Dutch
Interview with our owner/founder Erwin Hartgring in “Vertrek naar Spanje” (Moving to Spain).
“In this newsletter more about buying a property in Spain. Erwin Hartgring, owner and founder of Dream Properties International advise you what to think about when buying a property in Spain and what are the current trends in the housing market in Spain.
What is the first step in the search for a property in Spain?
It may be obvious, but location is the most important thing. Do you see yourself living in that place and feel happy?
First find the region and only then start searching for properties. Often people want to to go out for viewing properties immediately (fun activity!), but that only makes sense if the region appeals to you and you know where you want to buy. So go out and explore the area!
What are the options for financing?
Before you start searching, it is important that you know what you want and can spend. Also don’t forget to include the approx. 12-14% buying costs.
With the current interest rates, it can be interesting to finance it partly. In general banks in your home land are not eager to finance real estate abroad, but the Spanish banks do want you as a new client. Depending on the personal situation, you will be able to obtain a mortgage in Spain. Just keep in mind that you should be able to contribute approx. 45-50% yourself and the age limit is usually up to a maximum of 75 years.
People often don’t know how to get started. What is your advice?
Once the location has been determined and the finance has been taken care of, the fun part can start: searching for properties.
Usually this is done via the internet or you can, for example, visit an exhibition aimed at houses abroad. We often go to real estate fairs abroad to meet and inform new potential buyers. We advise people at all stages of the process; some just starting their orientation and others know exactly what they want and want to book a viewing trip. On the fairs we can already get to know people personally and discus their wishes and possibilities. During the fair we provide information about everything that comes with buying a house and we often give our visitors a (free) search on the spot.
Internet orientation is also important, with our website we try to give relevant information and ofcourse show a wide range of houses for sale. The properties are updated on a regular base, so that the offer on our website reflects the current situation. You can search through our website, but even more convenient is our Property Finder Service. Free of charge and without any obligations. So you basically just have to keep an eye on your mailbox and you will receive appropriate suggestions.
And how do you ultimately make the viewing appointments?
After all the preliminary work, there is ultimately a shortlist to go and see in Spain. At the end you will almost always want to have a good look on the spot to see, feel and experience the whole picture. We arrange all viewings. We do collaborat with other agents and can also organise the viewings of properties which are not directly in our portfolio. So you can see the best options from all the properties that the region of your choice has to offer, but you keep the organization and guidance in one hand. We always keep intensive contact with our customers throughout the process. Our goal is to find your “dream property” and realise your Spanish dream!
What is interesting at the moment from an investor’s point of view?
At the moment keeping your money at your bank accout is not profitable. Investing in real estate is popular and certainly in Spain. Prices in Spain are still relatively low, but in a number of regions we see the prices are already rising slightly. This has to do with the growing popularity of Spain as a holiday destination. The demand is currently high on the ever-popular Costa Blanca and Costa del Sol. Also the Costa Calida has a growing demand. Modern new-build homes are particularly popular, although the authentic finca reamins attracting as well. Another trend we see is Valencia city and the region. In addition to this beautiful city, this is also an interesting investment point, because it has everything: good climate, infrastructure, culture, old town, close to airport, beautiful beaches and still relatively low prices if you compare this to Barcelona and Madrid.
Why choosing for Dream Properties if you are looking to buy in Spain?
We are happy to share our many years of knowledge and experience. It is also important to know that we do not work from the portfolio of a broker, but based on the requirements of the client. Based on this, we select the best options. Your dream is our passion. We want to realise your dream without any worries or troubles and will help you with every step during the proces.
More about Dream Properties International: we are based in Spain, our head office is in the city center of Valencia. We speak Spanish, English, German and Dutch. We have over 10.000 of properties online, which are interesting for the international market. Via a free personal Property Finder Service, a large local real estate network and a personal guidance from A to Z they have already been able to provide many people with great satisfaction with their dream home in Spain.
