Work. Study. Shop. Bank. Exercise.
These days, there’s not much we can’t do from home.
But what about buying a property in the Costa del Sol?
In a post-pandemic world, this is a common question. Whether due to work engagements, family commitments, time constraints, or simply to avoid the cost and hassle of travel. Prospective expats and investors alike are keen to purchase property for sale in the Costa del Sol – without stepping foot out of their own front door. The good news is, it’s actually possible.
Providing you have the assistance of an experienced and knowledgeable real estate agent, you can secure your dream home on the sunshine coast, without having to leave your sofa – or even your country! It just requires a bit of preparation and forward-planning.
Here we take a look at just how easy it can be.
4 steps to buy your Costa del Sol property remotely
Step 1: Recruit the help of a good real estate agency
This is rule 101 of remote property purchasing in the Costa del Sol.
It’s essential you have the right estate agency in your corner. Not only will they be your eyes and ears, they can advise on different areas, identify potential properties that match your wish list, liaise with the relevant people on your behalf and guide you step-by-step through the buying process.
Of course, if you type ‘Costa del Sol estate agents’ into Google, it’ll generate millions of results. So it’s important to do your research and identify a registered company you can trust by checking reviews.
Bromley Estates Marbella is a fantastic example. Regarded as a premier real estate agency in the Costa del Sol, they have all the characteristics that an excellent agency should have, including:
- remarkable insight into the local property market and different areas and resorts
- outstanding customer service skills
- superb online tools (such as an easy to navigate and informative website)
- a diverse online portfolio of villas, townhouses and apartments
- virtual property tours and 360˚ walk-throughs
- a dedicated multi-lingual team who will communicate well and keep you updated
- a supportive and professional after-sales service
Bromleys have helped thousands of happy clients to purchase their dream house in the Costa del Sol, often remotely. So if you’re interested, it may be worth giving their team of experts a call.
Step 2: Find the right property
Buying a property in the Costa del Sol is a huge investment.
Before you commit to a purchase, you need to be 100% certain about your decision – which can be tricky if you’re currently located elsewhere. Again, a professional estate agent can help with this.
Once they have a good idea of your criteria, they can suggest potential areas that may be suitable, providing valuable insight into their location, character, facilities and average property prices.
Most agencies now have extensive online portfolios, allowing you to browse their full range of villas, townhouses and apartments from wherever you are in the world. Listings will typically have lots of images, aerial shots, video walk-throughs and detailed floorplans – giving you a real idea of what each property is like (both inside and out) without having to visit it personally.
Google Earth and YouTube are also highly useful tools to help you explore areas remotely.
Then, once you have a shortlist of potential options, your estate agent should be able to arrange virtual viewings at a time and date that works for you.
Step 3: Obtain an NIE (Número de identidad de extranjero)
The NIE is a unique tax identification number for anyone who isn’t a Spanish citizen.
It’s impossible to buy a house for sale in the Costa del Sol without your own NIE, so if you wish to press forward with a purchase, it’s crucial to have this in place as soon as possible.
But thankfully that doesn’t mean booking a last-minute flight. Now, you can simply apply for the NIE in your own country of residence, either at the Spanish Consulate or Embassy. Just make an appointment, they’ll provide you with all the necessary paperwork, and the number should be issued within approximately 2 weeks.
Step 4: Hand over the power
For a totally remote buying experience, the last step is to appoint a power of attorney (POA).
Like in any country, to buy real estate in the Costa del Sol, there are certain legal and administrative procedures that need to be followed. But again, you don’t physically need to be there for these. Upon your instruction, a POA can take care of everything – essentially buying the house on your behalf.
The person assigned POA is usually a solicitor, but it can also be a gestor, relative or friend.
With your consent, they will sign the reservation contract, pay the deposit, open a Spanish bank account, conduct due diligence and conveyancing processes (e.g. ensure the property is structurally sound, check the land registry etc.), liaise with the seller’s solicitor, sign the private purchase contract, transfer all utility contracts, sign the completion documents and collect your house keys.
If you’re investing in a rental property, they can even sign the contract for your first tenants.
In other words, you hand over full responsibility and they effectively become ‘you’ in Spain until the purchase is complete. And the best bit? You don’t need to visit the Costa del Sol to appoint a POA. This can be easily arranged in your own country. Just visit the notary office closest to your home to sign the deed.
When everything is done and dusted, your POA will contact you to let you know. The property will be officially yours and free to do with as you wish – without so much as a single trip to Spain.
Start your remote property purchase today
In answer to the original question…
Not only is it possible to buy a property for sale in the Costa del Sol from home, it’s actually a super convenient way of doing things – especially if you have the help of an adept real estate agency.
So why not stop daydreaming on the sofa and start your online search instead? Grab your laptop to see what’s currently available. Perhaps contact the specialists at Bromley Estates. Then in just a few months’ time, you could be the proud owner of your ideal home in the sunshine. No flights required.
