Buying in Spain
INTRODUCTION
Independent representation for a more confident purchase
Buying in another country can be complex, even for an experienced purchaser. The market is divided between many agencies and owners; legal, tax and administrative differences require coordination; and important decisions often have to be made while the buyer is still outside Spain.
ALARIFE Property Advisory acts as the buyer’s point of contact throughout the process. We do not replace your lawyer, tax adviser, bank or specialist surveyor. When requested, we help select or coordinate them, keep the transaction organised and support decisions with clear information.
What we do for the buyer
Define the search brief, budget, priorities and rejection criteria.
Compare locations across different cities and coastal areas.
Search through agencies, developers, owners and our professional network.
Coordinate with the agencies representing each property.
Conduct preliminary viewings with photographs, video and structured observations.
Prepare a reasoned shortlist of final properties.
Provide a preliminary architectural review of selected options.
Plan efficient viewing itineraries for the client’s visit to Spain.
Assist with negotiations on price, timing, furniture and conditions.
Coordinate with independent lawyers, banks, notaries, administrators and technical specialists.
Support key handover and arrange post-purchase services.
Buying without travelling at every stage
We can carry out preliminary inspections and video viewings to avoid unnecessary travel. Our reports distinguish between observed facts, information supplied by the selling party and matters requiring legal or technical verification. When a property merits a personal visit, we organise a focused itinerary around the best available options.
Architectural judgement before you decide
Marketing photographs do not explain how a home will truly feel or function. We assess proportions, circulation, privacy, orientation, daylight, the relationship between inside and outside, adaptation potential and visible signs that warrant specialist inspection. This preliminary review helps eliminate unsuitable options and raises the right questions before a commitment is made.
Where required, we recommend a building survey, valuation, measured survey, planning review or architectural commission under a separate scope and fee proposal.
Transparency from the outset
The service begins with a written mandate defining objectives, duration, fees, expenses, confidentiality and responsibilities. Before an intensive search begins, we confirm the buyer’s identity, purchasing capacity and the required source-of-funds documentation. This preparation saves time and supports a smoother relationship with sellers, banks and advisers.
What we do not promise
We do not present a property purchase as an automatic route to Spanish residency.
We do not guarantee rental returns or future capital appreciation.
We do not replace specialist legal, tax or technical due diligence.
We do not recommend a property simply because it belongs to a particular portfolio.
We do not conceal conflicts of interest or external remuneration.
Fees
Clear fees tailored to the service you require.
Each engagement is priced according to the location, purchase value, complexity and level of involvement required.
The fees shown below provide an initial indication. Before any work begins, you will receive a clear written proposal setting out the agreed services, fees, expenses and applicable conditions.
Service fees grid
|
Service |
What it includes |
Fee To be defined |
| Destination Advisory | Personal consultation, comparison of destinations and initial property-market guidance | From € / SAR___ |
| Property Search Advisory | Definition of requirements, independent search, property selection and coordination | Activation fee from € /SAR___ |
| Full Buyer Representation | Search, viewings, assessment, negotiation and purchase coordination | Activation fee + success fee of ___% |
| Independent Property Review | Review of an identified property, location, layout, condition and suitability | From € / SAR___ |
| Property Care | Inspections, maintenance coordination and preparation of the property before arrival | From € / SAR___ per month |
Fees will be indicative and exclude VAT, acquisition costs, travel expenses and third-party professional services unless expressly included.
Minimum fees may apply depending on the property value, location and scope of the appointment. Full terms will always be confirmed in writing before the service begins.
Additional specialist services
Renovation advisory, architectural lighting, security systems, connected-home solutions and coordination with local professionals can be arranged according to the specific requirements of the property.
Fees are defined individually once the scope has been established.
Exceptional travel, specialist technical services and third-party professional fees are quoted separately and approved in advance. All fees exclude VAT unless otherwise stated.
How we work
Alarife provides independent and personalised property advisory services for international buyers in Spain. Our involvement can begin with the definition of your property search and continue through the purchase, preparation and ongoing care of your home.
1. Confidential conversation
We begin by understanding your objectives, preferred destination, intended use, approximate budget and the level of assistance you may require.
2. Definition of the service
We establish the scope of our involvement, from destination advice or an independent property review to a complete search and buyer representation service.
3. Clear written proposal
You receive a tailored proposal setting out our responsibilities, fees, expenses, working conditions and any applicable exclusivity terms.
4. Property search and assessment
When appointed for a property search, we identify and assess suitable opportunities, coordinate viewings and help you compare the available options.
5. Purchase coordination
Once a property has been selected, we represent your interests and coordinate the purchase process with the relevant property, legal and technical professionals.
6. Property Care
After the purchase, Alarife can continue looking after your property during periods when you are away. Services may include scheduled inspections, photographic reports, maintenance coordination, supervised contractor access and preparation of the home before your arrival.
7. Complementary Services
When required, we can coordinate renovation advice, architectural lighting, interior and exterior improvements, security systems, connected-home solutions and other specialist services adapted to the property.
Throughout the process, you have a single, trusted point of contact in Spain, with personal and confidential coordination according to your requirements.
Language and communication
Our working languages are English and Spanish. When Arabic-language assistance is required, we can coordinate with an independent professional translator or interpreter. Any such support will be agreed with the client in advance.