How it works
From exploring to keys.
We've split the process into four steps. Each step is as long as it needs to be: some buyers go from exploring to keys in six months, others take seventeen. We adapt to your pace.
Explore
Explore the project at your own pace.
You start on the platform. Browse the projects, read what we've written about each unit, compare them to each other. We've deliberately made the platform easy to browse without creating an account. You don't need to tell us who you are until you're ready to talk to us.
Save units you want to come back to. When you're ready to take the next step, book a call with us. That's when we meet.
Call
Meet us by phone or video, free of charge.
You pick a slot that suits you. The call is 30 minutes, in English, Swedish or Spanish, no commitment. We walk through the unit, the project, the location and answer everything you want to know: from specification and options to how Spanish buying processes work.
If we judge a unit isn't right for you, we'll say so. We have no per-call sales targets and no commission-based incentives per closed transaction.
Reserve
Reserve the unit with a €6,000 deposit.
When you're sure, you reserve the unit through the platform. You pay a deposit of €6,000 by Stripe card or invoice. The amount is fully refundable for 14 days under Spanish consumer law (Real Decreto 1/2007), and you keep the full right of withdrawal regardless of reason.
After 14 days the deposit is transferred to the developer's escrow account as part of the first payment. You receive a receipt, a booking confirmation, and we start the draft contract together with our partner lawyer.
Handover
Final contract, NIE, keys.
The final contract takes place at a Spanish notary, typically 12-18 months after reservation depending on the project's completion. Before then we help you apply for your NIE number, open a Spanish bank account and secure a mortgage if you need one.
We stay with you to handover and the first weeks beyond. If you'd like to retain us for later questions (furnishing, internet contracts, municipal registrations), we'll do that too, but nothing is locked in.
Frequently asked questions about the process
Do I need a Spanish personal number?
An NIE number (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is required for any property purchase in Spain. We help you apply, either through a Spanish consulate or directly in Spain. Applications take 2-4 weeks.
Do I have to open a Spanish bank account?
For ongoing costs (community fees, electricity, water, IBI) a Spanish bank account makes life easier. You can pay from a Swedish bank, but it becomes more complicated and expensive over time.
How does a Spanish mortgage (hipoteca) work?
Spanish banks lend up to 70% of the purchase price to foreign buyers, less if the property is an investment. Rates run 0.5-1.5 percentage points above Swedish standard rates. We recommend local banks experienced with foreign clients.
Can I use the unit for short-term rentals?
Spanish municipalities regulate short-term rentals differently. Mijas allows it with a tourist licence, but local councils change rules annually. We recommend not basing your purchase calculation on short-term rental income.
What's the difference between new-build and resale?
Casamar shows only new-builds. You buy directly from the developer, which means construction guarantees (10-year structural guarantee), new-build IVA instead of transfer tax, and the option to choose specifications during construction. Resale is not handled on our platform.
How do IVA and taxes work?
New-builds are taxed at 10% IVA (VAT) plus 1.2% stamp duty on the total amount. No transfer tax since it's new. Annual property tax (IBI) runs 0.4-1.1% of cadastral value depending on the municipality.
What happens if the developer goes bankrupt or delays the project?
Spanish law requires developers to hold bank guarantees on all deposit payments until completion. If the developer goes bankrupt, you get your money back. If they delay more than 6 months you have the right to cancel the purchase with full refund.
Who is Equinode AB?
Equinode AB is a Swedish limited company based in Stockholm. We operate Casamar and other platforms in property and technology. We have no loans or debts from project developers, so our only incentive is that you become a satisfied buyer.