Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

Can I buy property in Ukraine during war?

Investing in real estate in Ukraine during the war carries significant risks, and it is crucial to be aware of them. The war has had a significant impact on the country's economy, and the value of real estate can fluctuate significantly. It is important to conduct a thorough risk assessment before investing.

Can a US citizen buy property in Ukraine?

Foreigners can buy real estate in Ukraine without any problems. However, this process has certain specific features. First of all, a foreigner should distinguish between two real estate markets: The primary market, i.e. apartments and houses in new buildings.

Why does renting make sense?

One of the major benefits of renting versus owning is that renters don't have to pay property taxes. Real estate taxes can be a hefty burden for homeowners and vary by county. In some areas, the costs associated with property taxes can amount to thousands of dollars each year.

Is it better to get a car or apartment first?

After acquiring an apartment, you can shift your attention to another long or short-term goal. With the financial management skills you'll have gained after you adjust to apartment living, you can save on purchasing or leasing a new car, even if it takes a longer period.

Why you should get an apartment before a house?

One of the biggest perks of renting is that you never have to worry about surprise repair costs. It's cheaper in the short term. Besides having virtually no maintenance costs in an apartment, renters insurance is way cheaper than insuring a home.

Is there a Zillow equivalent in Spain?

Idealista.com is the most popular and prominent of the Spanish real estate portals and currently leads the way with the biggest database of houses for sale in Spain. The Idealista.com website is available to translate into 16 different languages including English, Chinese, Dutch, German, and French.

What is the most popular property portal in Spain?

idealista.com ranked number 1 and is the most visited Real Estate website in Spain in September 2023, followed by fotocasa.es as the runner up, and habitaclia.com ranking at 3rd place as the leaders of the Real Estate websites in Spain.

Where is the best place to buy a beach house in Spain?

The Costa del Sol is the front-running best place to buy property in Spain, with Marbella and Estepona ranking as the most popular along the coastline. That being said, there are plenty more areas to consider, from bustling Barcelona and vibrant València to the scenic Costa Blanca and the natural beauty of Ibiza.

Does Europe have Zillow?

While Zillow has its own app (which is only available to users in the United States), Trulia is a popular alternative that is also available to international users.

How to look at houses for sale in Spain?

Check the list here.

1. Fotocasa.es. Spanish, English and German with 2,094,000 visitors per month, the most visited website for houses of Spain.
2. Idealista.com.
3. Enalquiler.com.
4. Pisos.com.
5. Yaencontre.com.
6. Tucasa.com.
7. Habitaclia.com.
8. Expocasa.com Great site with supply and demand in a comparable marketplace.

What is the biggest real estate website in Spain?

idealista.com ranked number 1 and is the most visited Real Estate website in Spain in September 2023, followed by fotocasa.es as the runner up, and habitaclia.com ranking at 3rd place as the leaders of the Real Estate websites in Spain.

Is real estate in Spain expensive?

Housing Prices in Spain – Higher Priced Areas The average price per square meter for housing in Madrid is just over €3,100. Topping the list even higher than Madrid is Barcelona with property costs hitting north of €4,000 per square meter.

How do you get out of an apartment you hate?

Consider a move. If you are coming to the end of your lease anyway, this is a no-brainer. However, if you have recently re-signed on your place or have more time left on it than you can handle in your current situation, you may want to talk to your landlord about breaking your lease.

Why is signing a lease scary?

Signing a lease might feel scary if you've never done it before. A lease is a legal contract, so it's important to understand what the terms and conditions mean and what your rights as a renter are.

How do you impress a potential landlord letter?

What to Include in a Rental Cover Letter

1. Summarize Your Employment History. A landlord is far more likely to rent to someone with steady employment – they need the tenant to be able to pay rent every month.
2. Share Your Hobbies.
3. Discuss Your Thoughts on What Makes a Good Neighbor.
4. Explain Why You Want To Live in This House.

How do you annoy bad tenants?

We've put together six creative ways to get rid of bad tenants.

1. Raise the Rent. Are your tenants annoying, but not actively violating your lease agreement?
2. Non-Renew Their Lease.
3. Help Them Find a New Home.
4. Bring a Full Threat of Legal Pursuit.
5. Offer Cash for Keys.
6. Prove a Bad Tenant's Illegal Activity (If Any)

What happens if you walk away from an apartment?

Walking away from a lease prematurely doesn't cut off the charges you have to pay right away—it triggers additional charges that come as a punishment for breaking your lease. You'll also probably lose your security deposit as well.

Do a lot of Americans live in Spain?

There're around 1,554,087 Americans living in Spain, of which 39,812 are from the United States. This isn't a surprise. After all, Spain has a cheaper cost of living, provides easy access to other EU countries, and has many beautiful cities for people from all walks of life.

Are more Americans moving to Spain?

According to a report released by the General Council of Notaries in Spain, the number of Americans moving to this sun-drenched country rose by 13% from 2019 to 2021, and property sales to Americans increased by 88% from the first half of 2019 to the same period in 2022.

Is it cheaper to live in Spain or USA?

