Buyer’s Checklist: Benahavís & Costa del Sol

A practical, step-by-step guide to preparing for — and successfully completing — your property purchase in Benahavís or the wider Costa del Sol. Use it to stay organised from your first viewing through to receiving the keys.

Download Buyer’s Checklist (PDF)

Contents

Before Viewing
During Viewing
Offer & Reservation
Completion & Handover
After Purchase

Before Viewing

✅ Define your search criteria — preferred area, property type, number of bedrooms, price range, lifestyle priorities (golf, sea views, village life, etc.).
✅ Get your financing in order — pre-approval if applying for a Spanish mortgage; otherwise confirm available cash budget and transfer plan.
✅ Understand total purchase costs — see our Purchase Costs Guide (~10% resale / 12–13% new build).
✅ Choose a lawyer experienced in Andalusian property law — ideally independent of the selling agent or developer.
✅ Obtain or plan your NIE number (tax identification) — required for any purchase.
✅ Prepare proof of funds — Spanish banks and notaries may request recent statements to verify purchase capability.
✅ If non-EU, review your visa options — Digital Nomad or Non-Lucrative residency routes now apply (Golden Visa ended April 2025).

During Viewing

✅ Bring ID (passport or NIE) — many gated communities require it for entry.
✅ Take photos and notes — room sizes, orientation, condition, views, privacy, parking, and noise levels.
✅ Ask about community fees, IBI (property tax) and basura (rubbish collection) — Benahavís basura is a fixed €18/year, IBI is among the lowest in the region.
✅ Check included items — fixtures, furniture, appliances, parking and storage rooms (trasteros).
✅ Discuss potential improvements — know if permissions, licences, or architect input may be required.
✅ Explore nearby amenities — golf, schools, shops, and travel routes.
✅ Ask us to confirm any rental potential — subject to local VFT rules and community statutes.

Offer & Reservation

✅ Confirm your lawyer will conduct due diligence before deposit — title, debts, licences, and community compliance.
✅ Prepare to sign a Reservation Agreement (typically €6,000–€10,000) — refundable if legal issues arise, otherwise it removes the property from market.
✅ Agree on timelines and payment milestones — usually 10% on signing private contract, balance at completion.
✅ Ensure all deposits are paid to a lawyer or developer’s escrow account, not directly to individuals.
✅ Request copies of the Nota Simple (title extract), community statutes, and energy certificate.
✅ If buying off-plan, verify bank guarantees are in place for all staged payments.

Completion & Handover

✅ Arrange completion date with your lawyer and notary — presence can be by Power of Attorney if you’re abroad.
✅ Transfer funds for purchase price, taxes, and fees to your lawyer’s client account in advance.
✅ Confirm tax payments (ITP/IVA/AJD) will be filed promptly after signing.
✅ Ensure utilities, community fees, and IBI are switched into your name.
✅ Collect all property keys, remote controls, and community access cards at handover.
✅ Receive your fully registered title deed (“Escritura”) once Land Registry updates are complete.

After Purchase

✅ Review your ongoing ownership taxes — IBI, basura (€18), community fees, and non-resident income tax (if applicable).
✅ Arrange home, contents, and liability insurance — many policies can bundle cover for rentals or holiday use.
✅ Register with the local town hall (Ayuntamiento) for utilities and census if residing full-time.
✅ Set up direct debits for utilities and taxes via your Spanish bank account.
✅ If renting, apply for your Andalusian VFT tourist licence (if permitted).
✅ Keep a digital folder with all key documents — Escritura, NIE, insurance, community contacts, and tax receipts.

Download Buyer’s Checklist (PDF)

Want a personal purchase consultation?

Darren & Angelina — your Personal Property Concierge — will walk you through each stage and coordinate trusted lawyers, brokers, and viewings.
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