Before contacting estate agents

Begin by preparing a clear description of the property you want. This helps agents recommend suitable homes and prevents time being wasted on properties that do not meet your needs.

Explain:

• Your preferred area
• Your maximum budget
• The number of bedrooms required
• Whether you need parking, outdoor space, or step-free access
• Whether the property will be a permanent home, holiday home, or investment
• Your preferred purchase timescale
• Whether you require mortgage finance

Be clear about whether your budget includes purchase taxes, legal fees, surveys, renovations, and other costs.

When communicating in writing, use straightforward language and avoid vague descriptions such as "not too expensive" or "close to the centre." Give approximate figures and maximum travel times instead.

Ask agents to confirm property details in writing

Property descriptions may be brief, translated automatically, or based on information provided by the seller. Important details should therefore be confirmed directly.

Ask the agent to confirm:

• The full asking price
• The registered size of the property
• The usable internal area
• Whether terraces, patios, storage rooms, and garages are included
• Whether the property is occupied
• What furniture and appliances are included
• The annual property tax
• Community fees, where applicable
• Whether any special community charges are expected
• Whether there are known planning or registration issues

Keep copies of messages and property listings. Online advertisements may be edited or removed after an offer is accepted.

Prepare for property viewings

Before each viewing, ask for the exact address or a map location. This is particularly important when viewing rural homes, properties on the outskirts of Córdoba, or homes accessed by private roads.

Prepare a consistent list of questions so that you can compare each property fairly.

During the viewing, ask:

• How long has the property been on the market?
• Why is the owner selling?
• Has the asking price changed?
• Is the property connected to mains water, electricity, and drainage?
• Are there any shared access arrangements?
• Have extensions or alterations been completed?
• Are those alterations reflected in the official documents?
• Are there any current tenants or occupants?
• What work does the property require?

Ask permission before taking photographs or recording video. After the viewing, write down your impressions immediately so the details do not become confused with those of other properties.

Explain your offer carefully

When making an offer, do not communicate only the price. State any conditions that must be satisfied before you proceed.

Your offer may need to be conditional upon:

• Satisfactory legal checks
• Mortgage approval
• A satisfactory survey
• Confirmation of planning status
• Agreement on the furniture included
• Confirmation that the property will be vacant
• Completion by a particular date

Make sure the agent confirms in writing that the offer has been presented to the seller.

Do not assume that phrases such as "subject to contract" have exactly the same legal effect in Spain as they do in another country. Ask your lawyer to approve the wording before you make a payment or sign a document.

Use an independent lawyer

Your lawyer should represent your interests rather than those of the estate agent, seller, or developer.

Provide your lawyer with:

• The property address
• The estate agent's details
• The agreed price
• Copies of advertisements
• Details of any furniture included
• Your preferred completion date
• Any concerns raised during the viewing
• Details of payments already requested

Ask the lawyer to explain the legal checks in plain English. These may include ownership, mortgages, debts, planning status, community fees, cadastral information, and local taxes.

Do not hesitate to ask questions. Statements such as "everything is normal" or "the documents are standard" are not a substitute for a clear explanation of your obligations.

Understand reservation and deposit documents

You may be asked to pay a reservation fee or sign a deposit agreement before the purchase is completed.

Before signing, ask:

• Is the payment refundable?
• Under what circumstances can it be refunded?
• What happens if the legal checks reveal a problem?
• What happens if the mortgage is refused?
• What happens if the seller withdraws?
• What is the deadline for completion?
• Are any fixtures, fittings, or furniture listed?
• Who will hold the money?

The word used to describe the document is less important than the clauses it contains. Have your independent lawyer review the Spanish version before you sign.

Communicate clearly about rural properties

Rural purchases may require additional questions because the physical appearance of the property may not match the official description.

Ask your lawyer and surveyor to clarify:

• The legal boundaries of the land
• Rights of way or shared access
• Water sources and supply arrangements
• Septic tank or drainage systems
• Electricity connections
• The legal status of pools, outbuildings, and extensions
• Agricultural restrictions
• Whether all buildings are registered
• Maintenance responsibilities for access roads

Do not rely on fences, walls, or verbal descriptions from the seller as proof of the legal boundary.

Confirm all costs

Ask for a written estimate of the total purchase costs before committing.

The estimate should distinguish between:

• Purchase price
• Taxes
• Notary fees
• Land Registry fees
• Legal fees
• Mortgage-related costs
• Survey costs
• Translation or interpreting fees
• Estate agency fees, if payable by the buyer
• Utility changes
• Immediate renovation or maintenance costs

Ask whether quoted professional fees include IVA. A price given without clarification may not represent the final amount payable.

Prepare for the notary appointment

Before completion, ask your lawyer to provide a summary of the final deed and the figures involved.

Confirm:

• The appointment date and time
• The notary's address
• Who will attend
• What identification you must bring
• How the final payment will be made
• Whether an interpreter will be present
• When the keys will be released
• Whether the property will be vacant

The notary is neutral and does not replace your lawyer. Arrange professional interpreting support if you are not confident that you will understand everything being read and signed.

Keep a written record

Throughout the purchase, keep one organised folder containing:

• Property advertisements
• Emails and messages
• Offer details
• Reservation documents
• Contracts
• Legal reports
• Survey reports
• Payment receipts
• Inventories
• Utility information
• Copies of identification and your NIE
• Completion documents

After telephone calls or meetings, send a brief written summary confirming what was agreed. This gives the other person an opportunity to correct any misunderstanding before it becomes a problem.

Final thoughts

Buying property in Córdoba can be a positive and rewarding experience, but good communication is essential from the first viewing to the final handover.

Ask precise questions, confirm important statements in writing, and avoid signing documents you do not fully understand. Independent legal advice and professional language support can help ensure that everyone involved is working from the same information.

The more clearly you communicate, the easier it becomes to compare properties, control costs, and move towards completion with confidence.