Spanish bank procedures and mortgage products are different to those in other countries. Due to our long-standing relationships with the lenders, we offer expert guidance on the process of applying for a mortgage and exclusive conditions with rates not offered publicly from Euribor + 1.35%, fixed rates from 2.15%, mortgages without life insurance, and terms up to 25 years or age 75 if earlier.
Spanish Mortgage Products
We achieve exclusive mortgage products with Spanish and foreign banks
Construction mortgage products
For this type of mortgage, the best products are where the banks will offer a loan against the plot of land (up to 50% of the cost, or value of lower) and also for the construction works (up to 70% of the cost, or value of the project, if lower).
In all cases, applicants must own the plot of land outright before any bank will lend. It is possible to purchase the land and sign for the mortgage at the same time, but most clients buy the land first. With the best products, the banks will pay up to 50% of the cost of the plot (or value if lower) as the first installment, but usually only once the works have started.
It is necessary to have all the paperwork relating to the construction project ready at the start of the formal mortgage application process. This will include the architect’s plans for the project (stamped by the College of Architects), building license and detailed quotes from the construction companies that will carry out the works. A specialist valuer will assess the project as a whole and the banks will base their lending on the valuer’s report.
We have arranged many construction mortgages over the years and can offer expert guidance on the process. If you are interested in this type of mortgage, we would advise that you contact us as soon as possible.
Holiday home mortgage products
Holiday home mortgages are generally for non-resident property buyers who do not live in Spain The maximum borrowing amount is up to 70% of the property purchase price (or valuation if lower).
Lenders offer fixed, variable and, in some cases, mixed rates. For variable rate mortgages, the rates are based on the annual Euribor reference rate with a percentage margin added to this, for example, annual Euribor + 3%. We can currently offer mortgages with rates as low as annual Euribor + 1.35% or fixed rates from 2% for premium, non-resident clients (please enquire to see if you would qualify). Typically, for other clients, the rates will be a little higher than this (from Euribor + 1.9% and 2.15% fixed) but still lower than publicised rates or if you go directly to the banks.
Primary residence mortgage products
Primary residence mortgages are for those where the property in Spain will be their main residence and they already pay their income tax here, or in exceptional cases are about to start paying taxes here. For this type of mortgage, it is possible to secure mortgages up to 80% of the property purchase price with rates from Euribor + 0.99% or fixed rates from 2.05%.
Investment mortgage products
Investment mortgages are for those property buyers planning to rent out their property after purchase, or where the buyer already has at least one existing mortgage in Spain. If the banks believe that the property will not be for sole use by the owner or that a commercial activity will be carried out there, they would normally treat it as an investment mortgage. Generally speaking, banks will only offer 50-60% of the property purchase price (or valuation if lower) for these types of mortgages.
We have provided alternative finance solutions for property buyers who may have a sophisticated investment portfolio. We can help put together back-to-back loan arrangements secured against listed investments. This can be where the lender takes over as custodian, or where a guarantee is provided by the existing custodian of the assets.
Commercial mortgage products
If you are buying a property that banks will class as a commercial premises (offices, shops, hotels, B&Bs etc.), we can offer mortgages to suit your purposes. The mortgages available are generally 50-60% of the purchase price (or valuation if lower) and conditions differ from those for residential properties.
Where a property is being bought by an actively trading company, or if the company will trade after the purchase, the banks will also treat it as a commercial mortgage.
Some banks will allow you to purchase through a newly formed Spanish limited company (Sociedad Limitada or “SL” company). If the company is set up as a shell company for the sole purpose of buying the property, meaning it will not actively trade after the purchase, it can be possible to secure mortgage terms that would apply for a residential mortgage. Due to the additional work involved in assessing companies, banks are more reluctant to approve this type of operation. Generally, they will only look at such cases when the companies or individual(s) behind them have strong profiles.
MORTGAGE CONDITIONS
You should be aware of the different mortgage conditions offered by lenders in Spain.