Checklists for property buyers on the Costa del Sol

Checklist #1: Before starting your property search

Property purchase goal

This is one of the most important questions – why do you want to buy property here?

Your expectations and needs emerge from this, which in turn guide the entire process. Depending on the purpose of the purchase, factors such as preferred location, property type, and budget may vary.

• Are you buying the property solely for personal use, or are you also considering renting it out?

• If you’re considering renting, are you looking for long-term tenants or just for certain periods (e.g., only for the summer months when rental prices are about four times higher)? This information is important for us, as properties intended for short-term rentals in certain areas are subject to specific requirements. We must ensure that the necessary permits and documents are in order, and we can provide recommendations for areas with higher rental yields.

• Are you planning to manage and find tenants yourself, or would you use a professional property management service? We can assist you here and recommend reliable service providers.

• Additional costs associated with property purchase
  Have you considered all additional costs such as taxes, legal fees, and notary fees? You can find a detailed overview of taxes and costs before and after purchasing property on the Costa del Sol.

• Post-purchase costs
  Have you taken into account the costs of property maintenance, management, and utility bills? Depending on the property, there may also be costs for furnishing, repairs, or renovations.

• Financing the purchase
  If you plan to use a loan to finance the purchase, will it come from your home bank or a Spanish bank? If it’s from a Spanish bank, our lawyer can assist with the loan application process.

Location and area

• Do you prefer the active city life, or are you more drawn to a quiet suburban or rural area? How important is proximity to nature (parks, beaches, hiking trails)?

• Security
  Is there 24-hour security service in the area?

• Future developments
  Are there any major infrastructure projects planned in the area, such as new roads, parks, housing developments, or shopping centers that could affect the value of the property and quality of life? Are new residential developments planned nearby?

• Services within walking distance
  What services (e.g., shops, pharmacies, restaurants, schools, daycares) are within walking distance? How important is the proximity of these services to you?

Apartment vs. house

• Maintenance and management
  Is it an apartment, townhouse, or a detached house? Apartments typically require less maintenance, as the homeowners’ association usually manages it.

• Security
  Do you prefer an apartment with a homeowners’ association that offers security services, or a detached house that may require additional security measures?

• Shared spaces
  Are you willing to share communal areas (pool, garden) with other residents, as is common with apartments or townhouses, or do you prefer a fully private space, like with a villa?

• Parking and garage
  Do you need a private garage, or is public parking sufficient? Apartments and townhouses may have fewer parking options compared to houses.

• Proximity to nature and greenery
  How important is proximity to nature for you? Do you want a garden to grow your own plants and flowers, or are you satisfied with a well-maintained communal green area?

Building style and architecture

• Architectural preferences
  Do you prefer traditional Andalusian architecture, known for its white facades, terracotta roofs, and inner courtyards? Or do you favor modern, minimalist designs with open spaces and contemporary interiors?

• Interior design and finishes
  Are you looking for something that reflects local traditions and culture, such as handcrafted tiles and wooden details? Or are modern materials and finishes that offer clean lines and easy maintenance more important to you?

Sea views and natural surroundings

• Views and their importance
  Is it important for your property to have a sea view, a mountain view, or would you prefer a view of a garden, golf course, or pool area?

• Orientation and sunlight
  How important is the direction of sunlight? Do you prefer the morning sun, which brings gentle light into cooler rooms, or the evening sun that provides warm, bright afternoons and sunsets?

Checklist #2: On-site property inspection – detailed review and questions

We visited the property together for the first time and realized that this is the one. Now it’s time to inspect the property again, but this time more thoroughly.

What are the questions that need to be answered?

• Is the number and size of bedrooms sufficient? For example, it’s common to want a separate office space.

• Is there enough storage space (built-in wardrobes, storage rooms)?

• Age and maintenance of electrical and plumbing systems
  How old is the electrical system, and when was it last maintained or updated? Can the system support modern electrical demands (e.g., home automation, appliances)?

• Water pressure and quality
  Is the water pressure sufficient for everyday needs? Is the water quality acceptable, or would additional water filtration be necessary?

• Type of ventilation system
  Does the property have natural ventilation, mechanical ventilation, or a combination of both?

• Checking for cracks and settlement
  Are there any signs of cracks or settlement on the walls or ceilings? Do they indicate structural issues, or are they merely cosmetic?

• Condition of paint and finishes
  What is the condition of the paint and finishes on the walls and ceilings? Are there any signs of moisture damage, peeling paint, or mold?

• Condition of flooring materials
  Are the flooring materials (e.g., parquet, tile, carpet) in good condition? Are there signs of wear, moisture damage, or settlement?

• Underfloor heating availability
  Does the property have underfloor heating? If so, how does it affect the condition of the flooring materials and the electricity bill?

• Window insulation and security
  Do the windows provide adequate thermal and sound insulation?

• Door functionality and security
  Do the doors open and close smoothly?

• Condition of seals and trims
  Are the seals around windows and doors intact and in good condition to prevent air leaks and moisture?

