An example is Lloyds TSB in the UK which offers resident Britons who already own a home in the UK an international mortgage scheme specifically for the purchase of real estate in Spain.

The types of mortgage and repayment vehicles are standard to the domestic country (e.g., UK or US) though there is often the added criterion that the purchaser is already a home owner in the local country and any mortgages available are only for up to 70% of the purchase price.

2) Local Spanish Mortgages

As Spain is largely geared to the foreign property buyer it’s often possible to raise a mortgage locally in Spain especially when you approach one of the larger international bank’s subsidiaries. It’s still important to make sure you understand the local terms and conditions of the loan and the repayment vehicle as well as checking and comparing the interest rates available to you with those available from an international lender ‘back home.’

3) Expatriate Mortgages

If you’re already an expatriate whether in Spain or another overseas country and you want to buy in Spain or you’re interested in buying a home in your originating country for investment purposes or as a base for you to return to at some point in the future, it can be tricky to secure a mortgage.

If you had a strong credit history before you expatriated and you’re now in receipt of income to support your mortgage application there are a number of lenders specifically interested in attracting expatriate business though. Some of the major high street lenders will charge you a bit of a premium for the ease of application and service they offer and it’s actually worth while shopping round on the internet to see who else is offering specific expatriate mortgages.

Usually you should be able to borrow up to 85% of the property’s value and when it comes to proof of income this can be made up of earned, pension, investment and rental income.

4) Equity Release and Second Mortgages

This is of course the simplest and most popular method being used currently for the purchase of holiday homes overseas by many buyers. In the UK especially, where the housing market has significantly strengthened over the last 5 – 7 years, many people have built up substantial equity in their homes and are now releasing this ‘extra money’ to purchase property in Spain in cash.

If you consider this method you must accept that the additional sum you add to your mortgage will incur interest, it will have to be repaid over the term or at the end of the term of your mortgage and that the whole loan is secured on your main property.

5) Instalment Payments

You might like to consider purchasing property off plan as this can give you the option to pay for the real estate via a series of instalments or stage payments that you can save up to fund during the build period.

After paying the securing deposit your instalment dates and amounts will be written into your purchase contract enabling you to budget accordingly. Clearly this method would particularly suit those with a high level of disposable income.

Once you have determined the most suitable method to suit your requirements and circumstances you can begin your search for a lender if applicable. Consider searching the internet, using forums, expatriate and international property sites, examining lenders sites and you can also listen to personal recommendations from friends, family and colleagues who have already undertaken property purchases in Spain.

Rhiannon Williamson is the publisher of Shelter Offshore which features 3 channels offshore investment, property investment abroad & overseas lifestyle and which guides you to a low tax, maximum investment profit lifestyle abroad
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