Mortgage in Spain from Ireland: what you need to know
Irish buyers have many opportunities to obtain financing from Spanish banks, provided they earn their income in Euros. Discover the key requirements for obtaining a mortgage in Spain as an Irish citizen, and learn which banks to consider. Read on for detailed insights.
Looking for information on mortgages in Spain? Perhaps you're planning a long-term move, or you're going to spend your holidays there. It would be best if you were well-prepared.
We've created a guide on applying for a mortgage in Spain from Ireland. It covers available mortgages for Irish buyers, current interest rates, and easy application steps.
Let's get you ready for your move to Spain.
Is it easy for an Irish citizen to buy a property in Spain with a mortgage?
As an EU citizen, the Irish may find buying property in Spain with a mortgage easier.
Every situation is distinct though. Individual financial status and specific mortgage needs are crucial in determining the ease and feasibility of these transactions.
What are the rules for an Irish citizen applying for a mortgage in Spain?
To secure a mortgage in Spain from Ireland, you must meet the bank's criteria and present a low lending risk.
Like other non-residents, obtaining a NIE (Foreigner Identification Number) and having a Spanish bank account are essential.
What Spanish mortgages are available for Irish buyers?
Irish buyers have many opportunities to obtain financing from Spanish banks, provided they earn their income in Euros.
Let's see the key features of the leading Spanish banks accessible to Irish citizens:
- streamlined mortgage process; no translation for English documents
- reduced payments with Sabadell account and insurance
- no minimum threshold for the property
- diverse outcomes across branches
min 70,000 EUR
- accepts English paperwork
- generally higher mortgage rates
- prefers applications with pre-selected properties
100,000 - 1,000,000 EUR
- option for reduced installments, with up to 1% lower interest rates depending on product choice and maintenance
- HolaBank mortgage offers free property valuation
100,000 - 2,900,000 EUR
- offers fixed and variable-rate mortgages for up to 30 years
- BBVA restricts mortgages to Euro earners applying from abroad
100,000 - 2,000,000 EUR
- accessible remote banking services for when you're outside Spain
- flexible repayment plans tailored to borrowers' financial needs
- mortgage options may not be market-competitive, particularly for long-term loans
60,000 EUR - no max amount
- mortgage application is entirely online, except for notary visits
- Unicaja prefers non-resident customers targeting property purchases above 200,000 EUR with a maximum economic effort ratio of 25%
- fixed-rate options may not be as competitive, especially for longer-term mortgages
min 100,000 EUR
- variety of mortgage options
- minimum property purchase requirement of 120,000 EUR
- Cajasur excludes financing for investment properties or multiple property purchases, only financing the first home bought in Spain for personal use
80,000 - 1,000,000 EUR
- wide range of mortgages for new builds and renovation projects
- UCI provides a 12-month grace period where only interest is paid until project completion
- higher interest rates
min 105,000 EUR
Continue reading to learn more about the best Spanish mortgages for non-residents and learn how to compare the offers quickly and fee-free.
What are the current mortgage rates in Spain for non-residents?
Mortgage rates in Spain currently vary between 2.55% and 4.5%, depending on the lender and any additional products bundled with the loan.
The European Central Bank (ECB) recently implemented its second interest rate cut this year, likely reducing borrowing costs, particularly for variable-rate mortgages.
For Irish citizens buying property in Spain in 2024, staying informed about current Spanish mortgage rates is crucial to securing the best deal.
By the way, using a mortgage broker may lead to better deals. Homevest is one way to connect with top brokers who can provide multiple offers and assist you in comparing them.
How do you apply for a mortgage in Spain from Ireland?
- Begin by requesting your NIE number, a necessary document for property and mortgage transactions in Spain.
- Organize and centralize all necessary documents for the mortgage application.
- Obtain an initial mortgage offer to understand your borrowing capacity.
- Have the property in Spain appraised as part of the mortgage process.
- Receive the FEIN (European Standardized Information Sheet), followed by the formal mortgage offer from the bank.
- Complete the process by signing the mortgage agreement.
- Get your keys to your new property in Spain.
Is there a way to simplify accessing a Spanish mortgage from Ireland?
When looking for a quick and easy mortgage process in Spain from abroad, Homevest is your go-to platform.
Homevest offers access to leading non-resident banks on a single platform. With your documents uploaded once, you can secure multiple offers. They offer a comprehensive service, handling comparisons, appraisals, and scheduling signings. You'll have a dedicated mortgage broker who will ensure that your mortgage is ready in time for your signing.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is it possible to get a 100% mortgage in Spain?
It's uncommon to access a 100% mortgage, as Spanish banks generally offer financing for up to 70% of a property's value, requiring Irish citizens to prepare a 30% cash deposit.
For a better understanding, investigate the specifics of deposit requirements for non-residents buying property in Spain.
2. How long does the mortgage process take in Spain for non-residents?
The mortgage process typically takes about two months. It usually starts with an initial offer within five days of submitting your application, followed by a four-week period from offer acceptance to signing.
3. Can I have a co-applicant on my mortgage loan?
Yes, applying for a mortgage loan with a co-applicant is often more feasible. In Spain, most banks view joint applications by married couples favorably, as the shared financial resources within a marriage can strengthen the application.
4. What documents do Irish citizens need to apply for a mortgage in Spain?
Irish citizens should have their tax form and Credit Report ready for the bank's initial evaluation. The application must include their national ID, proof of employment, recent payslips, bank statements, and evidence of deposit. It's important to apply while in stable employment, as banks favor stable employment.
Continue reading the mortgage documentation checklist to ensure a seamless application in Spain.
5. How do I obtain the NIE number?
You can apply for the Foreigner Identification Number (NIE) at the Spanish Consulate in Dublin, or alternatively, appoint a proxy in Spain to apply on your behalf.
Read about the necessary documents for obtaining the NIE for your Spanish property purchase and prepare accordingly.
6. Is it necessary to open a Spanish bank account with the same bank providing my mortgage?
While not required, opening an account at the financing bank can offer interest rate discounts.
Research the requirements for a Spanish bank account, compare costs, and consider accounts designed for non-residents.
7. What are the taxes involved in buying a property in Spain with a mortgage?
When buying property in Spain with a mortgage, expect additional costs like Property Transfer Tax, notary and registration fees, agency and valuation charges, legal fees, and insurance. These can increase the property's price by 10% to 15%, and are not covered by mortgage financing.
Discover the taxes applicable to non-residents purchasing property in Spain and budget for them separately in your home-buying plan.
It's wise to seek the best deal for your mortgage application, aiming for an option that saves time and money. In this context, Homevest is worth considering: a digital service that makes the process quick and easy while connecting you with leading Spanish banks for non-residents.
Sources used for this article:
- Sabadell mortgages for non-residents
- Unicaja mortgages for non-residents
- Santander mortgages for non-residents
- Bankinter mortgages for foreigners
- BBVA mortgages for non-residents
- What impact will the ECB's rate cut have on your personal finances?
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.
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