Are you planning and saving up to Buy land in Spain? Spain is known to be the heart of Europe. The country offers a high standard of life to its residents and those looking forward to moving there.
Spanish culture and tradition go way back to the glorious days of the Roman Empire. For two millennia, the area has been the center of trade and tourism.
Spain has seen several different nations residing in its land, which is the reason behind its interesting history.
The Romans, Greeks, and Muslims have all ruled over the heart of Europe, which is why the country is also filled with historical sites and ruins from the middle ages.
Being situated mostly in the Iberian Peninsula, Spain is ranked as the second most visited country in the world, according to international statistics published by the United Nations World Tour Organization
Spain attracts so much traffic from all over the world due to its beautiful beaches, historical sites, and delicious foods.
That is why many people often consider Buying land in Spain to be their priority and preference. Buying a piece of land in any part of Spain, sepecially buying land in Barcelona is a dream of many.
Spain being on the list of top ten countries for tourists to visit, has attracted property investors from all over the world.
Owning land in Spain is an easy way to get some serious amount of cash flow. Whether you want to settle in Spain or get your property rented out by tourists, buying land in Spain has its advantages.
Many tourists that flood in Spain every year either stay in hotels or in private properties that homeowners get paid for.
However, this wasn’t the case for the last few decades. The financial crisis hit Spain hard, and it was still on its road to recovery when the Covid-19 pandemic struck earlier this year.
This led to the real estate market getting severely disturbed. All of Europe suffered in the pandemic, and thousands of businesses closed down. Tourism came to a halt as the situation grew worse.
But thankfully, the pandemic is now behind Europe, and the countries once again look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world.
As the situation got better, European countries, including Spain, will now be allowing tourism activities to continue. The economies of these countries rely majorly on tourism.
But thankfully, the pandemic is now behind Europe, and the countries once again look forward to welcoming visitors from around the world.
As the situation got better, European countries, including Spain, will now be allowing tourism activities to continue. The economies of these countries rely majorly on tourism.
READ ALSO :Buying a Property in Spain | All you need to know
Can Foreigners Buy Land in Spain?
Spain is known to be a welcoming country that allows foreigners to invest and reside freely. Foreigners can easily buy property in Spain since the procedure is very straightforward and hassle-free. The rules involve foreigners to acquire a financial number, which is obtained through a passport.
This financial number can be acquired through the Spanish consulate or from Spain directly. After getting that, Spain opens its doors to you and openly allows you to invest in their land.
A core benefit that investors can get out of investing in Spanish real estate is that they can gain permanent residency. This is another way of Spain attracting investors through its Golden Visa program.
Investors can gain Spanish citizenship if they make an investment of €500,000 or more in Spanish real estate. This program is just more proof of how welcoming Spain is to foreigners.
The Advantages of Buying Property in Spain
Buying land in Spain or already owning a property in Spain seems to be a dream and a life goal to many. The pros of investing in Spanish properties are dozens. But to give you a brief idea of the advantages you’ll get from it, below are the top five reasons to buy land in Spain.
Low Real Estate Prices
The real estate market of Spain is still on its road to recovery after the financial crisis and the coronavirus pandemic.
That is why the property prices are affordable for investors, and the market is in need of investments to get back on track.
High Standard Lifestyle
Spain is known to have a high standard of life due to its flourishing economy and affordable living. If you’re looking to buy a property in Spain to settle there, think no more and go for it! The country offers various interests to foreigners and encourages them to come to settle in their country.
Tourism
Being in the second place of top visited countries globally, Spain gets a flood of tourists every year. If you’re buying property, then getting it rented out, this investment can compensate for your property expense within a year or two.
Affordable
The cost of living in Spain is much low if compared to other European countries. The basic necessities of gas, fuel, and electricity are cheaper, making it one of the best countries to settle in.
The Places
Spain is filled with tropical islands, warm and vibrant coasts, as well as heritage sites. This makes traveling in Spain an amazing experience, especially for history lovers. The peaceful environment and the beautiful towns filled with the essence of Spanish culture are all that you can ask for!
Is Investing in Agricultural Properties of Spain a Good Idea?
