Costa Brava mortgages for residents and non-resident buyers
Baleario helps international buyers secure competitive mortgage deals for property in Costa Brava.
Whether you are buying a holiday apartment in Lloret de Mar, a villa in Begur, or a renovation project in Cadaqués, we guide you through the Spanish mortgage process and help you compare offers from multiple lenders.
Get mortgage pre-approval quickly and clearly before you buy.
Mortgage broker services for Costa Brava property buyers
Buying property in Spain as a foreigner can be complicated. Each bank has different rules for non-residents, expats, and international buyers.
Baleario helps simplify the process by:
- comparing mortgage offers from Spanish banks
• helping you obtain mortgage pre-approval before making an offer
• explaining maximum borrowing and deposit requirements
• guiding you through property valuation and bank approval
• supporting you through the notary signing process
We work with major Spanish lenders as well as international banks active in Spain, helping buyers secure competitive mortgage terms.
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How mortgages work in Costa Brava
Costa Brava’s property market is quite different from many parts of Spain.
Unlike areas dominated by mass tourism, Costa Brava combines local Catalan buyers, European second-home owners, and international investors. This creates a relatively stable property market, particularly in towns such as Begur, Tamariu, Llafranc, Palafrugell, and Cadaqués.
From a mortgage perspective, there are three things banks pay attention to in this region:
High-demand coastal areas
Properties close to the sea often hold their value well. Banks are generally comfortable lending against these properties, especially in established towns with strong resale demand.
Renovation and traditional houses
Many Costa Brava properties are older stone houses or villas that may need renovation. Banks will assess these carefully, and valuations sometimes include renovation considerations.
Second-home purchases
A large percentage of purchases are second homes. Because of this, non-resident mortgages typically require larger deposits compared with primary residences.
Working with a mortgage broker can help you understand which banks are most comfortable with each type of property.
Why buy property in Costa Brava?
Costa Brava remains one of Spain’s most attractive coastal property markets.
Natural coastline and protected landscapes
The region stretches from Blanes to the French border, known for its dramatic cliffs, small coves, and protected natural parks.
Strong international buyer demand
Buyers from the UK, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Scandinavia have long been drawn to the area, creating a diverse international community.
Easy access to Barcelona and Girona
Barcelona is roughly 1–2 hours away, while Girona Airport offers convenient European connections.
Limited new development
Strict planning rules limit large-scale development in many parts of Costa Brava, which helps protect property values over the long term.
We work with Spain's leading mortgage lenders
Types of mortgages available in Costa Brava
Spanish banks offer several mortgage structures for foreign buyers.
Fixed rate mortgages
Your interest rate remains the same for the entire term of the mortgage.
This option offers predictable monthly payments, which many international buyers prefer.
Variable rate mortgages
The interest rate moves in line with Euribor, the benchmark rate used across Europe.
Payments can rise or fall depending on market conditions.
Mixed mortgages
A mixed mortgage combines both options.
Typically the mortgage has a fixed rate for the first 5–10 years, then switches to a variable rate.
Many Spanish banks currently promote this product.
Non-resident mortgages
If you do not live in Spain, you will normally need:
- 30–40% deposit
• proof of stable income
• a strong credit profile
Loan-to-value ratios are usually lower than for Spanish residents.
Renovation mortgages
Some lenders allow you to finance renovation work when purchasing an older property. These mortgages are less common but can work for buyers purchasing traditional houses in villages such as Pals, Peratallada, or inland Costa Brava towns.
Typical mortgage rates in Costa Brava
Mortgage rates in Spain are mainly influenced by Euribor and European Central Bank policy.
The rate offered will depend on:
- whether you are resident or non-resident
• the loan-to-value ratio
• the property type and valuation
• your income and financial profile
Working with a mortgage broker allows you to compare several banks rather than approaching only one lender directly.
The Spanish mortgage process for expats
The mortgage process in Spain is fairly structured.
1. Mortgage pre-approval
Before making an offer on a property, we recommend obtaining financial pre-approval from a bank. This confirms how much you can borrow.
2. Mortgage application
You will normally provide:
- passport or ID
• proof of income
• tax returns or payslips
• bank statements
• credit history
3. Property valuation
The bank instructs an independent valuation to confirm the property’s market value.
This determines the maximum mortgage amount.
4. Mortgage approval
Once documents and valuation are complete, the bank issues the formal mortgage offer.
5. Notary signing
The final mortgage and property purchase documents are signed before a Spanish notary, and the funds are released to the seller.
