Buying Property in Valencia from Abroad
Our buyers come from many countries, including the US, the UK, Ireland, Germany, the Netherlands and Sweden. They can’t fly over for every viewing, and they shouldn’t have to. We search for you, identify the homes that suit you, view them and check them on your behalf, so you only travel when it’s worth it.
The agent showing you the house works for the seller. We work for you.
How It Works When You’re Abroad
You don’t need to be here for most of the process. This is what you do from home, and what we do on the ground.
What you do from home
- Have a first call with us about your plans, your budget and your timeline. It’s free.
- Join live video viewings of the homes that pass our first check.
- Arrange your NIE, a Spanish bank account and a power of attorney (see below).
- Choose the homes you want to see in person.
What we do on the ground
- We search for you and identify the right homes, across the portals and local agents in the areas that fit you.
- We visit every home that passes, walk the street and look at the building. When a live call doesn’t work, because of the time difference or poor signal inside the building, we film the property and send you the video.
- We arrange checks by an independent lawyer before you make an offer.
- We negotiate the price and the terms, and your lawyer can sign for you at the notary with a power of attorney.
One trip, for the shortlist. Most buyers come over once, to see the two or three homes that passed every step.
For the full process, step by step, see How We Work.
What You See on a Live Viewing That Photos Don’t Show
Listing photos are taken to sell. A live viewing shows you the rest:
- The street. I walk it before I go in. Is there a bar below that’s open until midnight? Is the entrance well kept?
- The building. The stairwell, the elevator (lift) and the shared areas tell you a lot about how a building is managed.
- Light and noise. How much daylight reaches the living room, and what you hear with the windows open.
- The details. I run the taps, open the windows and closets, and look at the electrical panel, the walls and the floors.
- What’s around it. Parking, shops, and what’s being built next door.
I tell you what I see, including what you might not want to hear.
What a Remote Viewing Can’t Do
A video viewing is a filter, not a replacement for being there. It tells you which homes are worth a trip. It can’t fully show how a space feels when you walk in, or what the street is like on a quiet weekday in winter. For homes you’re serious about, and for rural properties in particular, we usually recommend a visit before you commit.
What You Can Arrange from Home
Much of the paperwork can be done without being in Spain:
- Your NIE (foreigner identification number), through a lawyer in Spain.
- A Spanish bank account, with some banks, using a power of attorney.
- The money transfer, through your bank or a regulated transfer service.
- A power of attorney for the notary, signed at home and apostilled.
Our article Can Foreigners Buy Property in Spain? explains each step, including what’s different for Americans and other buyers from outside the EU.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy a property in Spain without visiting?
In principle, yes. With live video viewings, an independent lawyer and a power of attorney for the notary, most of the process can be done from home. In practice, we recommend at least one visit to see your final two or three options before you make an offer, and that’s what our buyers do.
How does a live video viewing work?
I walk through the property on a video call while you watch and ask questions. You see every room, the building and the street. When a live call isn’t possible, I film the property and send you the video.
Do I need to be in Spain to sign at the notary?
No. Your lawyer can sign for you with a power of attorney, which you can sign at home before a local notary and have apostilled.
What does it cost?
Our fee is 3% of the purchase price plus VAT, starting with a €1,000 retainer that is deducted from the fee. The full details are on our fees page.
Which languages do you work in?
Mainly English and Dutch, and German on request.
Work with Someone on Your Side
The agent showing you the house works for the seller. We work for you. We search for you, identify the right home, check it before you make an offer, and negotiate the price. Our fees are on our fees page.