One of the most frequently asked questions about Spanish property investors is the scope of agriculture in Spain. Agriculture is one of the primary sources of where the Spanish economy gets support from.
The agricultural real estate has much to offer to foreigners who are looking to invest in Spain. Spanish agriculture offers a broad variety of farmlands all across the country. It is often difficult to find agriculture land for rent in Spain. It takes a lot of effort to acquire agricultural land for sale in Spain.
The weather in Spain is moderate, and Spain is well-known for its dry fruit farms. Investing in the agriculture sector can prove out to be a better investment since you get a return of around 12%-16%.
Whereas in city business investments, you only get a return of around 5%-7%, which is far less as compared to farmland investment.
While the recovering economy of Spain plays a part too, the need for food after the pandemic has increased. This affects the agriculture sector as well as other business sectors of Spain. The demand for food has led to a much-needed boost that the farmlands of Spain are desperate for.
That is why it would be a great decision for property investors to bring their attention to the Spanish farmlands and invest there.
Road to Buying a land in Spain
The road to buying land in Spain for foreigners starts with finding a property that suits their needs. This can be done in many ways, such as browsing real estate websites or contacting real estate agents.
The recommended best practice is to arrive in Spain first and then view the property before making a transaction. This might cost you just a little more money, but this method is way better and less risky. Estate agents in Spain are bilingual and can be contacted easily to assist you in your search for Spanish property.
However, be aware of scammers and thieves that pretend to be agents on the internet and demand advance payments. After you contact an agent, keep in mind that you are not bound to choose everything your agent suggests.
The actual process of the property purchase starts when you reach out to the seller and sign a contract known as the preliminary contract. Negotiation can be done in this process between the buyer and the seller.
Note that the price of the property given by the seller is usually an indication and not a constant demand. So, you can make negotiations and seek your estate agent’s counseling about whether the price is fair or not.
It is highly recommended that you hire a lawyer to ensure your transaction goes without any unwanted authority interference. Your lawyer can give you many helpful services throughout this procedure and keep you aware of the laws of buying a property in Spain as a foreigner.
After you buy the property, the registration must be done. You can either hire a notary for this purpose or handle it yourself. We advise that you arrange a house survey to ensure that the property is free from significant defects and faults. This is not necessary but usually done just to minimize the risk of fraud.
Is Buying Land in Barcelona a Good Decision?
Most property investors look at Barcelona when deciding to invest in Spain. Whether it’s for settling in Barcelona or investing in the land, it is fair to state that buying land in Barcelona is highly beneficial. Due to its position along the Mediterranean coast, the weather in the city is quite pleasant and warm.
Barcelona has great business potential, which can prove to be rewarding for foreign investors. France is just an hour away from Barcelona. At the same time, the Pyrenees is situated closely too. The restaurants in Barcelona attract millions of tourists annually and produce heavy profit for entrepreneurs.
The city also attracts students on an international level due to a large number of universities. Other than that, healthcare is excellent, and the environment of the city is even better. All of these pros make Barcelona a great choice overall to invest in.
Taxes and Costs
The costs and taxes of buying a property in Spain vary from place to place. Many factors play a role in determining the value of the area you’re opting for. Most of the taxes are to be paid by the buyer. Some of these taxes include:
- Property Transfer Tax 6-10% (of the value of the property)
- Notary Costs 1-2.5% (of the value of the property)
- Legal Fees 1-2% (of the value of the property)
Other fees may include the estate agent’s charges, registration fee, etc. These taxes may subject to a slight change depending on the condition of the property.
If the property is completely new, then the buyer is liable to pay the VAT charges that come with these taxes. Other than this, the buyer has to deposit 10% of the purchase price at the beginning of the property transfer process.
Conclusion
Moving to Spain is a great decision in every way. With almost little to no cons, the country offers a lot more than just basic necessities to its residents. The rich traditions and customs of Spain are what make it the heart of Europe and one of the top countries of the continent.
Combine that with a high and affordable lifestyle, as well as a flourishing economy and you, get the country you always desired to move into.
Even if you plan on just investing in Spanish real estate and not moving there, we are sure the country’s beautiful beaches will attract you into moving there permanently.