Costa Brava mortgage FAQs
Can foreigners get mortgages in Costa Brava?
Yes. Spanish banks regularly lend to foreign buyers. Most non-residents can borrow 60–70% of the property value, depending on their financial situation.
What deposit do I need for a Costa Brava mortgage?
Non-resident buyers usually need a 30–40% deposit plus around 10–12% for purchase costs and taxes.
Which banks offer mortgages for Costa Brava property?
Many major Spanish banks lend to foreign buyers, including:
- Santander
- Sabadell
- CaixaBank
- BBVA
A mortgage broker can help identify which lender best fits your profile.
How long does it take to get a Spanish mortgage?
The process typically takes 4–8 weeks, although complex cases or renovation properties may take longer.
Can I get a mortgage if I am self-employed?
Yes, but banks will normally request two to three years of financial records to verify income stability.
Are holiday rentals allowed in Costa Brava?
Short-term rentals require a tourist licence, which is regulated by the Catalan authorities and local municipalities.
Rules vary depending on the town.
Can I use rental income to qualify for a mortgage?
Some banks consider projected rental income, but most focus primarily on your personal income and affordability.
Should I use a Spanish mortgage broker?
A mortgage broker can help by:
- comparing offers across multiple banks
- identifying lenders open to non-resident buyers
- speeding up the approval process
- explaining Spanish mortgage terms clearly
How much can I borrow for a Costa Brava property as a foreign buyer?
Most Spanish banks lend 60–70% of the lower of the purchase price or valuation for non-residents.
For example, if a property costs €500,000 and the bank valuation is €480,000, the mortgage would usually be based on the €480,000 valuation, not the purchase price.
Do banks treat coastal properties differently in Costa Brava?
In general, banks are comfortable lending against properties in established coastal towns such as Begur, Llafranc, Calella de Palafrugell, and Tamariu, where demand is strong and resale markets are stable.
However, properties needing major renovation or located in smaller villages may require additional valuation checks.
Can I get a mortgage for a second home in Costa Brava?
Yes. Many buyers in Costa Brava purchase second homes or holiday properties, and Spanish banks regularly finance these purchases.
Because the property is not your primary residence, lenders usually require a larger deposit and stricter affordability checks.
What are the typical purchase costs when buying property in Costa Brava?
In addition to your deposit, buyers should budget 10–12% of the purchase price for taxes and costs.
These typically include:
- property transfer tax (ITP)
- notary fees
- land registry fees
- legal fees
- mortgage setup costs
Do I need a Spanish bank account to get a mortgage?
Yes. Mortgage payments are normally taken from a Spanish bank account.
Most lenders also require buyers to open an account to manage mortgage payments, insurance, and property-related expenses.
Do Costa Brava mortgages require life insurance?
Many Spanish banks require borrowers to take life insurance linked to the mortgage.
While this is not always mandatory, accepting the bank’s insurance products can sometimes result in better interest rates.
Can I get a mortgage for a renovation property in Costa Brava?
Some banks will finance properties that require renovation, but this depends on the condition of the property and the valuation report.
For major renovation projects, buyers often need additional funds outside the mortgage.
What documents do foreign buyers need for a Spanish mortgage?
Typical documentation includes:
- passport or ID
- proof of income or employment
- recent tax returns
- bank statements
- details of existing loans or mortgages
Self-employed applicants usually need two to three years of financial records.
Are mortgages available for luxury villas in Costa Brava?
Yes, but high-value properties may require larger deposits or additional financial checks, particularly for non-residents.
Luxury properties in areas such as Begur, Sa Tuna, and Aiguablava often require detailed valuations.
Is it better to get mortgage approval before making an offer?
Yes. Getting mortgage pre-approval helps you understand your borrowing capacity and strengthens your negotiating position when making an offer on a property.
In competitive areas of Costa Brava, this can make a significant difference.
Can I pay off a Spanish mortgage early?
Yes, Spanish mortgages can usually be repaid early.
However, some banks charge early repayment fees, particularly during the fixed-rate period.
Can UK buyers still get mortgages in Costa Brava after Brexit?
Yes. UK buyers can still obtain Spanish mortgages as non-residents.
The process is largely the same, although banks may request additional financial documentation.
What are the most popular towns for property buyers in Costa Brava?
International buyers often focus on areas such as:
- Begur
- Cadaqués
- Tamariu
- Calella de Palafrugell
- Llafranc
- Tossa de Mar
Mortgage conditions are usually similar across the region, although property type and valuation can affect lending decisions.