Get the information you need to make an informed decision
Buying a property in Spain—whether as a holiday home, for retirement or as an investment—is a major commitment. While many listings can look impressive online, the real insights come from asking the right questions to a knowledgeable and trustworthy estate agent.
At Portfolio Deluxe, we believe informed buyers make better decisions. Here are the 10 most important questions every serious buyer should ask their Spanish estate agent—before signing anything.
1. What’s the legal status of the property?
Spain has a diverse property market, and not all listings are as straightforward as they seem. When looking at resale properties you should confirm:
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Is the property fully registered in the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad)?
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Are there any outstanding debts, charges, or boundary disputes?
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Was the property built with full planning permission?
Your agent should work closely with a lawyer or be able to recommend one who can verify all legal aspects. For new-build properties you should ask whether the developer has a building licence for the project.
2. Who owns the property, and are they the ones selling it?
This may seem obvious, but verifying that the seller has full ownership—and the legal right to sell—is essential. Especially in inheritance or divorce cases, there may be multiple owners or missing signatures.
3. Are there any community or maintenance fees?
If the property is part of a development, golf resort, or shared building, there may be monthly or quarterly community fees. Ask:
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How much are they?
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What do they include (e.g., pool maintenance, security, gardening)?
- Are there any unpaid fees from the current owner?
- Does the community have any planned renovation work that has resulted in extra payments being due from owners.
4. What are the additional purchase costs and estimated annual running costs?
Beyond the purchase price, you’ll want a clear picture of the costs that will be due on top as well as the annual running costs. Additional purchase costs will include:
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Property purchase tax. This will be VAT for new-builds and ITP for resales.
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Stamp duty. This is only payable on new-build properties and varies depending where you buy.
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Notary and registry fees. These are fees payable for the official registration of ownership with the Spanish authorities.
- Solicitor fees. These fees will vary greatly according to the solicitor. Some charge a percentage of the property value while others charge a flat fee. Be wary of add-ons which can run into thousands of euros.
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Local property taxes (IBI)
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Rubbish collection (basura)
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Utilities
- Insurance
5. Is the area busy year-round or seasonal?
Some areas in Spain are vibrant all year, while others are very quiet outside the summer months. Your agent should be honest about local demographics, seasonal traffic, and the presence of amenities like supermarkets, healthcare, and schools in low season.
Some people will be looking for a more secluded and tranquil area while others want to be right in the mix: it's important to be well-informed so you get your ideal location.
6. How long has the property been on the market, and why is the seller moving?
If a property has been listed for many months, it’s worth asking why. It could suggest overpricing or an issue that’s turning off buyers. Understanding the seller’s motivation can also influence your offer strategy.
7. What is the resale potential or rental yield?
Even if you’re not buying for investment, knowing the property’s future resale appeal (or rental income potential) is wise. Your agent should be able to discuss:
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Average rental income in the area
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Occupancy rates
- Target markets (holidaymakers, retirees, remote workers)
8. Are there any planned developments or infrastructure changes nearby?
New roads, commercial centres, or residential projects can significantly impact property value—positively or negatively. A good estate agent will be informed about what’s coming in the area and how it may affect you.
9. Does the developer I'm buying from provide bank guarantees?
This question is absolutely vital when buying a new-build property as bank guarantees are what protects your stage payments if the developer were to go into administration. All serious developers will provide bank guarantees on any payments you make as it is also illegal not to do so.
10. What’s your role after the sale?
Does the agent assist post-sale with:
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Utility transfers?
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NIE arrangements?
- Recommendations for tradespeople or property managers?
*. Bonus question Costa Blanca - Is the agency licenced?
Since October 2022 it has been obligatory for estate agencies in the Valencia region, where the Costa Blanca is located, to hold a licence and insurances to protect you, the client. Make sure that the agency you choose to represent you holds the licence, they will be able to provide you with a registration number which can be checked in public records.Final Thoughts
Asking the right questions doesn’t just help you avoid costly mistakes—it also helps you find an estate agent you can genuinely trust. At Portfolio Deluxe, we welcome informed buyers and are always happy to provide detailed answers, documentation, and advice.
Ready to start your search? We’re here to guide you every step of the way.
