{"id":2117,"date":"2026-03-25T16:00:28","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:00:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/?p=2117"},"modified":"2026-03-25T16:00:28","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T15:00:28","slug":"checklist-for-buying-your-first-home","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/en\/checklist-para-comprar-tu-primera-vivienda\/","title":{"rendered":"Checklist for buying your first home"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Buying your first home is one of the most important decisions of your life. The process can seem overwhelming: paperwork, negotiations, mortgages, notaries\u2026 But with the right preparation and the guidance of a professional, you can approach it with peace of mind and confidence.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>This checklist covers every stage of the process, from the moment you start your search until the day you receive the keys. Use it as your roadmap and make sure you leave nothing to chance.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>01 \u00b7 Analyze your financial situation<\/h2>\n<p>The starting point before visiting a single apartment.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Calculate your available savings: <\/strong>You will need at least 20% of the price as a deposit, plus an extra 10-12% for additional expenses (taxes, notary, registration...).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check your credit history: <\/strong>Request your report from the Bank of Spain (CIRBE) and make sure you have no outstanding debts that affect your profile as an applicant.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Calculate your borrowing capacity: <\/strong>Your mortgage payment should not exceed 30-351% of your net monthly income. Take into account any other payment obligations you may have.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check if you are entitled to discounts in Catalonia: <\/strong>In Catalonia, there are reduced Property Transfer Tax (ITP) rates for young people under 35, large families, people with disabilities, and subsidized housing. Find out more at the Catalan Tax Agency (ATC).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Decide between new build or resale: <\/strong>New construction is subject to VAT (10%); second-hand construction is subject to Property Transfer Tax (ITP) at the general rate 10% in Catalonia, or at 5% if you meet the bonus requirements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table width=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"602\"><strong>Key advice<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Before visiting properties, get pre-approved for a mortgage. This will let you know exactly how much you can spend and will give you credibility with sellers.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>02 \u00b7 Search and selection of housing<\/h2>\n<p>What to check on each visit.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Define your non-negotiable criteria: <\/strong>Area, minimum surface area, number of rooms, floor, elevator, garage, storage room\u2026 Distinguish the essential from the desirable.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Study the neighborhood thoroughly: <\/strong>Visit it at different times and days. Check nearby services (transport, schools, supermarkets, health centers) and the noise or traffic level.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check the state of conservation: <\/strong>Check for dampness, cracks, the condition of the flooring and woodwork, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Bring in a professional if you have any doubts.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check the orientation and brightness: <\/strong>A south-facing home with good natural ventilation will save significantly on heating and air conditioning over the years.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Ask about the homeowners&#039; association: <\/strong>Request the minutes of the last meetings and the status of pending or planned assessments.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Request the Energy Efficiency Certificate: <\/strong>It is mandatory for selling or renting. A poor rating (F or G) implies high bills and possible renovations in the medium term.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>03 \u00b7 Legal and documentary verification<\/h2>\n<p>Never sign without checking this first.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Check the Property Registry: <\/strong>Verify that the seller is the actual owner, that the registered area matches the actual area, and that there are no hidden liens, mortgages, or encumbrances.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check your property tax and utilities: <\/strong>Request property tax receipts from recent years to ensure payments are up to date. Do the same for water, electricity, and gas.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Check the urban planning situation: <\/strong>At the Town Hall you can check if the property is in a protected area or if there are any pending urban planning issues.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Request an updated property registry extract: <\/strong>Request it at the Property Registry or online. Provide proof of ownership and any current encumbrances on the property.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Read the earnest money contract with a lawyer: <\/strong>A penalty clause in a purchase agreement means you lose it if you back out, or you receive double the amount if the seller backs out. Make sure the terms and conditions are reasonable.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table width=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"602\"><strong>Attention<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Never hand over cash or sign any documents without verifying the seller&#039;s identity and the property&#039;s legal status. Always use a trusted professional.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>04 \u00b7 Taxation in Catalonia: what you should know<\/h2>\n<p>Real estate taxation is the responsibility of the Generalitat of Catalonia, and the current rates differ from those of other autonomous communities.