Obtaining a mortgage in Istán as a non-resident is entirely possible — Spanish banks regularly lend to foreign buyers. However, the conditions, documentation requirements and process differ significantly from what you may be used to at home. Understanding these differences before you start will save you time, money and frustration when buying in Istán.
Can Non-Residents Get a Mortgage in Istán?
Yes. Most major Spanish banks — including Santander, BBVA, CaixaBank, Sabadell and several specialist international lenders — offer mortgage products to non-residents buying in Istán and across the Costa del Sol (<< ej2>>).
The key differences compared to resident mortgages are:
- Loan-to-value (LTV): Non-residents are typically offered up to 70% of the property's appraised value in Istán. You will need at least 30% as a deposit, plus purchase costs.
- Interest rates: Non-resident mortgages tend to carry slightly higher rates, though the gap has narrowed in recent years.
- Term: Maximum repayment terms for non-residents are typically 20–25 years.
- Additional requirements: Banks require life insurance and home insurance, and may require you to open a current account.
Documents You Will Need for a Mortgage in Istán
- Valid passport (all applicants)
- NIE number — mandatory for any mortgage in Istán
- Last 2–3 years of tax returns or equivalent income proof from your home country
- Last 3–6 months of payslips or, if self-employed, accountant-certified accounts
- Last 3–6 months of bank statements from your main account
- Details of existing debts, loans and financial commitments
- Private purchase contract for the property in Istán
- Property appraisal (tasación) — carried out by a bank-approved valuer
Documents from outside Spain may need to be officially translated and apostilled. We guide you through exactly what is required for your nationality when buying in Istán.
Need help navigating the mortgage process in Istán? We liaise with banks on your behalf and review all conditions before you sign.
Get Mortgage Legal SupportStep-by-Step: The Mortgage Process in Istán
Step 1 — Mortgage agreement in principle
Before making an offer on a property in Istán, obtain a preliminary mortgage agreement (pre-aprobación) from one or more banks. This confirms your borrowing capacity.
Step 2 — Sign the private purchase contract
Once you have agreed a price in Istán, you sign the arras contract and pay a deposit (typically 10%). We include a mortgage condition clause that protects your deposit if financing falls through.
Step 3 — Property appraisal (tasación)
The bank arranges an official appraisal of the property in Istán. The mortgage offer is based on the lower of the agreed purchase price or the appraised value.
Step 4 — Formal mortgage offer (FEIN)
Spanish law requires the bank to issue a standardised binding offer at least 10 days before signing. We review this document with you in full.
Step 5 — Notary and completion in Istán
The mortgage deed and property deed are signed simultaneously at the notary. We attend alongside you or by power of attorney.
Mortgage Costs in Istán
- Arrangement fee: 0.5%–1.5% of the loan amount
- Property appraisal: approximately €400–€700
- Mortgage deed stamp duty (AJD): paid by the bank since 2018
- Notary fees for mortgage deed: approximately €500–€1,000
- Life insurance: required, cost varies by age and loan amount
For ongoing tax matters relating to your Spanish mortgage in Istán — including non-resident income tax obligations and wealth tax — we work alongside our partners at International Tax Legal Spain.
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