We’ve been receiving lots of questions about our recent home purchase in Spain—particularly how we managed to find a house for just €30,000. It’s been a journey, and today, we’re excited to share the entire process with you.
But before we dive in, a quick disclaimer: every situation is unique. What worked for us may not align with your needs, budget, or vision. We hope this provides some guidance, but always tailor the process to suit your circumstances.
Step 1: Research, Research, Research
We started by diving into property websites, with Idealista becoming our go-to. Think of it as Spain’s equivalent of Australia’s Domain or RealEstate It’s comprehensive, frequently updated, and includes features like custom alerts and map filters.
Tips for using Idealista effectively:
Create an account to enable alerts. It saves time and ensures you don’t miss new listings.
Don’t over-filter: Listings here aren’t always detailed. For example, some homes may have parking or additional rooms but don’t list them properly. Keep filters broad and review options manually.
Use the “draw on map” feature to explore specific areas—this was invaluable for narrowing down locations.
Step 2: Choosing a Location
We wanted our home to be a travel hub, so proximity to major airports like Málaga or Alicante was a priority. Flights from these airports are more affordable and frequent compared to Madrid or Barcelona.
For context, our house is about an hour and 15 minutes from Málaga Airport—a commute that’s common in Australia but might feel far for some. It’s all about balancing your lifestyle priorities. For us, this house is our base, but we plan to spend much of our time traveling.
Step 3: Budgeting
One of the most surprising (and sometimes overlooked) aspects of buying property in Spain is the extra costs. On top of the purchase price, you’ll need to budget an additional 10–15% for:
Legal fees
Property taxes
Real estate fees
Registration costs
Pro tip: Negotiation is expected! Many sellers are open to discussing pricing, payment plans, or even covering part of the legal requirements. We negotiated a payment schedule for our house, allowing us to pay in stages as certain conditions were met.
Step 4: Inspections and Essentials
We didn’t follow the “textbook” approach—our style is a little unconventional—but we highly recommend inspections. Here are the big three areas to check:
Roof: Many older homes have structural issues or leaks, so ensure this is solid.
Electrical work: Spain is phasing out older systems. If the wiring isn’t up to code, you won’t get utilities connected.
Plumbing: Ensure there are no leaks or outdated systems that could cause headaches later.
We’ve learned the hard way that these aren’t always disclosed in listings. Ask questions, request videos, and where possible, bring in professionals.
Step 5: Legal Matters
Navigating Spain’s property laws can be overwhelming, so having a trusted lawyer is non-negotiable. For us, this included:
Reviewing the Nota Simple, a critical document confirming ownership and debts tied to the property.
Ensuring all renovations were registered with the council. (Yes, in Spain, unregistered changes can come back to bite you.)
Negotiating terms: We added clauses to our contract requiring the seller to complete registration updates before we paid the full amount.
In Spain, property debts stay with the house—not the owner. This means unpaid water bills, electricity bills, or loans could transfer to you. A lawyer ensures you’re protected.
Step 6: Embracing Spanish Real Estate Culture
Buying a home in Spain comes with unique quirks:
Multiple agents: Properties are often listed by several agencies. Fees and communication styles can vary, so contact each one to find the best fit.
WhatsApp is king: Forget emails—WhatsApp is the main communication tool, even for professionals. Pro tip: Ensure you include Spain’s country code (+34) when reaching out.
Videos are rare but essential: If you’re buying remotely, request a detailed walkthrough video. It’s a game-changer for understanding dimensions and spotting potential issues.
Step 7: Managing Expectations
Let’s talk realism. If you’re hoping to snag a €30k house in the heart of Madrid or Málaga, you’ll likely be disappointed. Affordable homes tend to be outside city centers. For us, this meant exploring rural areas and towns further afield.
Our house is a fixer-upper, and that’s exactly what we wanted—a project with potential. But not everyone has the time or desire to renovate, so be honest about what works for you.
Step 8: Community and Connection
One of the most rewarding parts of this journey has been the community we’ve built along the way. From helpful comments on our videos to advice shared by locals, we’ve learned so much. If you’re embarking on a similar adventure, lean into these connections—they make all the difference.
Final Thoughts
Buying a house in Spain is a mix of excitement, challenges, and learning curves. Our journey hasn’t been perfect, but it’s been ours, and we wouldn’t change it for the world.
If you’re considering this path, we hope our story inspires and equips you. If we missed anything—or if you’ve got tips of your own—drop them in the comments! Your insight could help someone else on their journey.
Thanks for being here, for supporting us, and for joining us as we navigate this beautiful new chapter. Until next time, take care and enjoy the adventure.
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