What are the best Spanish mortgages for non-residents?

If you're considering buying a property in Spain as a non-resident, you may be interested in exploring your mortgage options. Fortunately, many Spanish mortgages are available for foreigners and Spanish expats. 

One helpful resource for comparing these options is Homevest. 

Continue reading to learn more about the best Spanish mortgages for non-residents and how to compare the offers quickly and fee-free. 

Sabadell 

Sabadell is a popular choice for non-residents seeking a mortgage in Spain. They offer various mortgage options with competitive rates and favorable terms. Non-residents seeking a mortgage through Sabadell must buy a property for a minimum of 150,000 euros. 

The lowest rate is 3,96%, including Euribor 12m, and the term range varies between 3 and 25 years. 

Pros

• eligibility for mortgage applications is extended to non-residents earning in EUR, CZK, DKK, NOK, SEK, CHF, GBP, USD, HUF, RON, BGN, MXN, JPY, PLN, and AED
• the application process is relatively quick and straightforward, with no translations required for your English documents 
• no administration or property registration fees
• competitive interest rates specifically for non-residents
• opportunity to reduce the interest rate by 0.75% with bonus products

Cons

• high minimum property purchase requirement of 150,000 EUR
• application outcomes may differ between branches, as each operates with its own set of rules

Sabadell offers a variety of options, including both fixed and variable rates, allowing borrowers to choose a mortgage solution that aligns with their financial goals. Read on for essential information to consider when choosing a Sabadell mortgage.

Cajasur 

Cajasur is a great option for buying a home in Costa del Sol and nearby Andalusian coasts, with good mortgage deals available.

With Cajasur, you can borrow between 80,000 and 1,000,000 EUR the lowest rate of 5.77%, which is competitive in the Spanish market. 

However, it's worth noting that depending on the customer profile, there may be a 0-1.5% opening fee. 

Pros

• offers a variety of mortgage choices for non-residents, providing financing options of up to 70%

Cons

• high minimum property purchase requirement of 120,000 EUR
• Cajasur does not offer financing for investors who intend to purchase properties for rental purposes or for those seeking to finance the purchase of several properties, as the bank only mortgages the first home that the client purchases in Spain for their own use
• rent income is not considered as income for the ratio

Unicaja

Unicaja is an excellent choice for EU, US, and UK citizens looking for flexible lending terms. They offer a maximum loan-to-value ratio between 60-70%, tailored to the mortgage product selected.

The lowest rate is 5,19% + Euribor 12m, and the term range varies between 10 and 30 years. 

Pros

• the process of applying for a Unicaja mortgage is 100% online, except for going to the notary office

Cons

• Unicaja favors non-resident customers who aim for property purchases over 200.000 EUR and maintain a maximum economic effort ratio of 25%
• fixed-rate options may not be the most competitive in the market, especially for those seeking longer-term mortgages
• a potential opening fee of up to 0.15%, which can increase the cost of securing a mortgage

Bankinter

Bankinter has various solutions for non-resident foreigners who need banking services in Spain, including those from the US and UAE. If you are interested in purchasing a property, Bankinter provides fixed-rate and variable-rate mortgages tailored to your specific situation, whether you are a resident or not. 

The bank also offers insurance and investment funds for non-resident foreigners.

Pros

• full remote banking that can remain close at hand when you are not in Spain
• flexible repayment options allow borrowers to choose a payment plan that works best for their financial situation

Cons

• mortgage offerings may not be the most competitive in the market for certain loan types, especially for those seeking longer-term mortgages

Santander

Santander offers a variety of mortgage options for non-residents looking to buy a second home in Spain. Their Mundo Mortgage is open to individuals from EU countries, the US, and the UK, offering both fixed and variable interest rates for added flexibility.

The lowest rate is 6.10%, including Euribor 12m, and the term range varies between 1 and 20 years. 

Pros

• offers loan amounts spanning from 100,000 to 1,000,000 EUR to meet various financial needs
• eliminates the need for document translation, accepting paperwork in English, French, Italian, Portuguese, Swedish, German, and Spanish
• offers financing for properties with values starting below 100,000 EUR

Cons

• tends to have higher pricing on mortgage offerings
• prefers processing applications from customers who have pre-selected a property
• an opening fee of up to 0.5% may add to the overall cost of obtaining a mortgage

Learn how to get a Santander Spanish mortgage as a non-resident and find out the documents you need to qualify.

BBVA

If you're a non-resident exploring property purchase options in Spain, BBVA's mortgage solutions deserve your consideration. 

BBVA's offerings include fixed and variable-rate mortgages extending to 30 years. This long repayment term facilitates manageable installments, easing the financial pressure on borrowers.

BBVA's variable-rate mortgage is 3.90% + Euribor 12m. This option is subject to market fluctuations and individual borrower circumstances.

