Case report · Costa Brava

Financing an apartment in Cadaqués – Living permanently in one of Spain's most extraordinary coastal settings

A couple from Zurich, both working as dentists, were planning the gradual transition into retirement. They were looking for a high-quality apartment with a generous terrace, a sea view and a short distance to the town centre of Cadaqués.

Key figures

At a glance

  • Purchase price: 1.080.000 €
  • Renovation: 90.400 €
  • Financing required: 648.000 €
  • Equity: 652.000 €

Anonymised case figure · not a binding statement for other projects · §34i GewO

Typical, anonymised case. Names, places and individual financing figures have been adjusted to protect privacy. The process reflects a typical advisory situation for non-resident financing in Spanien.

A place with a special character

Cadaqués is one of the best-known towns on the Costa Brava. Its white architecture, sheltered bay and location by the Cap de Creus nature park give the coastal town an unmistakable character. Anyone who wants to settle here permanently finds only a limited supply of homes. Early, realistic financing planning is correspondingly important.

Initial situation

A couple from Zurich, both working as dentists, were planning the gradual transition into retirement. They were looking for a high-quality apartment with a generous terrace, a sea view and a short distance to the town centre of Cadaqués. The suitable property was in a well-kept building but was to be modernised technically and made more comfortable before moving in.

Financing overview

  • Purchase price: 1.080.000 €
  • Additional costs: 129.600 €
  • Renovation: 90.400 €
  • Total investment: 1.300.000 €
  • Equity: 652.000 €
  • Financing required: 648.000 €

The challenge

The buyers had sufficient assets but did not want to invest all their liquid funds in the purchase. At the same time, the apartment was to meet the requirements for comfortable, permanent living immediately after the purchase, so all modernisation was planned from the start.

Analysis

In highly sought-after towns like Cadaqués, many buyers focus on the location. For robust financing, however, the entire investment is decisive. Alongside the purchase price, additional costs and modernisation measures also belong in the overall planning.

The financing corresponded to 60 % of the purchase price and allowed a balanced combination of equity and long-term financing. This kept part of the assets flexibly available.

Financing solution

All planned measures were included in the financing:

  • installation of a modern designer kitchen
  • renewal of both bathrooms
  • energy-efficient air conditioning
  • custom-made fitted wardrobes
  • intelligent lighting control
  • electric sun-protection systems on the terrace
  • network and media technology for permanent working from Spain

The modernisation was completed in full before moving in.

Outcome

The apartment could be occupied permanently immediately after the work was completed. At the same time, the buyers kept enough financial room for their further life and retirement plans. The financing covered the entire investment requirement without later additions.

What other buyers can learn

In exclusive residential settings like Cadaqués, the purchase price should not be considered alone. A complete calculation of the total investment ensures planning certainty and prevents necessary modernisation from having to be carried out only after moving in.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Is financing sensible even with high equity?
Many buyers deliberately choose not to tie up all their assets in a property but to preserve financial reserves and existing investments.
Which modernisations are especially usual for high-quality apartments?
Alongside kitchens and bathrooms, air conditioning, shading, fitted wardrobes, modern lighting and digital infrastructure are among the most common measures.
Can all modernisation be taken into account directly?
Yes. If the measures are planned and realistically calculated before the purchase, they can often be integrated into the overall financing.
Why is Cadaqués so sought-after by owner-occupiers?
The town combines an extraordinary coastal landscape, high quality of life, established architecture and a quiet living atmosphere with year-round use as a permanent residence.

Conclusion

An apartment in Cadaqués is, for many buyers, the realisation of a long-held living dream. Anyone who considers the purchase price, additional costs and modernisation as an overall concept and structures the financing accordingly creates a reliable basis for permanent life on one of Spain's most beautiful coasts.

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Anonymised individual case, not a binding statement for other projects · Siegfried Perini, BAFA-notified for the cross-border activity of the owner Olga Nikushkina · §34i GewO · no tax or legal advice · no financing commitment; conditions depend on creditworthiness, loan-to-value and bank