5 Big Mistakes Foreign Buyers Make When Buying a Home in Spain (And How to Avoid Them)

Buying a home in Spain is exciting, but also confusing, especially for expats unfamiliar with how things really work here. We've seen too many people fall into the same traps: overpaying, missing red flags, and getting misled by agents who don’t represent them.

Here are the five most common (and costly) mistakes buyers make, and how we help our clients avoid them.

1. Thinking One Real Estate Agent Will Find You the Perfect Home

In Spain, real estate agents work for the seller, and many are under pressure to close a sale quickly. That means they’re not focused on getting you the best deal. Plus, in Nerja, it’s more and more coming that the agent only shows you the properties they list, so you might miss better options elsewhere.

Let’s be clear: The agent is paid by the seller. Their job is to sell, not to protect your interests.

How we help: As independent property shoppers, we work only for you. We search the full market, across all agencies, private sellers, and even off-market properties, to make sure you get what you’re really looking for.

For example, in the U.S. in many. states, having a dedicated buyer’s agent is completely normal, it’s how smart buyers protect their interests. In Spain, that concept barely exists. But that’s exactly what we do: we represent you, not the seller, and help you buy with confidence.

2. Paying Too Much (Without Realizing It)

With inflated prices in many areas, it’s easy to overpay by 10–15%. This is especially true if your agent is eager to close a deal fast. Most buyers also forget that purchase costs, like taxes, notary fees, legal fees, add an extra 10–12% on top of the listing price.

How we help: We know what properties are truly worth, negotiate hard on your behalf, and make sure you understand all costs upfront. No surprises, and no pressure to overpay.

3. Going It Alone Without the Right Support

Hiring a lawyer is important, but they don’t handle everything. Most won’t help you get your NIE, open a Spanish bank account, apply for a mortgage, or even explain what documents you’ll need for the notary. Without full guidance, first-time buyers often waste time and make costly mistakes.

How we help: We guide you through the entire process, step by step. From financing to paperwork, we’re by your side so nothing falls through the cracks. Our team is local, experienced, and here when you need us.

4. Not Reviewing the Community Documents (Or Visiting the Property Admin)

This is where many deals fall apart, after the purchase. Every apartment or townhouse belongs to a community (urbanización), and the problems are often hidden in the community meeting notes, financial reports, or simply never mentioned at all.

For example:

– That “upcoming pool renovation” the agent promised? There’s no record of it, and no plan to do it.

– Half the neighbors haven’t paid their community fees, meaning higher costs could fall on you.

– A noisy neighbor was the subject of five complaints last year.

These are all things we've seen, and helped our clients avoid.

How we help: We always request and review the full community documentation, speak directly with the property administrator or management company, and physically visit the site to ask the right questions. We uncover the real story behind the home.

5. Skipping a Proper Inspection

Banks do a basic property valuation if you apply for a mortgage, but even then that doesn’t mean the property is problem-free. From hidden structural issues to poorly done renovations, many buyers miss critical things that could cost them thousands later.

Also, with stricter energy efficiency rules likely coming to Spain in the near future, it’s important to know where the property stands.

How we help: We arrange independent inspections when needed, especially for older homes or properties that have had recent renovations. Peace of mind is worth it, and we make sure you know exactly what you're buying.

Final Thoughts

Real estate agents work for the seller.

We work for you.

That’s the difference between buying with stress, and buying smart.

If you're planning to buy in the Nerja area, we’d love to help. We offer a free market study to help you understand what’s out there and how to avoid the most common mistakes. Just send us a message and we’ll take it from there.