Gusto Casa Spain

Personal Property Advisor on the Costa Blanca Spain

Aankoopmakelaar Gé Hoeijmakers aan de Costa Blanca Javea

Personal Property Advisor on the Costa Blanca Spain

Personal Property Advisor on the Costa Blanca

Do you want to buy a house in Spain but don’t know where to start? Don’t worry, we are here to help you with every step of the process.

What should you pay attention to in Spain? As an experienced Personal Property Advisor on the Costa Blanca. We are more than just your guide, we are like a knowledgeable friend who helps you make the right decisions.

Buying a house is an exciting and fun journey, but it can also be a bumpy road full of pitfalls you might not have thought of. That’s why we are here to guide and advise you, so you can navigate the buying process with confidence.

And let’s not forget that a house shouldn’t just look good on paper, it should also feel good. It should feel like home.

Our expert NVM agents are here to help you in the search for your dream home. With our in-depth knowledge of the market and our experience, we help you make the right choices and close the best deals.

Whether it’s smart searching, strategic bidding, or a carefree key transfer, we make sure everything is properly arranged in advance, so you can enjoy your new home or your (investment) purchase with peace of mind.

In Spain, everything works a bit differently than in the Netherlands. For example, a buying agent in Spain doesn’t cost money. The purchase is paid for by the seller. However, you do need a lawyer for the purchase. After all, you want to buy a legal home without debts. We can refer you to a pleasant Dutch-speaking lawyer. That way, you can be sure everything is in order.

Are you ready to take the next step towards your dream home? We are here to help you.

Our added value

This is how we support a purchase process

  • Honest, personal, and clear tailor-made advice throughout the entire purchase process
  • Discussing the desired and available purchase budget and the possibilities, we can put you in contact with various reliable mortgage advisors or a tax specialist
  • Determining your search criteria, we’ll ask you everything
  • By searching for off-market deals
  • We give you insight into all the steps of the process
  • You can ask us any questions you have. If we don’t know the answer, we’ll refer you to an expert
  • Expert assessment of the quality, possibilities, and realistic value of the house
  • Putting you in touch with expert parties for any possible renovation
  • Creating a budget for a possible renovation
  • Creating a custom interior plan based on your mood boards
  • Expert contract negotiations for the lowest possible purchase price
  • Referring you to a good lawyer for properly drafting the purchase agreement. We will then check the agreement and go through it with you
  • Inspection guidance & key handover

Personal Property Advisor on the Costa Blanca

We are an NVM real estate office. Lindy, one of our agents, was even the youngest registered real estate agent and valuer in Utrecht when she was sworn in. In Spain, there is the API. Gé has obtained his API certification. The Netherlands has the highest educational requirements for the real estate profession in the entire world. With years of experience in real estate and backgrounds in various sectors such as insurance and banking, we bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every purchase guidance.

Together with you, we discuss your housing wishes and set up a targeted search. You will receive the latest listings by email, and we will go through them with you. What appeals to you? What suits you? From beginning to end, we stand by your side to ensure the entire purchase process runs smoothly and pleasantly. Even though the purchase process in Spain is a bit different from what you are used to, with our expertise you will know exactly what to look out for. We always have access to the best and most reliable information, so you can count on expert advice at every step of the process.

Are you going for new construction, an existing villa, or a renovation house? We can help you with any type of home.

So, let’s raise a glass to a successful deal! We are ready to help you to find your dream home.

Buying your home, Personal Property Advisor on the Costa Blanca

Don’t know where to start?

What do we add?

At Gusto Casa, we see opportunities where others don’t. With three houses and an old depot that we transformed into our office, we know what it means to be creative and to get the most out of every situation.

Our house in Spain didn’t meet the standard search criteria. For example, it didn’t have air conditioning, which isn’t ideal in that climate. But for just €2,775 we had three air conditioners installed. Together with you, we’ll design the perfect layout for your new home and give you a clear cost estimate so you know exactly what to expect. You can make it as expensive as you like, but we’ll make sure the estimate is reliable. We can recommend handymen without the Mañana Mañana mentality.

With our creativity, we come up with smart and practical layouts. We’ll discuss the pros and cons of a renovation house together and point out the challenges that come with it. But with the goal of a beautiful end result, we’re ready to take on those renovation houses with you. Are you ready? Let’s go!

Can’t find a house that fits your wishes and budget? We get it, we always want things just a bit differently too. That’s why buying a renovation house might be a smart choice. We’re happy to help!

Why a renovation house?

  • Value creation; you add value to the home and can live affordably
  • A home completely according to your taste and wishes
  • Financially attractive; a renovation house offer tax benefits and gives you the chance to make the home more sustainable
Aankoopmakelaar Gé Hoeijmakers met Cava bij de sinaasappelvelden aan de Costa Blanca

Buying a house, how does it work?

You’re searching for your dream home. At Gusto Casa, we understand how important it is to find that one perfect place. We’ve put the path you’re going to walk down on paper for you. Whether you’re heading straight for your goal or wander off the path now and then, we’re here to guide you!

Accessible communication

An exciting time. Negotiating your new home is thrilling. To keep communication short and clear, we create a WhatsApp group for you. In it we can consult with each other and stay up to date. Nice and easy.

  • 1. Determine your budget

    Before you start, it’s important to know what you can and want to spend. Don’t just consider the purchase price, but also extra costs like taxes, notary fees, and possible renovations.