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Property Transfer Tax (ITP) \u2014 second hand<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Since June 27, 2025, the Property Transfer Tax (ITP) in Catalonia is no longer a fixed rate. Decree Law 5\/2025 introduced a progressive tax scale, similar to Personal Income Tax (IRPF): each portion of the price is taxed at the rate of its corresponding bracket, not the entire price at the highest rate.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Up to \u20ac600,000: <\/strong>10% on that part of the price. It is the section that affects the vast majority of sales in Catalonia.<\/li>\n<li><strong>From \u20ac600,001 to \u20ac900,000: <\/strong>11% on the portion of the price included in this section.<\/li>\n<li><strong>From \u20ac900,001 to \u20ac1,500,000: <\/strong>12% on the portion of the price included in this section.<\/li>\n<li><strong>More than \u20ac1,500,000: <\/strong>13% on the portion that exceeds this amount.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>Practical example: a property valued at \u20ac800,000 is taxed as follows: the first \u20ac600,000 at 10% (\u20ac60,000) and the remaining \u20ac200,000 at 11% (\u20ac22,000). The total Property Transfer Tax (ITP) is \u20ac82,000, equivalent to an average effective rate of 10.25%.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Reduced type of the 5%: <\/strong>For young people under 35 (income tax \u2264 \u20ac36,000 per year), large families, single-parent families, people with a disability rating of 65% or higher, and victims of gender violence. In all cases, the property must be used as a primary residence and maintained for a minimum of 3 years.<\/li>\n<li><strong>VPO \/ subsidized housing: <\/strong>General type of 7%, reducible to 5% in special or concerted protection regimes.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Management and deadline: <\/strong>The ITP is settled before the Ag\u00e8ncia Tribut\u00e0ria de Catalunya (ATC) using Form 600, within one calendar month from the signing of the deed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table width=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"602\"><strong>Important: taxable base<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>The Property Transfer Tax (ITP) is calculated on the higher of the purchase price and the cadastral reference value set by the Land Registry. If the reference value exceeds the purchase price, you will pay the tax on the higher value. Always check this before signing the preliminary sales agreement.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>VAT and Stamp Duty \u2014 new construction<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>VAT: <\/strong>10% on the purchase price (state rate). For officially protected housing under special regimes or public promotion, the super-reduced rate of 4% applies.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Documented Legal Acts (AJD): <\/strong>1.5% of the price in the general case. A reduced rate of 0.1% applies to officially protected housing and to young people under 35 years of age who buy their first primary residence in Catalonia.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table width=\"0\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"602\"><strong>Important reminder<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><em>Tax breaks in Catalonia require that the property be the buyer&#039;s primary and permanent residence. If the property is sold or vacated before the established deadlines, the benefit may be lost, and the difference may have to be paid.<\/em><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Table of approximate expenses in Catalonia<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<table width=\"0\">\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\"><strong>Concept<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>Who pays<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>Estimate<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\"><strong>Note<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">ITP \u2013 Second hand (up to \u20ac600,000)<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Buyer<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>10%<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">Most common general section<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">ITP \u2013 2nd hand (\u20ac600,001\u2013\u20ac900,000)<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Buyer<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>11% s\/ excess<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">Progressive scale DL 5\/2025<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">ITP \u2013 2nd hand (900,001\u20131,500,000 \u20ac)<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Buyer<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>12% s\/ excess<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">Progressive scale DL 5\/2025<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">ITP \u2013 Second hand (more than \u20ac1,500,000)<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Buyer<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>13% s\/ excess<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">Progressive scale DL 5\/2025<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">ITP \u2013 Reduced rate (young people, families\u2026)<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Buyer<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>5%<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">Income requirements and regular use<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">VAT \u2013 New construction<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Buyer<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>10% on the price<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">unified national type<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">AJD \u2013 General<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Buyer<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>1.5% above the price<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">Documented Legal Acts<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">AJD \u2013 Officially Protected Housing<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Buyer<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>0.1% above