Mortgage in Spain

Discreet. Professional. Exclusive. Your Dutch Mortgage Adviser on the Costa Blanca.

You have been considering it for some time, and now the moment has arrived: you want to take the first step toward purchasing your (second) home in Spain. This means exploring the market, viewing properties, and ultimately deciding in which region you want to make your investment. At this stage, it is important to know exactly what to look out for. Do you prefer living near the coast or more inland? What budget do you have available? How much can you finance? Clarity from the outset is essential—so that you can not only find your ideal property but actually purchase it. BCA specialises in mortgages for both residents and non-residents in Spain. Whatever your personal situation, with BCA you are always in the right place—and you will be guided in your own language.

Mortgage Criteria in Spain

Many people assume that a Spanish mortgage works the same way as a Dutch, Belgian or English mortgage. In reality, the process differs considerably. Spanish banks apply stricter requirements and assess each application with great care. To prepare you optimally, BCA has listed the most important criteria:

  • 1. NIE number

    Without a NIE number, it is not possible to apply for a mortgage in Spain. If you don't have a NIE number yet? BCA works with reputable gestorías that can arrange this for you.

  • 2. Financing

    Spanish banks generally finance up to 70% of the official valuation of the property for non-residents. For residents, this may increase up to 80%. You are required to contribute 30% of the purchase price from your own funds, plus an additional 12–15% for purchase-related costs (such as VAT, transfer tax, and other mandatory fees). In total, this means you should be prepared to invest approximately 42–45% of the property’s value with your own capital.

  • 3. Mortgage Term

    For non-residents, the maximum mortgage term is 20 years.

  • 4. Age Requirements

    In Spain, mortgage terms generally run until a maximum borrower age of 75, although some banks extend this limit to 80 years.

  • 5. Income Requirements

    Your mortgage payments may not exceed 30–35% of your net income.

    Other mortgage payments and any registered debts (such as registrations on Experian, Equifax or TransUnion) also count toward this calculation.

Types of Mortgages in Spain

In Spain, you can choose from three mortgage types:


  • Fixed-rate mortgage
  • Mixed mortgage (partly fixed, partly variable)
  • Variable-rate mortgage
  • During the intake meeting, we will determine together which option best suits your personal situation.


BCA collaborates with several Spanish banks. Many banks offer bonuses or additional products, such as 0.25% interest discount when you take out a home insurance policy through the bank. These bonuses are not mandatory, but they can significantly reduce your monthly payments.
In total, these benefits can lead to up to 1% interest savings.

Mortgage Process in Spain

Although each bank has its own procedures, in general the following steps apply:

  1. Choose a reliable mortgage adviser
  2. Request a mortgage scan
  3. Obtain an NIE number
  4. Plan a viewing of the property you are interested in
  5. Open a bank account at the bank from which you want the mortgage (Spanish banks require an account for mortgage payments)
  6. Sign the reservation contract (contrato de arras)
  7. Prepare all required documents as discussed with your adviser
  8. Sign the pre-contract for the mortgage
  9. Choose a notary
  10. Sign both the purchase contract and the mortgage deed at the notary

Want to know more about mortgages in Spain?

Blue Coast Advice. "Discreet. Professional. Exclusive. Your Dutch mortgage advisor on the Costa Blanca."

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