The Cost of Living Comparison According to Expatistan's cost of living calculator, it's 27% more expensive to live in the United States than it is to live in Spain.

Why spanje real estate

Is Spain good for real estate investment?	Buying a house or commercial property in Spain can be an excellent investment whether you plan to rent it out or live there by yourself. Under the statistics represented by the Central Bank of Spain in March 2022, the return expected on the residential real estate market is 10%.
Why Spain is good for investment?	In summary, Spain offers a compelling investment landscape characterized by a stable economy, strategic location, thriving tourism industry, rebounding real estate market, demographic growth, renewable energy focus, education opportunities, residency programs, high quality of life, and a strong legal framework.
Why invest in a real estate fund?	Tax Efficiency Investors may benefit from pass-through depreciation, and the tax benefits will rest on the investor's shoulders and be driven by their circumstances. Real estate funds offer investors a way to defer taxes on their share of income and capital gains until they actually sell their shares in the fund.
Why do most millionaires invest in real estate?	Federal tax benefits Because of the many tax benefits, real estate investors often end up paying less taxes overall even as they are bringing in more income. This is why many millionaires invest in real estate. Not only does it make you money, but it allows you to keep a lot more of the money you make.
Are you building equity even when you rent a home or apartment?	Renting is sometimes considered less favorable than homeownership because it doesn't allow a renter to build equity (the property's market value).
How long do you need to live in a house to build equity?	Five to 10 years Loans with shorter terms and larger down payments build equity significantly faster than loans with longer terms. Generally speaking, if you have a good credit score and make your monthly payments on time, you should be able to build sizable equity in your home over the course of five to 10 years.
How long does it take to build 20 equity?	Mortgage lenders prefer that you have at least 15% to 20% of equity built up in your home before they'll let you borrow against it. For the average homeowner, it can take about five to 10 years to build that amount of equity. Read on to learn more about the ways you can start building more home equity right now.
What does paying rent do to equity?	The debit to Rent Expense also causes owner's equity (or stockholders' equity) to decrease.
Can renting build equity?	When you rent a house or apartment, you help someone else – namely, your landlord – pay their mortgage, and your landlord builds equity instead of you. Your monthly payment toward your landlord pays their mortgage, additional money to go towards repairs, and profit for your landlord.
Should I rent in my 20s?	Renting and buying both have their pros and cons for young professionals. Renting allows you to avoid certain costs, such as making repairs and upgrades, property taxes and homeowner's insurance, but depending on where you live, owning a home may be the more affordable option.
Is it worth buying a house in your 20s?	A home is a long-term investment, and when you're younger, you have more time for that investment to grow. If you stay in the new home long enough, you could build serious wealth. Real estate wealth can be flexible, too: You could: Sell the home at a profit later on.
Is it smart to buy a house at 20 years old?	People who buy their first home before they're 35 accumulate significantly more wealth by the age of 60 than those who do so afterward, a 2018 analysis by the institute found. “At an age near retirement, you actually have built your wealth for a longer period of time,” Ms.
How much should I spend on rent in my 20s?	Your rent payment, including renters insurance (more on that later), should be no more than 25% of your take-home pay. That means if you're bringing home $4,000 a month, your monthly rent should cost you $1,000 or less. And remember, that's 25% of your take-home pay—meaning what you bring in after taxes.
Should a 21 year old living at home pay rent?	After all, they're adding to their parents' utility and grocery bills. Adult children should pay rent, even if their parents don't need the money. She suggests that financially secure parents collect rent and put it away in a savings account for their child.
Can I buy property in Spain as a US citizen?	Yes, non-residents can purchase property in Spain. The NIE must be requested at the General Immigration Office. You will need to submit a photocopy and original of the complete passport or identity document, as well as the economic, professional, or social causes that justify the request.
How much does a house in Spain cost?	Overall, the home ownership rate in Spain has jumped slightly to almost 76% as of 2021. According to one report, the average cost of existing houses in Spain went up per square meter to just over €1,750. In December of 2022, that price moved closer to €1,920 per square meter.
Is it worth buying property in Spain?	In layperson's terms, buying property in Spain is considered a safe investment. It's highly unlikely that you'll lose any money if you take the plunge – provided you seek expert guidance and support throughout the buying process.
Is Spain a cheap place to live?	In terms of practical considerations, Spain offers a high standard of living combined with a relatively affordable cost of living—Numbeo pegs the cost of living in Spain at 31.68% lower than in the United States. The healthcare system is excellent, with both public and private options available.
Do I have to pay US taxes if I live in Spain?	US Expatriate Taxes If you're an American permanent resident or a citizen living in Spain, you must file expatriate tax returns with the US federal government every year. Even if you do not owe any US taxes, you are still be required to file the US tax return.
What are 3 disadvantages to renting a home?	Cons of Renting: Your landlord can increase the rent at any time. You cannot build equity if you're renting a property. There are no tax benefits to renting a property. You cannot make any changes to your house or your apartment without your landlord's approval. Many houses available for rent have a “No Pets” policy.

