Buying an off-plan property in Spain means purchasing a property that is either under construction or in the planning phase. Here is a simple guide to illustrate the process:

1. Choosing the Property and Partner

With us, you can be confident in selecting only top developers with successful projects and years of experience.

Selecting a property: Choose from our exclusive residences an off-plan property that suits your desires and budget. You will, of course, receive extensive brochures, floor plans, material samples, and a selection of colors for built-in furniture and flooring.

Enjoy a virtual presentation directly from the developer’s central office, and naturally, in your native language. This way, you can conveniently view your investment or future residence from home or wherever you are. Many clients reserve their property online and thus secure the best price.

If you wish to visit in person, let us know. We will arrange an appointment at the developer’s central office, and you will be accompanied by a professional speaking your language throughout the entire process.

Prices for off-plan purchases tend to increase by about 40% to 60% from the initial phase to the handover of keys. Typically, these projects take around 2 years.

Many of our clients are familiar with Marbella, and a virtual presentation without a time limit will give you a perfect view of the location and surroundings. In some cases, this provides a more accurate impression than a site visit.

2. Reservation and Deposit

Once you decide to reserve a property, we recommend a law firm that will assist you in your language. They will handle all forms and documents, and once everything is complete (which takes only a few days), they will give the green light for you to make the reservation payment.

Once the agreed reservation payment is received, the price you have selected is fixed and frozen. Any future price increases will not affect you. The price of the reserved property is your final price.

You then have 30 days to make the deposit. The reservation amount varies depending on the property and ranges from €10,000 to €20,000, but may be higher for more upscale properties. You will receive this information from us when you request brochures, price lists, and plans.

3. Legal and Financial Review

Your chosen or our recommended law firm will handle everything for you.

Bank Guarantee or Insurance Policy: Spanish law requires developers of off-plan properties to provide a bank guarantee or insurance policy. This ensures that your payments will be 100% refunded if the developer fails to complete the project. We are not aware of any such cases occurring.

4. Private Purchase Contract (PPC)

After completing the due diligence, you will sign a private purchase contract within 30 days of making the reservation. This contract outlines the payment schedule, completion date, and detailed specifications of the property.

Typically, you will need to pay around 30% of the property price as a deposit when signing the PPC.

5. Progress Monitoring

During the construction phase, you can stay in contact with us 24/7. Developers almost always provide videos of the construction progress. Otherwise, we will provide you with videos or photos.

Changes and Extras: Depending on the construction progress, you may have the opportunity to customize certain aspects of the property, such as interior finishes or built-in features.

6. Completion and Final Payment

Completion Certificate: Upon completion of the property, the developer will receive a “Certificate of Habitability” (Licencia de Primera Ocupación) and a “Completion Certificate” (Certificado Final de Obra). This ensures that your property is exactly as agreed upon.

Final Payment: In some cases, the buyer may not come in person. In such cases, the buyer can authorize their lawyer to represent them.

7. Signing the Deed of Ownership

Notary Appointment: Both the buyer and the developer will sign the public deed (Escritura de Compraventa) before a notary. This deed officially transfers ownership to you.

Upon payment of the remaining balance, taxes, fees, and the final purchase price (plus an additional 10%), ownership is transferred. The VAT (IVA) and stamp duty (Actos Jurídicos Documentados, AJD) are typically 1.5% of the purchase price, including notary and registry fees.

8. Registration of the Property

The notary will send the signed deed to the local Land Registry to officially register the property in your name.

We are happy to help you organize the setup of utilities such as electricity, water, and gas. This can often also be handled by your lawyer.

9. Bonus

If you book a 2- or 3-day trip, we are happy to pick you up from the airport. Should you purchase a residence and sign the purchase agreement before 15th January 2024, you will receive a bonus of €3,000 towards hotel and travel expenses. This offer is only valid until the mentioned date.

This is only an example and varies depending on the developer!

The payment structure for BRAND RESIDENCES and VILLAS is available upon request.

Our Sales Director is still as enthusiastic about leading our team as he was when he sold his first apartment in 1973.

Like our CEO, he has been an advisor for investors and luxury residence buyers in Marbella and the surrounding areas for over 22 years.

We look forward to a personal conversation.