Published on and written by Cyril Jarnias
Spain remains a top destination for foreign real estate investors in 2025, thanks to its attractive prices and enviable lifestyle. However, to maximize your purchase and achieve real savings, negotiation is an art to master. Discover winning strategies to negotiate like a pro and avoid pitfalls that could cost you dearly.
The Art of Negotiation: Expert Techniques to Get the Best Price
Negotiating the purchase of a property in Spain can save you thousands of euros if you know how to do it. Here are the most effective strategies used by professionals:
Do your homework before making an offer
Before starting any negotiation, it’s crucial to know the local market and the actual value of the desired property well. Analyze price per square meter in the neighborhood, compare with similar properties recently sold, and identify any potential flaws in the home that could justify a price reduction.
Adopt the right attitude
Remain courteous but firm in your requests. Show interest without appearing too enthusiastic. The goal is to make the seller understand that you’re ready to buy, but not at any price.
Use the power of silence
After making an offer, give the seller time to think without following up. This negotiation technique creates tension that can push the seller to accept your offer or make a more advantageous counter-proposal.
Be ready to walk away
Don’t hesitate to make it clear that you have other options if the seller doesn’t want to negotiate. This strategy can encourage them to be more flexible on the price.
Negotiate on aspects other than price
If the seller is inflexible on price, try negotiating on other elements like furniture inclusion, coverage of certain repairs, or the move-in date.
Good to know:
In Spain, it’s common to negotiate between 5% and 10% off the listed price. In some cases, discounts up to 15% are possible, especially if the property has been on the market for a long time.
Decoding the Spanish Market: Keys to Negotiate Knowledgeably
To negotiate effectively, it’s essential to understand the specificities of the Spanish real estate market well. Here are the key points to know:
An evolving market
The Spanish real estate market has experienced strong recovery in recent years, with significant price increases in major cities and tourist areas. However, the situation varies considerably by region.
The importance of location
In Spain, more than elsewhere, location is paramount. Prices can vary by three times between two neighborhoods in the same city. Focus on developing areas to get the best value for money.
The role of real estate agencies
Unlike France, Spanish real estate agencies often work exclusively. This means you might need to go through several agencies to get a complete market overview.
Legal particularities
The Spanish legal system differs from the French system. For example, the notary doesn’t have the same oversight role as in France. It’s therefore crucial to hire a specialized lawyer to secure your purchase.
Real estate taxation
Taxes related to property purchase vary by region. Research local taxes (IBI) and transfer taxes (ITP) that can represent up to 10% of the purchase price.
Good to know:
In some Spanish regions, tax incentives are offered to foreign investors. Check with local authorities to benefit from them.
Pitfalls to Avoid: Don’t Let These Mistakes Ruin Your Investment
Even experienced investors can fall into certain traps when buying property in Spain. Here are the most common mistakes to absolutely avoid:
Neglecting legal checks
Unlike France, the Spanish notary doesn’t verify the legality of the transaction. It’s therefore crucial to hire a specialized lawyer to examine all legal aspects of the property: title deed, mortgages, urban planning compliance, etc.
Underestimating additional costs
In addition to the purchase price, budget for notary fees, taxes, lawyer fees, and potential repairs. These costs can represent up to 15% of the property price.
Ignoring urban planning restrictions
Certain areas, particularly on the coast, are subject to strict construction restrictions. Make sure the property is compliant and that your potential renovation or extension projects are feasible.
Rushing into a “good deal”
Be wary of abnormally low prices. They often hide legal or technical problems. Take time to thoroughly study each opportunity before committing.
Neglecting the property’s condition
Always have a complete technical inspection done before purchase. Renovations can prove very costly and significantly impact your investment’s profitability.
Good to know:
In Spain, there’s no equivalent to mandatory French inspections. It’s up to the buyer to have necessary checks done at their expense.
Negotiation: An Art That Can Save You Big
Negotiating the purchase of a property in Spain requires time, preparation, and good knowledge of the local market. By mastering negotiation techniques, understanding the specificities of the Spanish market, and avoiding common pitfalls, you can achieve substantial savings and secure your investment.
Remember that each transaction is unique. Adapt your strategy according to the property, the seller, and the local context. And most importantly, don’t hesitate to get assistance from experienced professionals to maximize your chances of success.
Investing in Spanish real estate can be an excellent opportunity, provided you negotiate well and secure your purchase. With the right strategies and necessary precautions, you’ll be able to fully enjoy your investment under the Spanish sun.
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Cyril Jarnias is an independent expert in international wealth management with over 20 years of experience. As an expatriate himself, he is dedicated to helping individuals and business leaders build, protect, and pass on their wealth with complete peace of mind.
On his website, cyriljarnias.com, he shares his expertise on international real estate, offshore company formation, and expatriation.
Thanks to his expertise, he offers sound advice to optimize his clients' wealth management. Cyril Jarnias is also recognized for his appearances in many prestigious media outlets such as BFM Business, les Français de l’étranger, Le Figaro, Les Echos, and Mieux vivre votre argent, where he shares his knowledge and know-how in wealth management.
