Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About Buying a Home in the South of France, Spain, and Ibiza
Buying a home in the South of France, Spain, or Ibiza often raises many questions. At Azur Living, we guide you personally through every step — from finding your dream property to completing the purchase. Below you'll find answers to the most frequently asked questions about our approach, the purchasing process, and everything involved in buying a home on the Mediterranean. Have a specific question? Feel free to contact us!
What are the costs for your guidance?
Our service and guidance generally cost you nothing! How is that possible? We work with local agents and developers who share their commission from the selling party with us. In return, we take a lot of work off their hands and ensure our clients are well-prepared. So our guidance doesn’t cost you anything extra.
How does a viewing trip work and when should I plan a visit?
Don’t spend endless hours behind your computer. In practice, we see that viewing properties in person often adjusts your wishes and expectations. Things that once seemed unimportant can suddenly become essential. You’ll only discover this by actually going and seeing for yourself.
That’s why at Azur Living, we arrange a viewing as soon as possible. A quick viewing is always beneficial, and good preparation is key. If you want to visit properties, we’ll work with you to create a list of homes and/or developments to view. We have dedicated teams in Spain, France, and Ibiza who prepare everything for you. You’ll receive a guided tour in your own language and can view the properties at your own pace. If your preferences change during your visit, we can quickly adjust the program to match your new ideas and wishes. Together with you, we go through the entire process. Just let us know the dates of your intended visit, and we’ll take care of the rest!
Want to know how to make your viewing trip as efficient as possible? Read our brochure ‘How to Avoid Disappointing Property Viewings’.
How does the foreign real estate system work?
There are quite a few important differences compared to the real estate system you're used to in the Netherlands or Belgium — especially in the way agents work abroad. For example, there is hardly any exclusivity for properties, and the same homes may be offered at different prices. Agents abroad often work with a client registration system. By understanding how the system works in France and Spain, you can avoid several common pitfalls.
Want to learn more about this topic? Read our guide ‘The Foreign Real Estate System’.
I found a nice property on another website — can you show it to me as well
Yes, in most cases that’s possible! Please don’t request information directly from the foreign agent — there’s a good chance we already have the property in our portfolio or can include it. Feel free to send it to us. If you do request information yourself, we may no longer be able to assist you, as you’ll likely be tied to that particular agent.
How high are the buyer’s costs in Spain?
The total is approximately 12.5% of the purchase price. This includes 10% transfer tax for existing properties or 10% VAT for new builds. Registration fees at the "Registro de la Propiedad" (the Spanish equivalent of the Dutch land registry) range from about 0.3% to 0.7% of the purchase amount. Notary fees are around 0.6% to 1%, depending on the value of the property. Additionally, expect about 1% in fees for a Spanish lawyer.
What is the maximum mortgage in Spain?
The maximum mortgage in Spain is up to 70% of the property’s value or the purchase price, with the lower of the two always being decisive for the bank. The remaining amount, plus buyer’s costs (approx. 12.5%), must be covered with your own funds.
How do I get a mortgage in Spain?
Hypotheekibiza.nl and Spaansehypotheek.nl are mortgage offices specialized in financing on Ibiza and mainland Spain. They offer tailor-made mortgages for Dutch and Belgian buyers. Obtaining a mortgage in Spain is different from in the Netherlands. For example, the maximum loan is 70% of the property’s value or purchase price, with the lower of the two always being decisive for the bank. In addition, the application process is quite different from what you might be used to in the Netherlands. Spaanse Hypotheek has set up its systems to offer the speed and service you’re familiar with from the Netherlands or Belgium — which is unique in Spain.
How high are the buyer’s costs in France?
The percentage ranges from 6% to 8% of the purchase price for existing properties and is approximately 2.5% for new builds.
How much is the maximum mortgage in France?
The maximum mortgage is 80% of the property’s value or the purchase price, with the lower of the two always being decisive for the bank. The remaining amount, plus buyer’s costs, must be covered with your own funds.
How do I get a mortgage in France?
We work with several (Dutch-speaking) mortgage providers in France. They collaborate with over 50 French banks to find the most favorable financing options for you. Want to know more about the possibilities? We’ll gladly connect you with the right partner to provide you with a fast and efficient quote.
Is your question not listed? Feel free to contact us.