.
We only recommend and use proven reputable suppliers for all building and maintenance
related work.
How much does it cost to get a swimming pool built?
Prices vary depending on the pool type and the constructor.
The most economical option is to purchase a fibre glass pool - the total cost for
your pool would then be around 9,000 Euros.
Another option is a timber framed pool, these come in all shapes and sizes and can
look very effective, especially in a woodland setting. Prices tend to start at around 10,000 Euros.
Concrete constructed pools, fully tiled, with filtration units, start at around
15,000 Euros (for 8m x 4m, 1m to 2m depth) and go up to around 20,000 Euros - increasing in price as the volume of the pool increases.
Please note that pool construction requires planning permission and we only recommend
proven reputable suppliers for all building and maintenance related work.
How can I be sure that the property is legal?
Before any property is put onto our books, we check the basic paperwork with the
owner to ensure that the property is legally registered and the owner has the right to sell.
Following any commitment to purchase, we thoroughly review all the paperwork
associated with the property and also conduct searches to ensure that there are no urban plans which may effect the property.
However, we always recommend that all purchasers make use of an independent local solicitor, just to be doubly sure. Contact Us for details.
The Purchase Process and Costs
What costs are there associated with the property purchase?
All property transactions in Spain are subject to either VAT (known as IVA) or Transfer Tax - both of which are
7% of the declared value of the property.
This tax must be paid within 30 days of signing the title deed (we manage this on
your behalf).
In addition to this, there are fees for the Notary and the Land Registry which together amount to a maximum of
around 2% of the declared value (again, we manage this on your behalf).
For these reasons we suggest you budget for an additional 10% to cover all purchase related taxes and costs.
Additional fees are liable if you are using a Spanish mortgage or a solicitor which depend on how much you
intend to borrow. As a rough guide, we suggest you allow a further 1% to be sure.
What about capital gains tax (plus valia)?
This is usually paid by the seller of the property and is not the responsibility of the buyer.
If you are selling your property and would like more information on the plus valia (capital gains tax), please
see our Selling Your Property page.
Do I need to get an NIE number?
Yes.
Although you need to attend in person to apply for your NIE number, we will manage this process on your behalf and accompany you to the NIE office. There is no cost associated with an NIE number.
What´s an NIE number?
An identification number which registers you with the Spanish government as a non-Spanish national in Spain.
Once you have your NIE number, this takes the place of your passport number for all official business.
Do I need to get a bank account?
No, but it is to be recommended.
If you ask us to, we will open an account on your behalf, or if you are over in Spain at the time, we can accompany you to the bank to assist you in opening the account.
The cost for opening a “non-residents” account is usually around 10 Euros.
How can I arrange a Spanish mortgage?
We can arrange of all this on your behalf through our established relationships with
BBVA, Bancaja and Caja Madrid.
What do I need to do before going to the Notary?
You will need to have all finances in place, including the money required to pay the
taxes and costs (see above). We will advise you on this and ensure that everything is ready.
You will also need your NIE numbers and passports.
What´s a Notary?
A Notary is an official lawyer appointed by the Spanish government to witness legal
transactions and to ensure that everything is done correctly and in accordance with Spanish law.
The Notary is primarily there to protect both the seller and the buyer.
Specifically they check that those selling the property are the legal owners with the
right to sell, all documentation is in order, and that the house does not have any unpaid debts or similar encumberances associated with it.
The Notary fees are around 2% of the purchase price of the property and must be paid
at the time of the signing of the deeds.
What happens at the Notary?
The Title Deeds are read out by the Notary (they are translated for you beforehand by
a native English speaker) and all those present are identified.
The Title Deeds are then signed by the seller, the buyer, the translator and the
Notary. The house has then officially been purchased.
The original signed Title Deeds document is then retained by the Notary who will
apply for a formal change in the land registry. The buyer will receive an initial legal copy of the Title Deed which is signed and stamped by the Notary.
The official title deed can take a while to be processed and until then this is your
official proof of ownership and must be kept in a secure location.
We will be with you throughout the process, explaining exactly what is happening at
all times.
What if I am unable to attend the Notary myself?
It is quite common to give your solicitor a Power of Attorney in order that they can
sign the Title Deeds on your behalf. You will need to have transferred the final balance for the property plus taxes to them prior to the signing of the deeds.
When will I receive the keys to the property?
You will be given the keys at the Notary once the Title Deeds have been signed.
Living in Spain
How do put the utilities into my own name?
This can be a surprisingly complex procedure, so we do this on your behalf following
the completion of the purchase.
How much do utilities (gas, water, electricity) cost?
Obviously the cost depends on consumption and the charges levied for the amount used
is in addition to charges quoted below.
Natural Gas is not available except in large towns and cities.
Bottled gas can be purchased from CEPSA or Repsol Service Stations, but you must first get a contract with them which involves them making a safety inspection of the gas-fired appliance before agreeing to supply gas bottles to you.
Electricity is provided by Iberdrola. The standing charge is approximately 12
Euros every two months.
The standing charge for mains water is 12 Euros every three months. If you have
a water storage facility, the charges will vary depending on the supplier.
Can I pay my utility bills by direct debit?
Yes, just take your bill to your bank and they will set it all up for you.
Do I have the right to live and work in Spain?
If you are an EU citizen, you have the same rights to live and work in Spain as a
Spanish national.
If you are not an EU citizen you should take expert advice on the visa and work
permit requirements from your country.
Can I rent out my property?
Yes, but rental income must be declared - Britain and Ireland have a double taxation
treaty with Spain. The standard rate of tax in Spain is 25% and is paid on the declared income from the property. The minimum declaration is 2% of the value of the property. The rental income must
also be declared to the inspector of taxes in Britain or Ireland. You can obtain a tax clearance certificate from the Spanish tax authorities which is then passed to the inspector of taxes in your
country, this can be obtained by your solicitor. You will be asked to pay full tax on the property in Ireland but the 25% already paid in Spain will be refunded. It has been law since April
1998 that residents of the Irish Republic decl | 
