Orientation & introductory meeting
A good purchase starts with a calm and clear conversation. In this first phase, we explore your wishes, budget and living style: from the type of property and the desired view to the feeling a place should evoke. We also discuss how you intend to use the property — seasonally, permanently or as an investment — so we have a clear picture from the start of what suits you.
During the introductory meeting, we explain how our collaboration works and which steps we go through together. On the website, you’ll already find extensive background information about the Costa Brava, financial and legal matters and our services within Live It. In this conversation, we walk you through everything calmly, so you know exactly what to expect and how we protect your interests throughout the entire process.
This phase also forms the basis for a Personal Property Search, where we actively look for suitable properties on your behalf, including additional and off-market listings. On the Personal Property Search page, you can read what this collaboration entails and what benefits it offers you.
Search profile & property selection
Based on our introductory meeting, we translate your wishes and budget into a concrete search profile. We look not only at the type of property, but also at location, accessibility, nearby amenities and the feeling an area evokes. This way, we prevent you from spending time on properties that look interesting on paper but don’t suit you in practice.
We then select properties that truly match your profile. We use our own network, other agents’ listings and online platforms. If you come across an interesting property yourself, we simply include it in the selection. Through the Find it page or public platforms, you can also search for properties that appeal to you; we make sure everything relevant comes together in one clear overview.
Preparation & practical matters
Before you make an offer or sign a purchase agreement, a number of practical matters are essential. We help you prepare for these in good time and introduce you to the right people where needed.
Financing: are you buying (partly) with a mortgage? Then it’s important to arrange this early in the process — a mortgage commitment strengthens your negotiating position and prevents delays. I’ll introduce you to a mortgage specialist who speaks Dutch and English, with in-depth knowledge of the Spanish mortgage market and extensive experience with non-residents. He or she will help you assess your options, select the right bank, and work through the application process. I’ll also make sure you know exactly which documents you need, so you’re well prepared when you sit down at the table.
Independent legal guidance: when buying in Spain, it’s strongly recommended to engage your own independent lawyer — someone who exclusively represents your interests and carries out all legal and administrative checks. Dream Casa Brava works with a specialised lawyer on the Costa Brava, with in-depth knowledge of the Catalan property market. We’d be happy to introduce you.
NIE number: a Spanish tax identification number, required for every property transaction. Start this process in good time — the processing time can be longer than expected. Your lawyer can arrange this for you.
Spanish bank account: for the deposit and transfer at the notary, a Spanish account is practical and sometimes required. We introduce you to a bank experienced with international buyers.
On my Financial page, you’ll read more about mortgages and legal matters when buying.
By having these matters in order early — and with the right people by your side — you can act quickly and confidently when the right property comes along.
Viewings & experiencing the area
Once we’ve made a selection of properties that truly match your wishes, we schedule the viewings. During these visits, we look not only at the property itself, but also at the feeling the place evokes: the surroundings, the view, the tranquillity or liveliness, accessibility and nearby amenities.
After all, a good choice goes beyond the property alone. That’s why we combine viewings where possible with exploring villages, neighbourhoods and the immediate surroundings. On our Discover the Costa Brava page, you’ll find an impression of various villages and areas — on location, we complement this with our local knowledge and honest feedback, so you can better determine what suits you.
Second viewing & deeper assessment
When a property still feels right after the first viewing, we schedule a second visit. In this phase, we look more closely at details that are less noticeable the first time around: the state of maintenance, layout, natural light, orientation, practical usability and potential points of attention for the future.
This is also the moment we can organise a structural assessment, if desired. Depending on the property and your wishes, this can range from a light technical check to a more comprehensive structural survey by a specialist. We discuss together what’s appropriate, so you get the most complete picture of the property before making a final decision.
Negotiation strategy & offer
When you decide a property truly suits you, we determine the right negotiation strategy together. We look at comparable properties, market conditions, the asking price, the condition of the property and the seller’s motivation. Based on this, we advise you on a realistic and strategic offer that fits your position and goals.
If your offer is accepted, in many cases a Contrato de Reserva follows — a reservation agreement under which you pay an amount, typically 1%–5% of the purchase price, to take the property off the market. This gives you time to carry out legal checks and reach a definitive purchase contract. This amount is offset against the final purchase. It is refundable if there is a valid reason not to proceed with the purchase — for example, a violation that cannot be legalised. If you withdraw from the purchase without a valid reason, you lose your deposit. I’ll guide you through this phase so you know exactly where you stand.
If you wish, I’ll take the entire offer process off your hands: from drawing up and submitting the offer to dealing with the selling party or agent. In doing so, I take into account the customary conditions in Spain and your specific wishes. You can count on a calm, considered approach in which your interests always come first. The goal is not only a good price, but above all a safe and solid basis for the next step in the buying process.
Purchase agreement (arras) & legal checks
Before signing the purchase contract, the so-called arras, the most important legal and administrative points are checked by an independent, specialised lawyer. This includes ownership rights, outstanding debts, permits, the legal status of the property, and any restrictions. On my Legal matters when buying page, you can read exactly which checks I carry out and why this is so important. That way you can be sure you’re not taking on any hidden risks and that the purchase proceeds in a safe and transparent way.
The arras sets out the agreements between buyer and seller, including the period within which the transfer of ownership at the notary must take place (typically 30–90 days after signing the arras). This is the official step towards the final completion. With an arras, a 10% deposit is usually customary.
I’ll guide you through this phase, explain the content, and ensure the agreements align with what was discussed earlier.
Notary, final checks & transfer
Before the transfer at the notary, all documents are checked one final time by the lawyer, ensuring everything is in order: ownership, debts, permits, registrations and the final conditions. Only when everything is fully in order do we schedule the appointment at the notary.
Your lawyer can also sign on your behalf through a notarial power of attorney (poder notarial) — a practical solution for international buyers who can’t travel every time.
On the day of completion, we carry out a final inspection of the property. We check that everything is present as agreed and that the condition of the property matches what was shown earlier. Where desired, Dream Casa Brava carries out this inspection for you. We then go to the notary for the signing of the deed of sale, and payment takes place. In Spain, payment is made via a banker’s cheque (cheque bancario) — your lawyer and bank will help you arrange this in good time.
Once you’ve signed, you’re the owner and receive the keys to your new home in Spain.
Aftercare & practical matters after the purchase
Even after the transfer, we don’t let go. We help you with the practical matters that come with owning a property in Spain, such as arranging utilities, notifying the relevant authorities of the ownership transfer and organising local registrations where needed.
In addition, you can count on advice about maintenance, insurance, taxes, and reliable local partners. On my Live It page, you’ll find in-depth information on these topics; where needed, I’ll refer you on to the right people. Whether you live here permanently, enjoy it seasonally, or are considering renting out — I remain available and make sure you’re never on your own, so you can enjoy your new place on the Costa Brava with complete peace of mind.
