FAQ

Frequently asked questions about buying, financing and renovating property in Spain.

Answers to the most common questions from international buyers navigating the Spanish property process. Can’t find what you’re looking for? Get in touch directly — we’re happy to help.

MORTGAGE & FINANCING

Kunnen buitenlanders een hypotheek krijgen in Spanje?

Yes — many Spanish banks offer mortgages to non-resident buyers. There are no legal restrictions. As a non-resident, you can typically borrow 60–70% of the property value. You’ll need a NIE number, a Spanish bank account and an extensive documentation package. The key is understanding what you can realistically borrow before committing to a property. → Read the full mortgage guide

Most non-resident buyers underestimate how much cash is required upfront. Spanish banks typically finance 60–70% of the property value — meaning you need at least 30–40% as equity, plus the full acquisition costs (typically 10–14% in Catalonia). In practice, plan for having approximately 45–55% of the total investment in liquid funds before applying. → Read more about purchase costs

Yes — a Spanish bank account is required for paying acquisition costs, ongoing property expenses (utilities, community fees, property taxes) and mortgage payments if applicable. Most major Spanish banks open accounts for non-residents, though documentation requirements vary between banks.

From submitting a complete documentation package, the process typically takes 6–12 weeks to reach a formal mortgage offer. The most common cause of delay is submitting an incomplete file — banks return incomplete applications without assessment. Starting early — before signing a reservation agreement — is strongly recommended. → See how Casa Connecta Finance works

RENOVATION

Kan ik als buitenlandse eigenaar een woning renoveren in Spanje?

Yes — there are no restrictions on foreign owners carrying out renovation work in Spain. However, many renovation projects require permits, and coordinating contractors, architects and suppliers from abroad requires structure. → Read the full renovation guide

Yes — in most cases. Minor cosmetic works (painting, tiling, replacing fixtures) need only a minor works permit. Structural changes, extensions and facade modifications require a major works permit, which needs architect-prepared drawings and takes 1–4 months to obtain. Starting work without the correct permits can result in fines and mandatory restoration of the original state.

Light cosmetic renovation: 1–3 months. Full interior renovation: 3–6 months. Full structural renovation: 6–18 months. Projects requiring major permits add 1–4 months for permit approval on top. Contractor availability and hidden issues in older properties are the most common causes of delays. → Read more about timelines and costs

Yes — but this is where most projects go wrong. Without someone on the ground coordinating contractors, the key challenges stack up fast: decisions that need to be made on site get delayed, quality issues are discovered too late, communication gaps mean you hear what you want to hear rather than what’s happening, and budgets drift without anyone flagging it. Having an independent coordinator who represents your interests — not the contractor’s — is the difference between a project that runs and one that doesn’t. → See how Casa Connecta Projects works

BUYING PROCESS

Hoe lang duurt het om een woning te kopen in Spanje?

For a cash purchase: typically 2–4 months from offer to completion. If a mortgage is involved: 3–6 months, as the mortgage process often determines the timeline. Key steps are: reservation agreement → legal due diligence → private purchase contract (Arras) → mortgage approval (if needed) → notary signing. → Read the full buying guide

It’s not legally required — but it is strongly recommended for international buyers. Skipping legal due diligence is the single biggest risk in the Spanish buying process. A lawyer checks ownership, verifies there are no debts or encumbrances on the property, reviews the contracts and ensures the purchase proceeds correctly. Budget 0.5–1% of the purchase price for legal fees. Never skip this step.

Budget for approximately 10–14% of the purchase price in additional costs. For resale properties in Catalonia (Costa Brava): property transfer tax (ITP) at 10%, notary and Land Registry fees (€1,000–€2,500), legal fees (0.5–1%) and NIE and admin costs. For new-build properties: 10% VAT + 1.5% stamp duty instead of ITP. → See a full cost breakdown with example

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a Spanish tax identification number required for every non-resident involved in a property transaction in Spain. You need it to sign at the notary, open a Spanish bank account and apply for a mortgage. Apply through a Spanish consulate in your home country or through a lawyer in Spain — allow several weeks.

OVER CASA CONNECTA

Wat doet Casa Connecta?

Casa Connecta provides independent coordination for international buyers purchasing, financing and renovating property in Spain. We don’t sell properties, mortgages or renovation services — we make sure the process works, from the buyer’s side only. Without coordination, the process stalls. We make sure it doesn’t. → Read more about who we are

No. Casa Connecta does not provide mortgage advice, legal services or construction work. Formal mortgage advice is provided by our licensed Spanish ACI partner advisors. Legal services are provided by independent lawyers. Construction work is carried out by independent local contractors. Our role is to coordinate the process between all these parties — independently, on the buyer’s side.

As early as possible — ideally before you start your property search. Starting early helps you understand your financing options, set a realistic budget and avoid the most common mistakes. But we also work with buyers who have already found a property, signed a contract or started a renovation that has run into problems. There is no wrong moment to get in touch.

The same mistakes come up time and again. Starting the mortgage process too late — after committing to a property — leaves you with no leverage and no fallback. Not having anyone coordinate between the bank, the lawyer and the agent means things stall without warning. Underestimating acquisition costs catches buyers off guard at completion. And for renovation: no independent oversight means budgets drift, timelines slip and quality issues are only discovered once it’s expensive to fix them. → Read the full buying guide

Casa Connecta works best for international buyers who are navigating the Spanish property process from abroad and want clarity, structure and an independent point of contact throughout. If you are buying property in Spain as a non-resident, applying for a Spanish mortgage, managing a renovation remotely, or dealing with multiple parties — bank, lawyer, agent, contractors — and nothing feels connected, you are exactly the type of client we work with.

If you just need a quick answer to a simple question, the guides on this site may be enough. If you want someone on your side throughout the entire process, that’s what we do.

AAN DE SLAG

Still unsure what's realistic in your situation?

If your question isn’t answered here, or if you want to talk through your specific situation — whether it’s financing, renovation or both — we’re happy to help. The first conversation is free and carries no obligation.

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