Buy a Newly Built Home Remotely – Interview by MiMove!

MiMove on 2021-05-07

During these, to say the least, unusual times remotely has become one of the key terms. Among other things, we shop, work, and study more and more on a distance – and now more than ever, home purchases are also made remotely.

In this week’s blog article, we interview Niklas Lundgren from Stockholm, Sweden, who remotely bought a newly built penthouse in southern Spain. He tells why he chose to buy new production, what made him feel safe in the buying process, and how it all went.

Le Mirage new production in Cancelada

Why new production?

The last three apartments that Niklas bought have all been new construction. He chooses newly produced homes because he likes the feeling of when it is new, fresh and that no one has lived in the home before. Usually, it is also a very good deal and you get a lot of value for your money. Niklas also thinks it’s nice to not have to renovate, especially if you buy a home in another country.

“You can focus on furniture and interior design directly instead, which is much more fun and less complicated than renovation,” says Niklas.

Is it safe to buy at a distance?

Niklas had been to Marbella and its surroundings several times before and knew the area well before buying his new home here. He chose Fastighetsbyrån as his broker because he felt they were safe and reliable. He thinks they did a professional job and were very helpful. In addition, it of course made many things easier because they speak Swedish and have offices in both Spain and Sweden.

Welcome to Le Mirage

How was the buying process?

“At Le Mirage in Cancelada, the apartments were extremely popular and sold out quickly. When the broker called and told me that there was only one penthouse left at the front of the project, I did not need more info than what I had received via email to make my decision. I made a quick and spontaneous deal. I got a floor plan and some pictures emailed to me before I reserved the penthouse, ”says Niklas.

The buying process is not totally uncomplicated as many, such as brokers, lawyers, notaries, banks, and more, are involved. The payment was made in several steps; the first installment of 6000 euros was made when the contract was signed. Within the first month thereafter, an additional payment of 15% of the total amount was made. After another 6 months, 7.5% was paid and again 7.5% a few months later. The remaining 70% was paid upon entry.

Niklas got the help of a Spanish lawyer who was involved in the new construction project already who helped him with all the documents, translations, and more.

The pool area at Le Mirage

Waiting and access

In most cases when it comes to new production, it is usually a longer process before you get access. The good thing is that you have a lot of time to plan, save money, choose interior materials, appliances and other details for the home. Niklas had to wait for three years from the time he signed the contract until he finally received the keys to his new long-awaited home.

The roof terrace

About the penthouse

The penthouse is located in the urbanization Le Mirage in Cancelada (Santa Vista) on the Costa del Sol – perfect location between Estepona and Puerto Banús, according to Niklas.

The apartment has two bedrooms, both of which have a separate bathroom with a shower and bathtub. It is an open floor plan between the kitchen and living room. In addition, there are double terraces for a total of about 70 m². In the urbanization, there are two outdoor pools and an indoor pool, garage, storage room, gym, café, and clubhouse to which you have free access.

Many of the furniture was already purchased and the home was decorated and ready three weeks after entry.

“I love the roof terrace overlooking the Mediterranean. Being able to have breakfast and watch the sunrise over the sea and later in the evening watch it go down over the mountains is absolutely amazing! In addition, I have many friends who have bought apartments in the same urbanization, which is great fun. All the neighbors at Le Mirage are wonderful,” says Niklas.

Sunset seen from the terrace

What do you say to others who are considering buying newly produced remotely?

“BUY! Do not wait too long. You will not regret it. Just be patient with the Spanish mentality. Everything takes longer and things are not as efficient as in Sweden. Be sure to learn what “mañana” means and chill. Although, everything gets resolved in the end, even if it takes longer. When it’s all ready and set, you can easily travel to your own home in the sun – it is definitely worth it!” Niklas concludes.

Niklas Lundgren from Stockholm, Sweden

We at MiMove agree with Niklas – buying newly built at a distance is smoother than one may think. Today’s technology and the fact that we have many international and multi-lingual brokerage firms on the south coast makes this possible.

Here you can see MiMove’s current range of new production.

Here you can read more about the advantages and disadvantages of buying newly built from MiMove’s previous blog posts.