FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Answers to common questions about mortgages for non-residents, Lombard loans, corporate financing, and the credit intermediation process in Spain.
50+ financial institutions
ABOUT ALTAVISTA FINANCE
What is Altavista Finance?
Altavista Finance is a boutique real estate finance advisory firm based in Madrid. We act as a real estate credit intermediary authorized by the Bank of Spain (license E192), connecting our clients with the best mortgage terms available in the Spanish market through more than 50 financial institutions.
How is Altavista Finance different from a bank?
A bank can only offer its own products. Altavista Finance simultaneously compares offers from more than 50 financial institutions to identify the solution that best fits each client profile and transaction.
How much does the Altavista Finance service cost?
Altavista Finance operates on a success-fee model: fees are only payable if financing is successfully obtained. The applicable fees are agreed in advance with complete transparency.
Is Altavista Finance officially authorized?
Yes. Altavista Finance is registered with the Bank of Spain as a real estate credit intermediary under license number E192.
How many financial institutions does Altavista Finance work with?
Altavista Finance works with more than 50 financial institutions, including national commercial banks, international banks with a presence in Spain, private banks, and alternative lenders.
Is Altavista Finance independent?
Yes. Altavista Finance is not part of any banking group and does not have exclusive agreements with any financial institution.
MORTGAGES FOR NON-RESIDENTS
Can I get a mortgage in Spain if I am not a resident?
Yes. Non-residents can access mortgage financing in Spain. Altavista Finance specializes in this segment and handles transactions for clients from more than 15 nationalities.
What percentage of financing can I obtain as a non-resident?
The typical LTV for international buyers ranges between 60% and 75% of the appraised value or purchase price (whichever is lower).
What interest rates are offered to non-residents?
Interest rates currently range between 2% and 5%, depending on the borrower’s profile, the lender, and the type of mortgage (fixed, variable, or mixed).
How long does the mortgage process take for a non-resident?
The full process takes between 8 and 12 weeks.
Do I need an NIE to apply for a mortgage in Spain?
Yes, an NIE is essential for any real estate transaction in Spain. However, you can start the mortgage process while your NIE application is being processed.
Do you offer mortgage pre-approval?
Yes. AVF can assess your profile and obtain an indicative pre-appro Pre-approvals are available nationwide.
What happens if a bank rejects my application?
A rejection by one lender does not mean that you cannot obtain financing. Each lender has different criteria. AVF can redirect the application to the lenders that best match your profile.
MORTGAGES FOR RESIDENTS
Can I get a mortgage in Spain if I am self-employed?
Yes. Being self-employed does not prevent you from obtaining mortgage financing, but income is assessed differently than for an employed borrower. AVF knows which lenders have the most favorable criteria for self-employed applicants.
What happens if I have irregular income or income from multiple sources?
Profiles with complex income structures require a specialized approach. AVF analyzes the full income structure and selects the lenders that assess it most favorably.
Can I finance a second home as a resident?
Yes. Spanish banks finance second homes with a typical LTV of 70% to 80%.
Is there an age limit for applying for a mortgage?
Most banks require the mortgage to be fully repaid before the borrower reaches the age of 75 or 80.
Can I transfer or improve my existing mortgage through Altavista Finance?
Yes. AVF can negotiate a transfer to another lender with better terms or a novation with your current bank.
Do you finance off-plan or properties under construction?¿Financian vivienda sobre plano o en construcción?
Yes, although the terms vary depending on the lender and the stage of construction.
LOMBARD LOANS
What is a Lombard loan?
A Lombard loan is a financing facility secured by a portfolio of assets without the need to liquidate them. Typically, it requires portfolios starting at EUR 300,000 in Spain and EUR 500,000 in Luxembourg.
What financial assets are eligible as collateral?
Listed shares, investment-grade bonds, UCITS funds, ETFs and, in some cases, venture capital or private equity funds.
How much financing can I obtain with a Lombard loan?
Typically between 50% and 90% of the value of the pledged portfolio.
What tax advantage does a Lombard loan have compared to selling assets?
As the investments are not liquidated, no capital gain is generated. In addition, the loan creates a liability that reduces the taxable base for wealth tax purposes.
What happens if my portfolio decreases in value (margin call)?
The lender may request additional collateral or partial repayment of the loan.
Can a Lombard loan be arranged from Spain, or do I have to go to Luxembourg?
Both options are available. AVF structures Lombard loans domiciled in Spain or Luxembourg.
CORPORATE FINANCING
Can a company apply for mortgage financing?
Yes. Both limited liability companies (S.L.) and public limited companies (S.A.) can obtain mortgage financing.
Can a real estate purchase be financed through an SPV?
Yes, this is a common structure for investment transactions.
Do you offer financing for real estate developers?
Yes. We arrange financing for real estate developers, including development loans for new projects, land financing, and refinancing of existing assets.
Can a recently incorporated company obtain financing?
Do you finance commercial properties or only residential properties?
Do you finance commercial properties or only residential properties?
It is possible, although the terms are more restrictive. A higher proportion of equity (40–50%) and personal guarantees from the shareholders are often key factors.
We arrange financing for both residential and commercial properties, including offices, retail premises, logistics warehouses, and hotels.
We arrange financing for both residential and commercial properties, including offices, retail premises, logistics warehouses, and hotels.
Do you finance commercial properties or only residential properties?
We arrange financing for both residential and commercial properties, including offices, retail premises, logistics warehouses, and hotels.
PROCESO Y COSTES
What is the step-by-step process for working with Altavista Finance?
The process follows five steps: (1) Pre-qualification, (2) Documentation, (3) Pre-approval, (4) Valuation, and (5) Review and signing. Typical duration: 8 to 12 weeks.
What are the costs of purchasing a property in Spain?
Total purchase costs represent approximately 8% to 15% of the purchase price. These include ITP (6–10%) for resale properties, or VAT (10%) plus Stamp Duty (AJD) for new-build properties, as well as valuation, administration, notary, and registration fees.val before you have identified a specific property.
What documents do I need to apply for a mortgage?
Passport or ID card, NIE (for foreigners), proof of income, bank statements for the last 6 months, a statement of assets and liabilities, and the reservation/earnest money agreement (arras) or property details if a specific property has already been identified.
What happens after I contact Altavista Finance?
AVF responds within 24 to 48 hours. An initial 30–45-minute consultation is then scheduled. There is no commitment until the proposal is signed.
How long does it take to receive an approval decision?
The initial response usually takes 5 to 10 business days. The final binding offer may take an additional 2 to 4 weeks.
Can I start the process before I have found a property?
Yes. AVF can assess your profile and obtain an indicative pre-appro
CONTACT US
If you are considering a real estate transaction in Spain and want to understand which options make sense to explore, we would be happy to talk.