Buy a house in Barcelona as a non-resident. What should I know before?
Do you want to buy a house in Barcelona as a non-resident but don't know where to start? If you are a foreigner and you are worried about the procedures and requirements needed to buy a property in Catalonia, don't worry any more.
At Molins Design we have worked on many occasions with foreign clients. They are people who want to buy a house in Barcelona as non-resident and, at the beginning, they have many doubts. They usually transmit us their initial concern about the paperwork, the permits and the lack of knowledge of the necessary documentation.
However, the process is much less complicated than it seems. As with any economic or property transaction, certain requirements imposed by the administration and public finances must be met.
In order to solve all those doubts of people who want to buy a house in Barcelona as a non-resident, we have prepared this guide. It is a consultation document where we offer information on the essential documentation and the steps to follow to purchase the property. Take note.
Why buy a house in Spain as a non-resident?
Firstly, it is worth analysing the growing desire of foreigners to buy a house in Barcelona as a non-resident. Undoubtedly, the city has many attractions that make it an object of desire.
Barcelona is a popular destination for non-resident property buyers. It has up-and-coming neighbourhoods, a warm climate, rich culture and a wide range of property on offer. In fact, the Catalan government is still active in its efforts to encourage foreign property purchases through a series of measures and programmes.
One of the main measures is the elimination of the need to obtain a certificate of non-residence for foreigners buying property in Barcelona. Previously, foreigners were required to obtain this certificate before buying a property, but now it is no longer necessary.
In addition, Catalonia has also improved legal certainty in real estate transactions by creating a public land registry and a system of public deeds. This ensures that all real estate transactions are carried out in a legal and transparent manner.
Therefore, we can say that Barcelona has taken measures and made things easier for all those who want to buy a house in Barcelona as a non-resident. And it has done so by eliminating taxes and improving legal certainty. All this has made Barcelona an attractive place to live.
Requirements for buying a house in Barcelona as a non-resident
Buying a property in Barcelona as a non-resident can be quite a challenge, as there are certain requirements and formalities that must be fulfilled. However, with the right advice and recommendations, the process can be easier and less stressful.
Here are some of the most important requirements to bear in mind when buying a house in Barcelona as a non-resident:
1. Having a NIE
It is essential to have a NIE (Foreigner’s Identification Number) to buy a property in Barcelona, as it is used to identify the buyer and to carry out any formalities related to the property.
In the following link of the Barcelona City Council you will find all the necessary information about the NIE. How to apply for it, how long it is valid and how much it costs to obtain this application.
On the other hand, we inform you that if you are a UK citizen you will have to apply for a TIE (Foreigner’s Identity Card), which is the equivalent of the NIE after Brexit.
2. Having a Spanish bank account
Having a bank account in Spain is not compulsory, but it is necessary to be able to make transfers and payments related to the purchase of the house. This will make it easier (and much easier) to buy your new home, saving bank commissions and possible currency exchange costs.
Bear in mind that, through this bank account, you will also be able to easily pay the local property tax, utility bills, etc.
3. Legal and tax advice
Undoubtedly, when buying a house in Barcelona as a non-resident, it is highly advisable to hire a lawyer or tax advisor. This professional will watch over the buyer’s rights and ensure that the transaction complies with all the necessary regulations and tax obligations.
In the same way, the advisor will allow the buyer to save time on paperwork and documentation. Finally, the information provided to the buyer will always be first-hand and will avoid any difficulties that may arise due to a lack of knowledge of the language.
4. Plan your budget
Another issue of vital importance when buying a house in Barcelona as a non-resident is to set the budget. It is necessary to allocate a budget for the purchase of the property, but also for the associated costs. These include different taxes such as VAT or ITP.
VAT (Value Added Tax) is applied at 10% throughout Spain on new or first transfer properties.
ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) is applied to second-hand properties and is progressive depending on the price. Specifically, it ranges from 10% for properties up to 400,000 euros to 13% if the price exceeds one million euros.
In addition to these taxes, budget items must be allocated to real estate agency commissions and notary fees.
5. Find a good location
Barcelona is a city with many options for buying, so it is important to look for a good location depending on your needs. For example, if you are coming to live in the city it will be vital to find a central neighbourhood, close to public transport, schools and other services.
However, if you are only looking to live in your new property during the summer months, it may be better to find a quieter location away from the big city.
Advantages of hiring a design and interior design studio for the purchase of a home abroad
The last point above makes it clear that when making the decision to buy a house in Barcelona as a non-resident it is interesting to have advice. In this sense, from Molins Design, we always advise to count on the help of an interior design studio.
These design professionals are specialists in helping foreign clients to find the house of their dreams and transform it into the perfect home. Their intervention can be decisive at various stages of the buying process.
During the search, interior designers can provide advice on the client’s needs and desires. In addition, they will know what renovations the structure of the property allows and the quality of the materials used in its construction.
Once the property has been purchased, a project drawn up by a design and interior design studio helps clients to plan and design the interior of the house. The professionals will assess your lifestyle, needs, available space and budget. They will provide a wide range of services, from kitchen and bathroom design to furniture selection and decoration. The owner will have the certainty that he can renovate his house from abroad.
In addition, by having a design and interior design studio, anyone looking to buy a house in Barcelona as a non-resident can be assured that they are working with professionals who are experienced in the local property market and familiar with the rules and regulations of Spain.
In conclusion, having the help of a design and interior design studio is essential when buying a house in Barcelona as a non-resident. They can advise on all stages of the process, from property search to planning and interior design, and can provide a wide range of services to make the process easier and less stressful.
