What to ask when viewing a flat to buy

Is this the first time you are viewing a property to buy? Before attending the viewing, it is advisable to have all the key questions clearly defined in order to properly assess the purchase of the property.

At Fotocasa, we have created this list of essential questions before buying a home: enquiries to understand what stage the sale is at, the condition of the flat and the building, questions about the possible existence of hidden defects, and about the management of mandatory documents and procedures.

How to buy a house in Spain as a non-resident foreigner

Questions to assess the stage of the sale

To evaluate and understand the owner’s situation, whether they are in a hurry to sell and what level of competition exists with other buyers, ask the following questions:

1. Why is the owner selling the property?

This question allows you to find out whether they want to sell quickly due to a personal issue (an argument you may use to negotiate the sale price), because of an inheritance, or simply because the family has grown and they are looking for a larger home.

2. How long has the property been on the market?

If the property has been on the market for a long time (from six months onwards), it may be easier to negotiate the sale price downwards. However, be cautious: if it has been listed for too long, there may be a significant reason behind it, such as non-visible damage or issues within the homeowners’ association.

3. How many viewings has the property had?

The more viewings, the more competition. If the property is attracting a lot of interest, you may have less time to make your decision. If it has had few viewings and has been on the market for a long time, you may have a stronger position to negotiate the price.

4. Could there be any problems affecting the sale?

Before taking the next step, it is important to know whether there are issues such as a divorce, pending certificates, undisclosed heirs, unpaid debts, or any outstanding documentation, as this could delay the signing of the property purchase deed.

5. When can you move in?

Sometimes, owners request an additional period after the purchase to complete their move. It is important to know the exact date when you will be able to move into the property.

Tips for buying a house in Spain for the first time

Questions to understand the condition of the property for sale

You cannot decide to buy a property without first finding out the property’s real condition, whether there is visible damage, whether there is sufficient natural light in the home, or how many usable square metres it has.

6. Are there any damp issues in the property?

Check the ceilings and walls to see whether there are visible signs of damp. Also ask whether there have been any issues in recent years.

7. Are there any problems in the property?

Cracks, outdated plumbing, electrical installation needing replacement, boiler due for renewal, windows that do not close properly… These types of defects can lead to unexpected expenses when buying a home, so you should be clear about the type of repairs you may face before making your final decision.

8. When was the last renovation carried out?

If a full renovation of the property was carried out recently, this is usually mentioned in the listing or during the viewing. If it is not specified, ask what improvements were made and when.

9. How many usable square metres does the property have?

Built area and usable area are not the same. It is important to know the actual surface area you will be able to use.

10. What are the brightest hours of the day?

Ask about the number of sunlight hours the property receives depending on its orientation and neighbouring buildings. Sunlit homes are generally more comfortable.

11. What is the property’s orientation?

The property’s orientation is very important, as it will influence the amount of natural light it receives, the use of heating and air conditioning systems, energy consumption, and more.

12. Does the water heater run on gas or electricity?

Ask whether the hot water or heating system runs on electricity or gas so you can anticipate maintenance and running costs.

13. Are all appliances in proper working order?

If the property includes appliances, ask whether they are working correctly: fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, oven, ceramic hob, etc.

14. Does the property have any hidden defects?

Hidden defects are those issues that are not visible during a standard inspection. They may involve problems with electrical systems, foundations, finishes, plumbing systems, or pending community charges, among others.

15. Do all doors and windows close properly?

A significant amount of heat and cold escapes through doors and windows, which directly affects the household energy consumption and utility bills.

16. Is there any urban planning restriction affecting the property?

When a property does not comply with the current urban development plan or fails to meet the requirements of the applicable urban planning regulations of the city, it is considered to be affected by an urban planning issue. This may lead to significant problems, such as being unable to obtain a mortgage to purchase it.

17. How old is the boiler?

The average lifespan of most gas boilers ranges between 13 and 20 years. It is important to know when it was installed, as replacing it has an average cost of around €2,000, according to the portal Habitissimo.

Questions about documents and procedures for the property for sale

Requesting the property documentation is essential to verify that everything is in order. If you decide to move forward with the purchase process, and before making an offer, you should request the following documents:

18. Have the necessary documents to sell the property been arranged?

Ask whether the usual documents required to sell a property are ready. In general, the following should be available:

• Nota simple. This document confirms that the owner is the legitimate seller of the property and whether the property has any charges, such as a mortgage on the property.
• Cédula de habitabilidad. This certifies that the property is fit for habitation and meets basic health and safety requirements.
• Energy performance certificate. This indicates the property’s level of energy efficiency and is mandatory in order to sell the property.
• Inspección Técnica del Edificio (ITE). If the building is more than 45 years old, it must have passed this technical inspection.

19. Are there documents confirming that the property has no outstanding debts?

You should also request the proof of payment for each of the following:

• Homeowners’ association fees.
• Utilities.
• Taxes, such as the Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles (IBI) or the waste collection tax.

Step by step: How to sell your home in Spain as a non-resident foreigner

Questions about the property’s recurring expenses

The community fee, any current or upcoming special assessments, and the annual IBI amount. Ask about the following fixed property expenses:

20. What is the community fee and how often is it paid?

Keep in mind that this will be a regular expense. A small community will generally have lower costs than a building with many shared facilities.

21. Is there any approved or planned special assessment in the building?

If there are approved special assessments paid monthly, once you become the owner, you will be responsible for continuing those payments as the new title holder of the property.

22. How much are the municipal taxes that must be paid?

Each municipality may charge specific local taxes that you may not be aware of. Asking the owner how much the IBI receipts or waste tax usually cost will give you an idea of the monthly cost of living there.

Taxes for Foreigners Buying Property in Spain

Questions about property details: neighbours, furniture and noise

23. Is the furniture included?

Ask whether the furniture will be removed or left in the property so you know whether you need to buy new furniture or can use what is already there.

24. Is the building noisy?

It is very important to know whether the property is noisy before buying: nearby construction works, premises that stay open late, noisy neighbours, traffic, etc.

25. What is the neighbourhood like?

Ask about community life, what the neighbours and the building are like, safety, and the surrounding area. No one can give you a better insight into daily life there than a local resident.

If you are moving from another area, you should first get to know the new neighbourhood in depth and find out about the services available:

• Public transport.
• Schools.
• Hospitals.
• Supermarkets.
• Parking.
• Safety.

During the viewing, the owner or estate agent may provide details about local services: available shops, schools, parking or public transport.