• Why does everyone want to buy a house?
  • 1. The Desire To Become A Homeowner. Most of us will, at some time in our lives, desire to have a place of our own where we can put down roots and not deal with landlords and rent increases ever again.
• Is it smarter to rent or own a home?
  • Renting is usually cheaper in the short term, and it's ideal for those who live in high-cost areas or need flexibility. Owning is more expensive upfront and requires more commitment, but it's often more financially rewarding in the long run.
• What is the average house price in Spain?
  • Overall, the home ownership rate in Spain has jumped slightly to almost 76% as of 2021. According to one report, the average cost of existing houses in Spain went up per square meter to just over €1,750. In December of 2022, that price moved closer to €1,920 per square meter.
• Can foreigners buy real estate in Spain?
  • Yes, any foreigner can purchase a house in Spain. The main thing you will need is a NIE number, which is the identification number given to foreigners in the country. However, there are different types of NIEs, depending on your situation or where you're from.
• Is it worth buying real estate in Spain?
  • In layperson's terms, buying property in Spain is considered a safe investment. It's highly unlikely that you'll lose any money if you take the plunge – provided you seek expert guidance and support throughout the buying process.
• What is the average price of a house in Madrid?
  • The median sale price of a home in Madrid was $360K last month, up 56.5% since last year. Themedian sale price per square foot in Madrid is $352, up 5.1% since last year.…
• How much money do you need to live comfortably in Spain?
  • With an average salary of €2,250 per month, you'll find that Spain is really as affordable as everyone says. If you're by yourself, you can live on €1,000 per month in Spain. This includes room rent, groceries, health insurance, rare use of public transport, eating out a few times a month and shopping moderately.
• Is there a site like Zillow for Spain?
  • Yes, everyone uses idealista in Spain. It is certainly the most used website to find houses and apartments both for sale and to rent.
• Where is the cheapest coastal property in Spain?
  • If you're searching for cheap coastal property in Spain, you should know the cheapest coastal property in Spain is usually located in cities like Castellon, Cadiz, Alicante, Malaga, Murcia and many more. Our selection of amazing beachfront properties is sure to have what you're looking for.
• What is the most popular marketplace in Spain?
  • Amazon Amazon. Amazon is the biggest player in the Spanish eCommerce market, with a total market share of 39% in 2022. Amazon's marketplace is very diverse and online shoppers have a very high expectation to find the product they want and get it at an affordable price.
• Is Spain good for real estate?
  • The report shows that Spain is the fourth most attractive country in Europe to invest in property in 2023. The number one to invest in property is the UK, overtaking Germany for the first time since 2021. Being positioned at number four is a significant jump for Spain, as it was seventh only last year.
• What is the future of real estate in Spain?
  • According to data from Spain's National Institute of Statistics, INE, house prices are increasing by 8 per cent year-on-year. Experts believe this rate of increase will continue until the end of 2022, largely due to inflation, but that property prices will slow in 2023 as the market stabilises.
• How is the real estate market in Spain?
  • The Spain Residential Real Estate Market size is expected to grow from USD 155.29 billion in 2023 to USD 216.79 billion by 2028, at a CAGR of 6.90% during the forecast period (2023-2028). Though housing is becoming expensive in the country, the demand is also growing significantly, driving the market.
• Why are Americans moving to Spain?
  • Retirement in the Spanish Sun Many Americans are drawn to the idea of spending their golden years amidst historic towns, vibrant markets, and the leisurely pace of Spanish life. Moreover, an affordable healthcare system and well-developed infrastructure further contribute to its appeal as a retirement haven.
• What determines the price of an apartment why the same apartment would be higher in price in a city compared to a small village?
  • Variations in supply and demand When the supply of apartments exceeds the demand for renters, the rental prices are likely to be lower in that particular region or city. Similarly, when the demand for renters for an apartment exceeds the supply, apartment prices will increase.
• What are two important things to consider when you decide how much rent to charge?
  • How Much Should I Charge for Rent?
    • Use the 1-Percent Rule for a Ballpark Figure.
    • Consider Your Zillow Rent Estimate.
    • Run a Rental Market Analysis.
    • Compare Amenities of Similar Properties.
    • Research Rent Control Laws.
    • Find Out the Demand for Rental Properties in Your Area.
    • Calculate Operating Costs.
• Is the most important factor in determining the rental price of an apartment?
  • Property Condition and Amenities The condition of the property plays a major role in determining the rental price. A newer or recently renovated property with modern appliances and fixtures will likely fetch a higher rent than a similar, outdated property.
• What increases the value of a rental property?
  • Let's state the obvious, higher rent. When you begin to make improvements to increase property value, you're also giving yourself an opportunity for an argument to increase rent. With newer appliances, nicer floors, fixtures etc. people are willing to pay more for nicer things.
• What determines the value of an apartment?
  • The Approach On How to Calculate Apartment Value The income approach is popular for valuing apartment communities and commercial real estate. The fundamental part of the income approach is to determine the present value of a piece of real estate by dividing the net income it produces by the capitalization rate.