Question 1

What exactly does Huizen Zuid Spanje do?

Accepted Answer

Huizen Zuid Spanje is a Dutch-speaking estate agency specialising in the sale of holiday homes, apartments, villas and new-build projects in Southern Spain. We guide Dutch and Belgian buyers through the entire purchase process — from first search to handover of the keys — and help owners sell their property in Spain.

Question 2

Which regions are you active in?

Accepted Answer

We are mainly active on the Costa del Sol, focusing on Marbella, Estepona, Fuengirola, Benalmádena, Mijas and Torremolinos. We also have properties on the Costa Blanca. Interested in another region? Get in touch — we can often still help through our network.

Question 3

Do you speak Dutch?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Our entire team speaks Dutch. The whole process — from the first meeting to the handover at the notary — takes place in your own language. You do not need to speak Spanish to buy a property in Spain.

Question 4

Is your advice independent?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we are an independent estate agency. We are not tied to any particular developer or region. Our advice is objective and aimed at finding the property that best matches your wishes, budget and goals.

Question 5

Can I, as a Dutch citizen, simply buy a house in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As an EU citizen you have the same right as Spaniards to buy property in Spain. There are no restrictions on buying a holiday home, apartment or villa. You do need an NIE number (Spanish tax identification number) to complete the transaction.

Question 6

What is an NIE number and how do I get one?

Accepted Answer

The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is a Spanish tax identification number required for any foreigner buying or selling property in Spain. You can apply at the Spanish police (Policía Nacional) or through the Spanish consulate. We can help you with the application and, if needed, book an appointment for you.

Question 7

How does the purchase process work in Spain?

Accepted Answer

The Spanish purchase process has several steps: (1) orientation and viewings, (2) making an offer, (3) signing a reservation contract (contrato de reserva) with a deposit, (4) legal due diligence by your lawyer, (5) signing the deed of sale (escritura pública) before the Spanish notary, (6) paying the balance and handing over the keys. The whole process usually takes 4 to 8 weeks.

Question 8

What are the additional costs when buying?

Accepted Answer

Allow for 10–14% in additional costs on top of the purchase price. This covers transfer tax (ITP, 8–10% on resale) or VAT (IVA, 10% on new builds), notary fees, land registry fees, your lawyer's fees (abogado) and any mortgage costs. We give you a full breakdown of all costs in advance.

Question 9

Do I need a Spanish lawyer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we strongly recommend it. Although not legally required, an independent Spanish lawyer (abogado) is essential for the legal due diligence. Your lawyer checks that the property is free of debts, mortgages and liens, that the building permit is in order, and that the seller is genuinely the rightful owner. We can put you in touch with Dutch-speaking lawyers.

Question 10

Can I get a Spanish mortgage?

Accepted Answer

Yes. As a non-resident you can obtain a mortgage in Spain of up to around 60–70% of the appraisal value. Spanish banks assess your application on your income and existing commitments. Spanish mortgage rates have been competitive in recent years. Read more on our page about mortgages in Spain.

Question 11

Can I sell my property in Spain through you?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely. We offer a complete sales package including a free valuation, professional photography, international marketing, viewings on site and guidance through the whole sales process. We focus particularly on the Dutch and Belgian markets, where demand for homes in Southern Spain is strong.

Question 12

What does it cost to sell my property?

Accepted Answer

Our commission is a percentage of the final sale price. We discuss the exact terms in a personal conversation. Request a free valuation to find out what your property is worth and what we can do for you.

Question 13

How long does it take to sell a property?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the location, the type of property, the price and market demand. Popular homes in sought-after areas such as Marbella can sell within weeks, while exclusive villas may take longer. We give you a realistic estimate based on our local market knowledge.

Question 14

Are there annual costs after buying?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Every year you pay: property tax (IBI), community fees (comunidad) for apartments or urbanisations, refuse collection (basura) and possibly wealth tax (patrimonio) depending on the value of your property. For an apartment, annual costs typically run from €800 to €2,000. We can give you an indication in advance.

Question 15

Can I rent out my property?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can rent out your Spanish property for holiday lets or long-term rental. Note that some regions (including parts of Andalusia) require a tourist licence for holiday rentals. Rental income is taxable in Spain; as a Dutch resident you must also declare it in the Netherlands. We recommend consulting a tax adviser.

Question 16

What about inheritance tax in Spain?

Accepted Answer

On death, your Spanish property is subject to Spanish inheritance tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones). Rates and allowances differ by region. Andalusia has relatively favourable rules with high allowances for direct family members. We advise consulting a specialist for advice tailored to you.

Question 17

Do I need a Spanish bank account?

Accepted Answer

For buying a property it is practical — and often necessary — to have a Spanish bank account. It is how you pay the monthly bills such as electricity, water and community fees. Most Spanish banks offer accounts for non-residents.

Question 18

Is it wise to make a will?

Accepted Answer

Yes, we advise making a Spanish will for your Spanish property. It considerably simplifies matters for your heirs and can save inheritance tax. Having a Spanish will drawn up typically costs €150–€300 at a notary.

Question 19

What about healthcare in Spain?

Accepted Answer

As an EU citizen, with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) you are entitled to medically necessary care during a temporary stay. If you stay longer in Spain or emigrate, you need to register with the Spanish social security (Seguridad Social).

Frequently Asked Questions

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Buying a Property in Spain

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