the price<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">Reduced rate Catalonia<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">Notary (deed of sale)<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Buyer<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>\u20ac600 \u2013 \u20ac1,200<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">Approx. depending on amount<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">Property Registry<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Buyer<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>\u20ac400 \u2013 \u20ac800<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">Approx. depending on amount<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">Management services<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Buyer<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>\u20ac300 \u2013 \u20ac600<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">Optional but recommended<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">Appraisal (for the mortgage)<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Buyer<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>\u20ac300 \u2013 \u20ac600<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">Required by the bank<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"180\">Real estate agency commission<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\">Regular seller<\/td>\n<td width=\"100\"><strong>3% \u2013 5%<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"222\">Negotiate if necessary<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>05 \u00b7 Negotiation and signing of the mortgage<\/h2>\n<p>Compare before you commit.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Compare at least 3 offers from different entities: <\/strong>Don&#039;t settle for the first offer. Use mortgage brokers or online comparison tools to get competitive terms and negotiate the interest rate spread.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Understand the difference between fixed and variable: <\/strong>A fixed-rate mortgage offers stability; a variable-rate mortgage offers lower initial payments but is subject to the Euribor rate. Evaluate which one best suits your profile and life expectancy.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Analyze the commissions and affiliations: <\/strong>Opening fees, early repayment, mandatory linked insurance\u2026 All of this is part of the real cost. Requires the FEIN (European Standardised Information Sheet).<\/li>\n<li><strong>Attend the session with the notary: <\/strong>Spanish law guarantees you at least 10 days between receiving the binding offer and signing it. Use that time to carefully review each clause.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2>06 \u00b7 Signing before a notary and handing over the keys<\/h2>\n<p>The final steps before it&#039;s yours.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><strong>Perform a final inspection the day before: <\/strong>Check that the property is in the agreed condition, that no agreed furniture is missing, and that all appliances are working properly.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Bring all the documentation prepared: <\/strong>ID card, binding mortgage offer, proof of payment of the deposit and any other document that the notary or the bank has requested.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Sign the deed of sale and the mortgage: <\/strong>The notary will read you the terms and conditions. You have the right to ask any questions you may have. Do not sign if anything is unclear or does not match what was agreed upon.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Collect the keys and register the change of ownership: <\/strong>The agency will handle registering the deed and paying the taxes. Keep a copy of all signed documents.<\/li>\n<li><strong>Change the ownership of the supplies: <\/strong>Notify the electricity, water, and gas companies of the change of ownership. Also, update your address on the municipal register if you will be living there.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Regulatory references<\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Decree Law 5\/2025, of March 25 \u2014 Urgent measures in tax matters (ITP Catalonia sections): <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.boe.es\/buscar\/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2025-10270\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/www.boe.es\/buscar\/doc.php?id=BOE-A-2025-10270<\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>This article is for informational purposes only and is based on legislation in force as of March 2026, including Decree Law 5\/2025 of the Government of Catalonia. Tax regulations may change; we recommend that you always verify the most up-to-date information with a professional. For comprehensive and personalized advice on buying your first home, contact Rustic Corner: our team will guide you through every step of the process.<\/em><\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Comprar tu primera vivienda es una de las decisiones m\u00e1s importantes de tu vida. El proceso puede parecer abrumador: documentos, negociaciones, hipotecas, notar\u00edas&#8230; Pero con la preparaci\u00f3n adecuada y el acompa\u00f1amiento de un profesional, puedes afrontarlo con tranquilidad y seguridad. &nbsp; Esta checklist recorre todas las fases del proceso, desde que empiezas a buscar hasta [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":2118,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2117","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2117","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2117"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2117\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2119,"href":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2117\/revisions\/2119"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2118"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2117"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2117"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/rusticcorner.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2117"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}