• Type and condition of the heating system
  Does the property have central heating, underfloor heating, or other heating solutions? Is the system central or independent? Does it run on gas, electricity, or another energy source? How old is the system, and will it require an update soon?

• Efficiency of the cooling system
  If the property has a cooling system (e.g., air conditioning, ventilation), how efficient and energy-saving is it? Does the system need updating?

• Fire safety equipment
  Does the property have sufficient smoke detectors, fire extinguishers, and fire safety devices?

• Water cost analysis
  Are there water bills from previous months to assess potential water loss?

• Heating cost analysis
  Are there heating bills from previous months to assess the property’s energy efficiency and possible need for additional investments?

• Condition of electrical outlets and switches
  Are the electrical outlets and switches in good condition and sufficient for modern needs?

• Accessibility by car
  How easy is it to access the property by car? Are there nearby highways or major roads that make travel more convenient?

• Parking space sharing and management rules
  If parking spaces are shared, what are the rules for their use and management? Are spaces assigned to specific apartments, or is it on a first-come, first-served basis?

Once the on-site inspection meets your expectations, the next important step is making an offer and negotiating the price. Your real estate agent will be invaluable in this process, providing insights on market prices and offers in the area. The agent can research the prices at which similar properties in the same area have been recently sold and compare them to current listings, helping you craft a reasonable offer.

On the Costa del Sol, the seller has their agent, and the buyer has theirs. The agents communicate with each other. The seller has their lawyer, and we, as the buyer’s representatives, have ours. The lawyers communicate directly. Our team includes two lawyers.

The buyer typically does not pay a fee to their agent; the commission generally comes from the seller. The buyer usually pays the lawyer 1% + VAT of the purchase price. For larger transactions, this percentage is lower.

Important note! We can no longer assist you if you have already started the purchase process independently.

Checklist #3: New development inspection – unique aspects and future plans

When buying a new development “off-plan,” it’s crucial to ensure that all the paperwork is in order.

• Is it an international company, a Spanish developer, or a single-building developer?

• Does the developer have a bank guarantee?
  A bank guarantee is essential in case the project faces delays (e.g., due to financing difficulties, construction problems, or issues with supplies or workforce). It protects you from financial losses if the project is not completed on time.

• Quality and durability of technical systems
  What types of technical systems are being used (e.g., heating, ventilation, and cooling systems)?

• Smart home solutions
  Is the property equipped with smart home solutions (e.g., remote-controlled lighting and heating systems, security cameras)?

• Finishing work warranty
  What is the duration and scope of the finishing work warranty? Does it cover all elements of the finish, or are there exceptions (e.g., natural wear and tear)?

• Final inspection process
  How is the final inspection conducted before the property is handed over? Does the client have the opportunity to participate in the inspection and raise any issues or concerns about defects found?

• Post-completion maintenance
  Does the developer offer post-completion maintenance and services for the property?

• Accessibility for people with special needs
  How is accessibility handled for individuals with special needs (e.g., ramps, elevators, automatic doors, handrails)? Are all areas, including parking and common areas, accessible?

Our lawyer will help review all critical contract points – for example, what happens if unexpected changes arise in the project (e.g., material substitutions, design alterations)? Are there penalties or fines set out in the contract for the developer’s breaches (e.g., failure to meet deadlines, failure to meet quality standards)? How strict and enforceable are these penalties? If the project is delayed, does the developer offer temporary solutions (e.g., rent compensation, temporary accommodation)? And more.

Checklist #4: Post-purchase considerations and obligations – what to keep in mind after the purchase

Congratulations! You are now a property owner on the Costa del Sol.

I’m delighted that you’ve taken this important step toward your dreams. Below are a few key points to keep in mind after purchasing your property.

• Service providers
  Have you established a network of contacts who can assist with maintenance and repairs, or do you have someone who can organize the necessary work? We can help with contacts in this area, whether it’s pool cleaning, key holding, or palm tree trimming.

• Document management, verification, and validity
  Have you gathered all the documents related to your purchase? These costs can be deducted later.

• Fulfilling legal obligations
  Are you aware of all legal obligations related to your property, such as paying property taxes or income taxes?

• Rental agreements and related activities
  If you plan to rent out your property, have you prepared proper rental agreements that protect both your rights and those of the tenant? Are you familiar with the obligations that come with having a tenant (e.g., rental laws, maintenance duties)? How do you plan to manage potential risks associated with tenants, such as background checks?

• Taxation and declaration of rental income
  Are you familiar with the rules for taxing rental income, and have you consulted a tax advisor to optimize your tax obligations? Our accountant can assist you with this.

• Regular property inspections
  Have you set a schedule for regular property inspections to ensure proper maintenance and to detect potential issues early?

• Compliance with local laws and regulations
  Are you aware of the local laws and regulations that may affect your residence (e.g., rules on keeping pets, noise regulations, parking restrictions)?

Summary: These checklists provide you with a comprehensive overview of the property buying process, from the initial research to post-purchase actions.

I am always ready to offer additional support and advice throughout the entire process to help you find the perfect property here on the Costa del Sol.

See you soon!