The dream of Spain: Between myth and reality when buying property
Does the dream of Spain live strongly in you — but you're unsure what's fact and what's fiction when it comes to buying property?
When I speak with Norwegians considering a life here, there’s often a mix of great enthusiasm and hesitant questions. It’s completely natural — buying property abroad is a major decision. That’s why I want to share some of my experiences and insights to help you navigate with more confidence and, perhaps, a bit more peace of mind.
Here at Las Colinas, as the morning sun rises and the scent of pine and freshly cut grass fills the air, I often reflect on just that. With coffee in hand, I go through inquiries from fellow Norwegians. Many of the questions are ones I asked myself when I first considered property in Spain. It strikes me how often uncertainty stems from persistent myths.
One of the most frequent questions I get is undoubtedly: “Is it really safe to buy property in Spain?”
I fully understand the concern. Unfamiliar laws, different bureaucracy, and stories one has heard can be worrying. With my background — first as a professional athlete where precision and diligence were everything, and later in business and property development — I’ve learned that safety and success are always rooted in the same things: solid knowledge, transparent processes, and trusted partners. These are principles I’ve carried into Las Colinas Nordic.
Let’s look at the facts. Spanish property law has been significantly strengthened in recent years to protect buyers. For example, all advance payments on off-plan properties must be guaranteed by a bank or insurance. This isn’t optional — it’s required by law. Public registries (Registro de la Propiedad) also provide full access to a property’s legal status and any encumbrances.
A key person in this process is an independent, Norwegian-speaking lawyer specialised in Spanish property law. They will carry out a full due diligence and ensure everything is in order before you sign anything. This is part of the security we insist on delivering.
What about costs?
Many are pleasantly surprised by the predictability. For new builds, total purchasing costs (including VAT/IVA, stamp duty, notary, registration, and legal fees) usually range between 11–14% of the purchase price. You’ll receive a detailed cost breakdown early in the process, so you’re in full control.
When we talk about quality and safety, it’s also worth noting that Las Colinas Golf & Country Club, our primary focus, has repeatedly been awarded titles like "Europe’s Leading Villa Resort" and "Spain’s Best Golf Course" by the World Travel Awards and World Golf Awards. These recognitions aren’t just nice to have — they reflect a long-term commitment to quality and stability, which translates into a safer investment for you.
I understand that many of these myths are rooted in a deeply human need for safety and control — especially with such a big decision. My role, as I see it, is to be your informed and experienced advisor. I’m here to share insight, answer your questions, and help you feel secure every step of the way. It’s all about making informed decisions.
What’s your most important criterion for feeling safe when buying abroad?
Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments, or reach out directly.
I spend a lot of time here at Las Colinas, and if you’re considering the area, I’d be happy to invite you for a casual chat over coffee. We can go over your specific questions. I’ve also put together a free e-book with answers to many common questions about buying property in Spain.
You can download it by filling in the form on the sidebar.
I hope to see you at Las Colinas one day.
Warm regards,
John Uppard
Owner, Las Colinas Nordic
Email: john@lascolinas.no
Phone: +47 40 10 55 80