That is why we will hype you up to buy land in Spain. You can do your in-depth research about how to buy land in Spain. You can even consider buying rural land and even agricultural land in Spain.
Just make sure that you go through all the procedures and ensure that whether the foreigners can buy land in Spain. We assure that you won’t regret your decision.
FAQs
Is it wise to buy a property in Spain now? ›
Is it a good time to buy property in Spain 2022? Yes, for sure, as you can see, prices are rising since 2014 but are far from the top of 2008. Returns are healthy and not excessive while financing remain low.
What are the pitfalls of buying property in Spain? ›- Not Allowing Enough Time. ...
- Not Doing Enough Property Research. ...
- Not Being Financially Prepared. ...
- Not Having the Legal Registrations You Need. ...
- Not Reading the Contract. ...
- Not Researching Property Locations. ...
- Not Budgeting for Future Fees.
Banks in Spain generally finance 80% of the value of the property you wish to purchase (if the property is to be used as your main residence), meaning that you need to have saved up 20% of the property value in order to pay a deposit.
How long does it take to complete a property purchase in Spain? ›Completion of the purchase is usually from one to two months from the date of signing the agreement and paying the deposit. However, if you are buying a property off plan, this period may be considerably longer, usually a minimum of one year, but prepare for delays.
Will Spanish property prices fall in 2023? ›While experts agree that house prices will fall in Spain in 2023, they differ in the amount. Pisos.com predicts that prices will be 1 to 3% lower, although with the caveat that they will see negligible changes in the busiest markets in Spain.
What taxes do you pay when buying a property in Spain? ›- Expect to pay between 8% and 11.5% in taxes on a property purchase in Spain.
- Between them, VAT and AJD add 11.5% to the cost of buying a property in Andalusia.
- ITP adds between 8% and 10% to the cost of buying a property on the Costa del Sol.
- Read our guide to mortgages in Spain.
In Spain, it is customary for the seller to pay the listing agent's fees, however don't be surprised if your buyer asks you how much commission they must pay. In Germany, it is custom for the buyer to pay the agent's fee, not the seller.
Do you pay tax on Spanish property? ›Everyone who owns property in Spain (residents and nonresidents alike) has to pay an annual wealth tax based on the net value of their assets in Spain after permitted deductions, such as mortgages. This tax is collected by regional governments.
Is it worth buying a property in Spain 2022? ›Is it a good time to buy property in Spain 2022? Yes, for sure, as you can see, prices are rising since 2014 but are far from the top of 2008. Returns are healthy and not excessive while financing remain low.
Do I need a Spanish bank account to buy a property in Spain? ›Yes, in order to buy or rent you must have a Spanish bank account or in Spain.
How much are land registry fees in Spain? ›
They are paid by the buyer in order to inscribe the property at the Land Registry in their name. Land Registry fees are approximately 0.4% of the purchase price. Transmission Tax or VAT + Stamp Tax. In the Valencia Region (including The Costa Blanca) this ascends to 10% of the purchase price.
What you need to know before buying property in Spain? ›There are no restrictions on buying property in Spain, whether it's commercial, residential or land. In fact, Spain encourages investment by foreigners, both resident and non-resident. Remember that if you buy a house worth more than €500.000 you can apply for a Golden Visa.
Do you get residency if you buy property in Spain? ›Yes, you can get residency in Spain after buying a house, and that is thanks to the golden visa scheme. Since 2013, non-EU citizens who purchase a property in the Spanish territory can get a 2-year residence permit (that can be renewed) as long as the property investment is at least € 500.000.
What is the 90 180 day rule in Spain? ›What is the Schengen 90/180 rule? Under the terms of Schengen, non-EEA nationals cannot spend more than a total of 90 days within a total period of 180 days without a visa. Furthermore, once you've used up your quota of 90 days, you cannot return to Schengen until 90 more days have passed.
Can you get Spanish residency by buying property? ›If you're a non-EU citizen and buying property in Spain, you may be interested in Spanish residence visa permits, also known as a Golden Visa Spain. Property investors who meet all the criteria receive qualified Spanish residency. Spanish residence visa permits have been available since 2013.
