BUYING A HOUSE IN SPAIN: DREAM, DARE, DO!

The days are getting shorter and darker, tempting to daydream about a house in Spain. But who says this has to remain just dreams? MASTERS asks Jacqueline van Vliet, who is co-owner of Spanish Dream Homes and Real Estate Agent Valencia.

Online editing: Mical Joseph
Image: Spanish Dream Houses

What reasons do you hear most often to buy a house in Spain?

“That varies quite a bit. Many people want a permanent place where they can always return during the holidays, in the winter or when they are no longer working. So a holiday home or a (semi) permanent home. And of course in a place where the sun almost always shines. The climate is often the biggest plus why they choose Spain: the many hours of sunshine and the warmth, even in winter, which benefits many people with health problems (including asthma, rheumatism, fibromyalgia). But the living environment is also wonderful, which is often an additional argument for people who emigrate; less stress, more respect and a social life outside the home. Finally, there is also a large group that simply wants to invest the money in their bank account properly. The real estate market in Spain is interesting from an investment and rental point of view.”

How to start now if you want to buy a house?

“The most important thing is to think carefully about your budget. You can of course get lost when you see all kinds of dream homes, 'the sky is the limit', but don't forget for what purpose you are buying something and what the ideal dream home may cost. From there you can start calculating and map out your financial situation. Not exactly the most fun, but good to avoid disappointments.

You then try to formulate your search requirements as clearly as possible. So find out in which region or places you feel most at home. The location is and remains the most important. You can change a house, but not the location. Also consider carefully what you find important, such as distance to the coast, nature, shops and restaurants. Many people also find the view important. And do you want a fixer-upper or a house that is ready to move into? In short, it is good to determine what your requirements and wishes are. Then you can of course start searching online. You can also pass on your wishes to us, so that we can make a suitable selection and then automatically send you new offers each time.”

What can you, as a real estate agent, do for people who want to buy a house?

“We guide them in the search for their Spanish dream home. Initially we provide a lot of information about the various Spanish regions and then we naturally help you find the perfect home. We have a wide network of estate agents who are experts in their own area in Spain, so we cover all costas. Our website lists more than 10.000 homes for sale. It is therefore often visited and used as a kind of Funda of Spain. We work in the interests of the buyer to realize the Spanish Dream together. We arrange the appointments and then guide you through all the steps of the purchasing process. It is of course an exciting step to purchase a home in another country with different rules and it is nice if someone speaks the same language and knows the way there. This way you can buy without worries!”

What are the most popular regions?

'The most popular regions for buying a house in Spain are the Costa Blanca and the Costa del Sol. This has been a favorite destination for many Dutch people for decades. Of course because of the good climate, but the beautiful nature and culture are also important. Furthermore, the Valencia region has been booming in recent years. This third city in Spain is immensely popular as a city trip, but now also increasingly as a semi-permanent destination. Both the city (with the large beach!) and the green and truly Spanish region are popular, also because of the price. We respond to this with our website Makelaar Valencia. Furthermore, Ibiza and Mallorca are always attractive in the higher segment.”

Do you have any advice in this corona era?

"Of course! Stay healthy of course, but also positive! What we certainly learn from this is that we must continue to enjoy life and all the beautiful things that life has to offer us. You will really have to make something of it yourself. So keep dreaming, but just do it! Even now, Spain remains a fantastic country. Wonderful to live or travel in. We hope to be able to guide a large number of people again soon and to apply our motto Dream, Dare, Do to them for their future Spanish dream home.”

How is contact going during this time?

“Of course you will find a lot of information on our websites and you can complete the free search service online. Ultimately, what matters is that we have a good sense of what you are looking for, and personal contact is then pleasant. You can always contact us contacts or visit our office in Spain. But of course we can always schedule a personal introductory meeting via Skype and Zoom. You can also spot relevant news and nice homes via our social media. And please let us know what we can do for you! Hasta pronto!”