Selling or buying property on the Costa del Sol?Meet Gino Pierrache — your personal real estate advisor across the Costa del Sol.

Look for an agent who works a defined area, explains the buying or selling process openly, and is willing to tell you when a property or price is not right for you. Ask how they qualify buyers, which languages they speak and how they coordinate lawyers and notaries. I am based in Benalmádena, in the province of Málaga, and work across the Costa del Sol and Costa Tropical; a first conversation by phone or video costs nothing and lets you judge whether the approach suits you.

In outline: you define your budget and objectives, view properties (in person or remotely), make an offer, sign a reservation contract with a deposit, instruct a lawyer for due diligence, sign a private purchase contract (usually with 10 percent paid), and complete at a notary where the balance is paid and the title deed is signed. You will need a Spanish tax identification number (NIE) and normally a Spanish bank account. Timescales for a resale purchase are typically six to twelve weeks; new builds follow the developer's construction schedule.

Yes. There are no restrictions on non-residents, whether from the EU or elsewhere, buying residential property in Spain. Non-EU buyers should check current visa rules for how long they can stay each year, and everyone should confirm their personal tax position with a qualified adviser.

As a general guide, budget roughly 10 to 13 percent on top of the purchase price. For a resale property in Andalusia this covers transfer tax (ITP, currently a flat 7 percent), notary and land registry fees and legal fees. For a new build you pay 10 percent VAT (IVA) plus stamp duty (AJD, 1.2 percent in Andalusia) instead of transfer tax. Mortgage costs, if applicable, are additional. Rates change, so please confirm current figures with your lawyer or tax adviser before committing.

Yes. The NIE (Número de Identidad de Extranjero) is the tax identification number every foreigner needs to buy property, open a bank account and pay taxes in Spain. It can be obtained in Spain at a police station, through a Spanish consulate abroad, or through your lawyer with a power of attorney. I can point you to the right route for your situation.

Yes, and many of my international clients do. I provide video viewings and detailed reports, your lawyer can act for you under a power of attorney, and the reservation, private contract and even the notary completion can be handled without you travelling. Most buyers still like to visit at least once before committing, and I will always tell you when I think a personal visit matters.