Pros

• an impressive loan amount range from 100,000 to 2,000,000 EUR
• accepts applicants from various nationalities and residency countries

Cons

• BBVA limits its mortgage offerings to those earning in Euros and applying from abroad

Continue reading to find out how to obtain a BBVA mortgage, including eligibility requirements and necessary documentation.

Caixa Bank

CaixaBank stands out as a top-tier choice for mortgages in Spain, offering competitive terms within the market. It provides an option for a reduced installment, allowing customers to lower their interest rate by as much as 1%, contingent on their choice of products and consistent maintenance throughout the duration of the mortgage.

The bank offers a loan amount range between 100,000 and 2,900,000 euros, and a maximum LTV of 70%.

Pros

• accepts a wide range of currencies, including EUR, GBP, USD, CAD, CHF, DKK, NOK, SEK, BGN, HUF, and PLN
• attractive fixed-term offers, with rates dropping to as low as 3.06% if you choose to obtain both home insurance and security services
• HolaBank mortgage includes free property valuation

Cons

• in the affordability assessment, only 50% of rental income is considered

Find out how to obtain a CaixaBank mortgage, including steps and insights to guide your decision-making.

UCI

UCI bank is a flexible non-resident lender that offers a variety of mortgage options for individuals looking to purchase new-builds or fixer-uppers. 

Whether you are interested in purchasing a property that is move-in ready or one that requires some renovation, UCI has you covered. In addition to traditional mortgage options, the bank also offers financing for renovation, making it easier for individuals to afford the cost of fixing up their new home. 

Pros

• a diverse range of mortgage options for both new constructions and properties requiring renovation, expanding the selection for potential homeowners
• availability of renovation financing with a mortgage, providing an appealing choice for purchasers interested in tailoring or enhancing a property

Cons

• lenders offering flexibility might impose higher interest rates or fees to balance the increased risk associated with more accommodating financing options
• renovation financing may be restricted to specific property types or renovation projects, potentially constraining a buyer's renovation plans

Comparison of the 8 Spanish mortgages for non-residents

The cost comparison was made on November 9, 2023

The effective interest rate approximates the annualized interest rate of a loan offer, considering the loan duration and initial promotional interest rate periods.

In summary

When considering mortgage options for buying a property in Spain as a foreigner, it is essential to consider the interest rates and the additional costs and fees associated with each loan. While some lenders may offer lower interest rates, they may also have higher fees that could make the overall cost of the mortgage higher. 

To ensure that you are getting the best deal possible, compare multiple lenders and their offers before making a decision. It can be time-consuming, but fortunately, platforms like Homevest can help simplify it for you. With Homevest, you can easily receive and compare mortgage offers from multiple lenders all in one place. 

Explore Spain's 2023 mortgage rates for non-residents, find top deals, and learn key application tips with Homevest. 

Frequently asked questions

What are the qualifications for a mortgage loan in Spain?

Qualifying for a mortgage loan in Spain involves several key criteria that lenders will consider:

1. Sufficient income
2. Creditworthiness
3. Down payment
4. Property Appraisal
5. Necessary documentation

Fixed or variable interest rate. What’s the difference?

A fixed-rate mortgage means that the interest rate is locked in for the life of the loan and will not change, regardless of any changes in the market. This means that your monthly payment will remain the same throughout the loan term, providing a predictable and stable payment schedule.

On the other hand, a variable rate mortgage means that the interest rate can change over time based on the current market conditions. 

Can I get a mortgage in Spain after Brexit?

Even though the UK is no longer part of the EU, British expats still have the right to buy property in Spain. If you are a UK citizen applying for a mortgage in Spain, you should be aware of the following requirements:

• a minimum deposit of 30% of the property price is required
• the maximum mortgage repayment period is 30 years
• the minimum property value is 100,000 EUR
• the property or land cannot be located in a rustic area (Suelo Rústico), as it is considered non-residential land and not within the municipality-approved development plan

Spain has long been a popular destination for foreigners, who have either settled there or invested in a holiday home. If you're considering doing the same, it's important to understand the process involved. Keep reading a guide that covers everything you need to know about getting a mortgage in Spain, including requirements, interest rates, and info for non-resident buyers.

To learn more about how Homevest helped its customers, continue reading how Stefan and Vivien, a German couple, successfully bought a holiday home in Costa Brava. Learn about their journey, the mortgage process, and how Homevest saved them time and money.

Sources used and checked on November 2023:

1. Sabadell Mortgages
2. Unicaja Mortgages
3. Bankinter Mortgages
4. Santander Mortgages
5. BBVA Mortgages

We recommend obtaining professional or specialist advice before taking or refraining from any action based on the content in this article. The information in this article does not constitute legal, tax, or other professional advice from Homevest Limited. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. We make no representations, warranties, or guarantees, whether express or implied, that the content in this article is accurate, complete, or up to date.