FAQ

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about getting a Spanish mortgage with Tharros Brokers

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500+
Mortgages Approved
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Approval Rate
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Pre-Approval Time
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🏒 About Tharros

Is THARROS a bank?

No, we are not a bank β€” we are your mortgage broker.

When you apply for a mortgage pre-approval with us, we take your application to the banks we cooperate with and negotiate a pre-approval for you. Our long experience and great relationships with Spanish banks enable us to negotiate loan promises with fair and secure terms.

What is a NIE number?

A NIE number (NΓΊmero de Identidad de Extranjero) is a tax identification number required for all foreign citizens in Spain. To buy a property in Spain, you need one.

Important: You do NOT need a NIE number to get a free pre-approval. We help you obtain it later through THARROS Legal.

How do I get a NIE number?
With THARROS Legal, one of our skilled lawyers will assist you through the entire NIE process. You do not need a NIE number to start your free pre-approval.

βœ… Mortgage Requirements

How do I know if I can get a mortgage?

To borrow money from a bank in Spain, you need to:

  • Be at least 18 years old
  • Not be older than 75 years old
  • Have no serious payment defaults
  • Have stable, verifiable income

Once the bank’s assessment is completed, you will receive an AIP (Agreement in Principle) β€” essentially a mortgage offer.

How much can I borrow?

Spanish Residents: Up to 80% LTV β€” you need 20% cash deposit

Non-Residents: Up to 70% LTV β€” you need 30% cash deposit

What is the minimum property purchase price?
The minimum purchase price to be eligible for a mortgage through Tharros is €50,000.
What interest rate will I get?
Your rate depends on which bank you choose, your income, and existing debts. The better your repayment ability, the lower your rate. We shop your application across 12+ banks to find you the best available rate.
How long is a mortgage pre-approval valid?
A mortgage pre-approval is valid for 6 months.

πŸ“‹ The Mortgage Process

How does the mortgage process work?

The mortgage process is highly complex. That is why we created Tharros β€” to simplify and streamline the experience through modern technology and expertise.

Best part: You will not even need to travel to Spain. We handle everything along each step of the way.

How long does it take to get a mortgage?

On your own: 8–16 weeks

With Tharros Advantage: Just 4–6 weeks

How is the value of a home calculated?

The bank hires a professional appraiser to evaluate the property.

Important: If the bank’s valuation is lower than the sales price, your mortgage is calculated on the bank’s valuation β€” not the purchase price. Example: purchase price €300,000, bank values at €280,000 β†’ your 70% mortgage maximum is €196,000.

How do interest rates work in Spain?

Spanish banks use the French Amortization System:

  • You pay both interest and capital throughout the loan period
  • Initially interest is higher; over time it decreases and capital repayment increases
  • Interest is calculated on the remaining loan balance
  • Your total monthly payment stays relatively consistent

Your payment is typically reviewed every year on the anniversary of the mortgage opening.

πŸ’° Costs & Fees

What fees should I expect?

Budget for approximately 10–12% of the property price in additional costs:

πŸ“Š Valuation Fee: €300–€1,000+ β€” paid by the buyer

🏦 Bank Opening Fee: 1–2% of loan amount (some banks)

⚑ Tharros Advantage Fee: 0.75% of loan amount β€” only when you accept a mortgage offer

πŸ“ Notary Fee: €900–€1,500+ (~1–1.5% of loan amount)

πŸ“‹ Land Registry Fee: €500–€800+

🏠 Home Insurance: ~€50–€150/month (required by bank)

πŸ‘€ Life Insurance: ~€50–€75/month (required by some banks)

What taxes will I pay?

New build: VAT at 10% of the purchase price.

Resale properties: Transfer tax (ITP) varies by region:

AndalucΓ­a β€” 8.0%AragΓ³n β€” 8.0% Asturias β€” 8.0%Balearic Islands β€” 8.0% Basque Country β€” 4.0%Canary Islands β€” 6.5% Cantabria β€” 10.0%Castile-La Mancha β€” 9.0% Castile and LeΓ³n β€” 8.0%Catalonia β€” 10.0% Ceuta β€” 6.0%Extremadura β€” 8.0% Galicia β€” 10.0%La Rioja β€” 7.0% Madrid β€” 6.0%Melilla β€” 6.0% Murcia β€” 8.0%Navarre β€” 6.0% Valencia β€” 10.0%

βš–οΈ Legal Support

Why do I need a lawyer when purchasing a property?

Nearly everyone consults a lawyer for housing transactions in Spain. THARROS Legal provides a lawyer who will:

  • Ensure you get a NIE number
  • Verify the seller actually owns the property
  • Confirm all certifications and building permits are legal
  • Ensure the property has no outstanding debt
  • Review and negotiate all contracts
  • Draft new contracts on your behalf
  • Sign all contracts as your Power of Attorney β€” no travel required
  • Protect your reservation fee (Contrato de Arras) if the purchase falls through
Can you help me get in touch with a notary and a lawyer?
Yes. With THARROS Legal, you get an experienced lawyer with no language barriers, acting as your Power of Attorney, under one roof with our mortgage service.

🎯 What Happens After I Accept a Mortgage Offer?

1
Pay the Tharros Advantage Fee (0.45%)
You will be invoiced when you select your mortgage offer. We continue supporting you until you have the keys.
2
Property Valuation
We contact an appraiser and send you the cost proposal. Once approved and paid, the appraiser begins. Usually 5 business days.
3
Bank Prepares FIPRE
FIPRE (Ficha de informaciΓ³n precontractual) outlines the mortgage conditions so you can make an informed decision. It is non-binding. Usually takes 1 week.
4
Bank Prepares FEIN
FEIN (Ficha Europea de InformaciΓ³n Normalizada) binds the bank to the offer β€” they cannot change the terms. Usually 1 week after your signed FIPRE is received.
5
Notary & Acta Previa β€” Mandatory 10-Day Rest Period
The bank sends your application to the notary. By law it must rest there for 10 days. During this period the notary prepares the Acta Previa β€” a preliminary agreement establishing the conditions agreed upon by you and the bank.
πŸŽ‰
Final Signing & Keys
After 10 days and the Acta Previa is signed, you meet the bank at the notary to sign the final mortgage agreement. Congratulations β€” you’re a Spanish homeowner!

Still Have Questions?

Our English-speaking advisors are ready to help β€” no commitment required.

Get Free Pre-Approval β†’ Contact Us
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