What do buyers who have already bought property in Spain say?

What are the most important lessons from buyers who have already purchased property in Spain? We have gathered the most common advice, surprises and recommendations — and what they would have done differently.

"Rent first — buy later"

The most repeated advice from experienced buyers in Spain: rent for 3-12 months in the area you are considering before you buy. Many buyers who chose to buy quickly regret their choice of town or neighbourhood, while those who rented their way to the decision are typically more satisfied with the eventual purchase.

"We underestimated the running costs"

IBI (property tax), community fees, insurance, maintenance and utilities are expenses many buyers do not fully include in their budget from the start. See our detailed review in the article on what it costs to own property in Spain.

The 7 most common pieces of advice from experienced buyers

Use an independent lawyer — not one recommended by the agent. Your lawyer should represent your interests exclusively.
Check the nota simple before anything else — this official land registry document reveals liens, debts and any building-permit issues.
Visit the property at all times of day — and ideally on a weekend. Noise from nightclubs, traffic or neighbours is hard to spot on a single visit on a quiet weekday afternoon.
Investigate the history of community fees — ask for the last 3 years of accounts from the owners' association (comunidad). Unexpected major repairs or savings for upcoming expenses should be reviewed.
Hire a building surveyor — particularly for older properties. A Spanish surveyor (perito) is cheap relative to spotting hidden defects.
Be realistic about rental potential — many buyers overestimate rental income and underestimate the costs, particularly for short-term lets. Calculate conservatively.
Open a Spanish bank account in good time — all payment flow in a Spanish property purchase goes through a local account. Open it early in the process.

"The summer season is not everyday life"

Many people visit an area mainly during the summer holiday and make their buying decision based on that. But Spain in summer is not the same as Spain in February — research the activity level, restaurant opening hours and atmosphere in low season if you plan to use the property year-round.

Most common regret: Choosing a property too far from the beach to save money — instead of prioritising location over size. In Spain, "walking distance to the beach" is one of the factors that holds its value best over time.

"We have never moved back"

The overwhelming feedback from people with a permanent home in Spain is positive. The climate, the relaxed lifestyle and the strong social network in the established expat communities exceed expectations for most. Many describe their social life as a retiree in Spain as more active and rewarding than what they had back home.

Frequently asked questions about buying as a foreigner

What is the most common mistake when buying property in Spain?

Skipping the independent legal review to save time or money. This is the mistake that most often results in unpleasant surprises — debt on the property, missing permits or legal ambiguities that are difficult and costly to resolve afterwards.

When is the best time to buy?

Autumn and winter (October-February) are typically the seller's quiet season, and you can have a stronger negotiating position than in spring/summer when demand is highest. Many good deals are made during this period.

Is it safe to buy property in Spain?

Yes, with the right precautions. Spain is a well-functioning EU country with established property law. The risks that exist — for example illegal building in certain regions — can be markedly minimised with a competent independent lawyer and thorough due diligence.

what it costs to own property in Spain