    We help you:
    We give you a complete cost overview so you know exactly what to expect and nothing is overlooked.

  • 2. Obtain financial approval

    Do you need a mortgage? Make sure you arrange financial approval in advance. Spanish banks often ask for more documents than you're used to.

    We help you:
    We recommend reliable intermediaries for a mortgage with a Spanish bank or offer advice on financing from the Netherlands or Belgium.

  • 3. Choose a location

    The Costa Blanca has something for everyone, from lively cities to peaceful villages. Think about your priorities; do you want to be near the sea, in a city, or in nature?

    We help you:
    With our local knowledge, we advise you on regions and neighborhoods that match your wishes and lifestyle. We’ll take you on a discovery tour!

  • 4. Choose a lawyer

    In Spain, hiring a specialized lawyer is essential to avoid legal issues. A good lawyer checks all documents and ownership rights.

    We help you:
    We work with reliable Dutch-speaking lawyers who will represent your interests in the best way.

  • 5. Find your home

    Now the fun part begins: searching for your dream home. Visit different properties, compare options, and find what really suits you.

    We help you:
    We select homes that match your wishes and guide you during viewings. We offer a critical perspective and answer all your questions.

  • 6. Reserve the home

    Once you’ve chosen a home, you can reserve it by signing a reservation contract and making a deposit. This ensures the property won’t be sold to someone else.

    We help you:
    We make sure everything is properly documented and that you make the right deposit — one that is refundable if the house turns out not to be as promised. Your dream home is safely reserved.

  • 7. Due diligence

    A thorough legal check (due diligence) is crucial. It checks for debts, mortgages, or legal issues tied to the property. In Spain, this is done by a lawyer.

    We help you:
    Our partners ensure everything is checked down to the last detail. That way, you know the property is free of risks.

  • 8. Sign the provisional purchase contract (Contrato de Arras)

    The provisional purchase contract (Contrato de Arras) is an important agreement between you and the seller. It includes all the arrangements, such as the purchase price and delivery date. The lawyer draws up this document.

  • 9. Sign the notarial deed and transfer ownership

    The final transfer takes place at the notary’s office. Here, the deed of sale is signed and the ownership is officially transferred to your name.

    We help you:
    We are present at the final inspection and notary appointment to ensure everything goes smoothly. After this step, you are officially the owner of your home in Spain!

  • 10. Register the ownership

    After the purchase, your home is registered by the lawyer in the Spanish Land Registry. This is essential to protect your ownership rights.

  • 11. Pay taxes and fees

    After the purchase, you need to consider taxes (like transfer tax) and other costs such as notary fees, legal fees, taxes, and insurance. The most convenient option is to have a gestor take care of this for you. That way, nothing gets overlooked.

  • 12. Take care of practical matters

    After the transfer, it’s time to make your home livable. Think about connecting utilities, paying community fees, or arranging insurance.

    We help you:
    We assist you with practical matters like water, electricity, internet, and insurance. That way, you can enjoy your new home worry-free.

Legaliteit huis Spanje risico's vervallen finca Teulada

Personal Property Advisor on the Costa Blanca in Spain

Don't buy a pig in a poke

Whether you’re buying a house in the countryside, an apartment in a modern complex, or a property that’s thirty years old or newly built, the legal status of the property must be correct. And that goes beyond just a residence permit or nice photos in a brochure.

A legal check and accompanying zoning plan research give you insight into crucial issues that you, as a buyer, absolutely must know in advance. Having the lawyer investigate everything each time and paying the reservation fees upfront can get pretty expensive, usually 1% of the purchase price + €5,000. Quite a costly affair. We outsource the legal check. The costs are just a fraction of this. If everything checks out, the reservation contract can be signed, and the lawyer can get to work.

Still, you hear horror stories where a lawyer was involved, but there are still major risks tied to the property.

What should be checked?

A legal check is not just about whether you are allowed to inhabit the property. It’s about the legal and zoning justification of what is standing and whether it is even allowed to be there. These are the key points that should always be investigated:

  • Can the property be rebuilt after damage?
    The municipality determines, based on the applicable zoning plan, whether a house or building can be rebuilt after damage, such as from a fire, flooding, or wildfire. This is crucial for your insurance and peace of mind. Just think about the floods in Valencia last year… a real nightmare.

  • Does the building comply with the regulations?
    Are the main building and outbuildings, including the pool, in line with current regulations regarding built-up area, building height, number of floors, and distance from the property line? If not, it could have consequences for future permits or renovations.

  • Is residential use legally permitted?
    This is different from a residence contract. The certificate only confirms that the property meets the minimum requirements for habitation (such as ventilation and sanitation). The legal zoning determines whether permanent or temporary residency is allowed at all.

  • Have permits been issued and are they still valid?
    Some permits have limited validity. It’s quite common that a previously tolerated renovation wasn’t legalized, or may no longer be permitted.

  • Can fines be imposed?
    If construction was done without permits in the past, the municipality can still enforce penalties. As the new owner, you’ll be responsible for the consequences: legalizing, demolishing, or paying a fine.

  • Can the zoning plan impose restrictions?
    For example, if the municipality doesn’t allow rebuilding in that area, an insurer may refuse to pay out the reconstruction value after damage.

Huizen Costa Blanca Noord

When do we toast to your new home?