Many international buyers are buying investment properties, holiday homes and permanent homes abroad and Malaga is a hub of activity for foreign buyers. In 2006 alone 9000 foreigners purchased property in Malaga, the popularity of the region means it is not too difficult to get a mortgage and there are many options available for obtaining a foreign mortgage.

According to recent studies Spain is fast becoming one of the best EU countries for obtaining a foreign mortgage. In Spain there are now over 275000 registered Britons, plus a whopping estimated 500000 unregistered. Over half of these people are living in rented property and for this reason many Spanish banks like La Caixa offer special services in English to encourage foreign buyers.

International Banks with Foreign Mortgages

Many international banks now offer special 'Spanish mortgages' which are specifically catered to the Spanish housing market and deal with every aspect of translation, lawyers and insurance. Some of the most reputable international banks are the following:

Barclays
www.barclays.co.uk/buyingabroad/

Banco Santander (Also known as Abbey)
www.gruposantander.es/bprivada/binternational.html

Deutsche Bank
www.db.com

Lloyds TSB
www.lloydstsb.com/mortgages/spanish_mortgages.asp

Natwest
www.natwestinternational.com/spanish.asp

Applying for a Foreign Mortgage in Spain

When applying for a mortgage in Spain be sure you have the following:

• Valid Passport, residence permit or Spanish ID card (NIE)
• Your last three bank statements (account statement for last three years if you are self-employed) and your last three salary slips
• Resale Properties: Property deeds of current owner.
• New Building: Declaration deed from developer
• Spanish tax declaration for the last financial year (P60 form in UK) or if you are self-employed, a tax slip for the last two years.