Should you buy a second home in Spain?

Having a second home in Spain can be the best option for anyone who visits the country regularly. Below we analyse why it can be a solid long-term decision, the common associated costs, and the mistakes to avoid when making the purchase.

In recent years, more and more foreigners have been buying property in Spain, and the trend shows no sign of reversing. If anything, interest has accelerated since the pandemic, especially in coastal areas and places with natural surroundings. The goal? Enjoying holidays, longer stays, or even working remotely from Spain.

Beyond the price of the property and taxes, there are costs that always come with buying real estate in Spain: notary fees, land registry, property transfer tax, appraisal, and so on. A rough rule of thumb: add around 10%–13% of the purchase price for these items on top of the property itself.

Also, take your time to choose the best mortgage. Rates, conditions, and products vary significantly between banks, and a few decimals on a 25-year mortgage translate into thousands of euros.

Don't underestimate the recurring costs of owning a property: maintenance, taxes, home insurance, community fees, electricity, gas, internet. Having a second home essentially doubles many of these costs, for a property you may only use a few weeks a year.

This is often the point where full second-home ownership stops making economic sense — and where co-ownership models start looking genuinely attractive.

As you can see, the process of buying a second home is very similar to buying a primary residence, but with important differences. Having a qualified professional like the team at VIVLA advise you on which options really suit your situation brings peace of mind and helps ensure the home meets your expectations.

If you want to buy smart without taking on the full financial burden of sole ownership, get in touch with VIVLA and learn about the new real estate models that are reshaping the Spanish second-home market. You might discover you don't need to own the whole villa to enjoy it like it's fully yours.