Leila Property Consultancy - LePC Marbella
Who am I?
My commission is always paid by the seller, which is important for YOU to know. Please, let me introduce myself. My name is Leila Waleij, living in this idyllic area, Marbella. I’m an independent property consultant with expertise in helping international and local buyers finding their perfect property/dream home across Costa del Sol. I specialize in the Western Marbella area. From Nueva Andalucía to Estepona, including Benahavís. I know Benahavís by heart.
I’m a clinical pharmacist by profession and I’ve done research in medicine, and now I work with my passion in life, beautiful homes and interior design in paradise, with a penchant for Scandinavian design mixed with a touch of eclectic vibes.
I was born and raised in Sweden, but a couple of years ago, I chose to move to the beautiful Costa del Sol. I fell in love with Spain and was captivated by the beautiful nature and the happy people here. The Province of Malaga is truly a paradise on earth. If YOU are thinking about buying your dream house or dream apartment in Marbella or its surroundings, I can help and support YOU every step of the way.
PS: Other interesting facts about me: I truly love animals, especially cats. 5% of my commission will go directly to helping homeless cats in different areas of Costa del Sol.
Languages: English, Español, Svenska, Danska, Farsi & a little French
LePC’s mission is to find the perfect home for any client, not to find the perfect client for any home!
What can I offer?
Rest assured that someone living & thriving in Marbella with excellent knowledge of the local area, can help YOU finding the specific property that suits your needs, ensuring YOU buy to the best price. I will take care of all aspects of your transaction.
Maybe YOU dream of a charming apartment in Benahavis pueblo or a villa with proximity to golf in Marbella? Or maybe it’s a vineyard with views of the mountains and the sea that attracts YOU the most? Or a mansion in Zagaleta? I will find it for YOU.
For families with children who want to move here, the school is a crucial issue. It’s practical to live close to the school. Marbella has several well-reputed international private schools who are all good but different in their own way. I know them all and can guide you. My recommendation is, that you first choose your preferred school and, then I will find your property in an area with a suitable distance to the school.
Why choose LePC Marbella?
I am totally independent. My firm does not list any properties for sale and I am not tied to a specific real estate agency with an interest in preferably selling listed properties belonging to their own agency. My concept is not expensive ads or flashy pictures on social media. I build long-term relationships with my clients based on trust, responsiveness. and integrity.
Together we examine what YOU are looking for, your frame of reference and budget. I listen to YOU. I explore my network, scan the market and deliver. We meet, the first time YOU choose to view a property that I have presented to YOU. From that point on, we continue in the search for your dream home, together.
In Spain, the buyer is represented by a buying agent and the seller is represented by a selling agent. The agent does not have an exclusive assignment regarding a property. All agents have access to the whole range of housing available on the market. For you as a buyer, this means that YOU only need to find one single agent that YOU trust, and that person will guide YOU through the whole searching process, even if it means fifty house tours.
I’m your buying real estate agent but I’m actually more than that; I’m your adviser and guide in many aspects regarding your move to Marbella or your purchase of a summerhouse/second home. I’m simply your independent property consultant.
Keep in mind that I’m originally a researcher, it’s my main specialty to search, find, investigate and explore. I will find what YOU are looking for.
My commission is always paid by the seller. I’m happy to give YOU free buying advice, so that YOU are ready to buy when I have found the home of your dreams.
I also offer extra services such as translating documents from English and Swedish to Spanish and vice versa, in collaboration with a professional translator. If help is needed with other administrative tasks, I will provide cost estimates per request, if there is something I can assist with.
If YOU are thinking about making a real estate move, please reach out for a friendly chat, no strings attached. I’d be happy to offer my expertise in resale properties, new developments and exclusive real estate opportunities. Completely confidential.
First come, first served
It’s good to know that once YOU have chosen your buying agent, she or he will register you as a client. For example, if YOU want me to represent YOU during the purchase process, YOU should make sure not to register with other real estate agents. Otherwise, there is a risk that I’ll not be able to show YOU certain homes.
The process of buying a home in Spain in 10 steps
1. PREPARE THE FINANCING
Before you actively start looking for the right home in Spain, you should review how the purchase will be financed. This will allow you to act quickly when the right home
appears. Generally, you can mortgage the Spanish home with 50–70% of the market value, the loan will be in euros
.
2. CONTACT A LAWYER
The buyer in Spain – often also the seller – is represented by a legal representative. The legal representative helps you throughout the entire transaction and only looks after your interests. If you are financing a loan using the Spanish home as collateral, your legal representative must be approved by the relevant bank to also handle the loan part. LePC can help you find a suitable lawyer.
3. APPLY FOR A NIE NUMBER – NUMERO DE IDENTIFICACIÓN DE EXTRANJEROS
To own a property in Spain, you need a Spanish tax identification number, a so-called NIE number. Only then, can you be registered as the owner in the land registry. You can apply for a NIE number at the Spanish police station. Usually your lawyer will help you with this process.
4. MAKE A BID
When you have found a property that you want, you place a bid. In most cases, the bid is placed below the starting price. In exceptional cases, there may be upward bidding, but the most common is that you are the only bidder and can initiate negotiations with the seller.
5. INVESTIGATE THE HOME
As a buyer, you are responsible for carefully inspecting the home before you sign a purchase contract. LePC can recommend skilled, independent technical architects. The important thing is, that a home in Spain is almost always sold in its current condition and it’s often, with a few exceptions, very difficult to complain about anything after a contract has been signed. Your lawyer will help you with the investigation of the legal condition of the home.
6. WRITE A DEPOSIT CONTRACT
When you agree with the seller on all the conditions included in the sale, a “Contrato de Arrras” – a deposit contract of the purchase is written. Some conditions are mandatory and established by law, others are free conditions between the parties. Some conditions may be of such a nature that if they are not met, the deal is cancelled, for example conditions regarding loans. In connection with this agreement, you also pay a down payment. This is normally 10% of the purchase price.
7. PAY AND SIGN THE PURCHASE DEED
You and the seller meet with your respective lawyers at a public notary. LePC will also be present representing your buying agent. Here, the “Escritura Pública de Compraventa” – the purchase deed – is established. The identities of the buyer and seller are ensured, as well as the legal condition of the property. The loan is also handled for registration by the notary. This is a security for you. The remaining part of the purchase price, as well as the notary fee and the transaction taxes, is paid directly to the notary. The notary receives the money and transfers it to the seller. It is the notary who cancels any old loan on the property and arranges for any new loan. The notary also pays taxes and other fees.
8.YOU GET THE KEYS IN YOUR HAND
Access to the property is almost always the same day that you sign the “Escritura Pública de Compraventa” – the deed of sale. At the notary you receive the keys and you can immediately move into your new home.
9.ELECTRICITY &WATER/GAS AND HOME INSURANCE
Your lawyer will normally help you signing contracts for electricity, gas and water with you as the new owner. The most important thing, however, is your home insurance, which must be valid from the first day of your ownership. LePC will be happy to guide you with all practical matters, such as home insurance, alarm and internet. I also recommend opening a Spanish banc account for a smoother process, even if you are not going to reside in the country.
10.VIVA ESPAÑA
You are now the owner of a property in wonderful Spain. Let’s chill in the sun!