What part of Spain has the cheapest property? ›Avoid pricy Mojacar and look inland to Albox, Arboleas, Vera and Los Gallardos. Some of the cheapest properties in Spain might be found in the numerous inland villages in Valencia and Andalusia.
What is the current mortgage rate in Spain? ›INE data on mortgages in 2022. According to the latest statistics from INE, Spain's National Institute of Statistics, the average mortgage in Spain has an interest rate of 2.11% for variable rate mortgages and 2.7% for fixed rate mortgages.
Do you pay capital gains after age 65 in Spain? ›Also, if you are over 65 years old then you are not required to pay Capital Gains Tax, but you must have lived in the property as your sole, main residence for a minimum of three years prior to the sale of your property.
Do you pay capital gains after age 65? ›Does Age Affect Capital Gains Taxes? Currently, everyone has to pay capital gains taxes on property sales regardless of their age.
How much is the average monthly water bill in Spain? ›The average monthly water bill in Spain is around €40 - €60 - Dependent on occupants and usage.
Is it a good time to buy a house in Spain 2022? ›
Is it a good time to buy property in Spain 2022? Yes, for sure, as you can see, prices are rising since 2014 but are far from the top of 2008. Returns are healthy and not excessive while financing remain low.
Will property prices fall in Spain 2022? ›We expect price growth to reach 7% in 2022, but slow to 1% next year. This means that nominal price growth will not be able to keep up with inflation. With a current expected inflation rate of 8.7% for this year, real price growth will turn negative at -1.7%.
Is it a good investment to buy property in Spain? ›Spain's amazing climate and quality of life make property investment one of the best in Europe. If done correctly, investing in property in Spain can be one of the most profitable and secure long-term investments.
Is it a good time to sell property in Spain 2022? ›In the current economic climate in 2022, estate agents in Spain are urging homeowners who are thinking of selling their properties that now is a good time to do so.
How long can you stay in Spain if you own a property 2022? ›How Long Can I Stay in Spain if I Own a Property? Even if you own a property in Spain, you're still entitled to stay for only 90 days in a 180-day period without applying for a residence permit or a visa. You can still buy or rent your property as you wish, but you must be careful not to overstay the 90/180-day rule.
Where in Spain is it best to buy a property? ›- Alicante. Alicante is the most popular location for foreign buyers, making it one of the best places in Spain to buy property if you hope to be surrounded by a vibrant expat community. ...
- Andalusia. ...
- Costa Blanca. ...
- Valencia.
The owner will have to provide all the documentation of the house, that is to say, the title deed, the registry document, the last utility bills, the energy efficiency document, the last rates bill and in the case the property is on rustic land the DAFO, as well as their NIE and passport.
Are Spanish property prices dropping? ›Bankiner forecast that Spanish house prices will fall 3% in 2023 and 2% in 2024, a total fall of 5% in the next two years before starting to recover in 2025.
Can you get residency in Spain if you buy property? ›Yes, you can get residency in Spain after buying a house, and that is thanks to the golden visa scheme. Since 2013, non-EU citizens who purchase a property in the Spanish territory can get a 2-year residence permit (that can be renewed) as long as the property investment is at least € 500.000.
Is it better to rent or buy a house in Spain? ›Buying your own property in Spain is generally considered the best option if you know you will be staying in Spain mid to long term as your mortgage payments will be adding to your personal wealth rather than that of your landlord. But be aware that buying a property in Spain may be more expensive than you think.
What are the new rules for buying property in Spain? ›
Are foreigners allowed buying a house in spain? Of course! There are no restrictions on buying property in Spain, whether it's commercial, residential or land. In fact, Spain encourages investment by foreigners, both resident and non-resident.
What is the average house price in Spain? ›...
Average house price in Spain in December 2021, by region (in euros per square meter)
Characteristic | Price in euros per square meter built |
---|---|
Spain | 2,551 |
Balearic Islands | 2,251 |
Navarre | 1,965 |
Cantabria | 1,943 |
The average price of new housing in Spain increased by 7.1 percent over the last twelve months to reach €2,732/m2 in December 2022.