Case report · Costa Brava

Financing an apartment in Roses – Sea view with modernisation from the start

A couple in their early sixties from southern Germany were planning a complete move to Spain after entering retirement. They were looking for a generous apartment with a sea view, a lift and good access to the Roses promenade.

Key figures

At a glance

  • Purchase price: 620.000 €
  • Renovation: 55.600 €
  • Financing required: 404.000 €
  • Equity: 346.000 €

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.

Between the Mediterranean and the nature park: financing with foresight

Roses is one of the most sought-after residential locations on the northern Costa Brava. The combination of wide beaches, good year-round infrastructure and proximity to the Cap de Creus nature park makes the town especially attractive for German-speaking buyers who want to move their centre of life permanently to Spain. Many properties are convincing in terms of location but require a modern renovation before moving in.

Initial situation

A couple in their early sixties from southern Germany were planning a complete move to Spain after entering retirement. They were looking for a generous apartment with a sea view, a lift and good access to the Roses promenade. The property matched their ideas in terms of location and size, but the kitchen, both bathrooms and the air conditioning were to be modernised before the residence was moved permanently.

Financing overview

  • Purchase price: 620.000 €
  • Additional costs: 74.400 €
  • Renovation: 55.600 €
  • Total investment: 750.000 €
  • Equity: 346.000 €
  • Financing required: 404.000 €

The challenge

The buyers deliberately wanted to keep a larger part of their liquid assets as a financial reserve and not invest everything in the purchase. At the same time, all modernisation measures were to be carried out immediately after the purchase, without additional financing being required later.

Analysis

For high-quality apartments in Roses, financing is often based not solely on the purchase price but on the entire investment. If modernisation measures are taken into account already at the planning stage, the financing requirement can be calculated transparently and over the long term.

In this case the financing corresponded to around 65 % of the purchase price. The available equity covered a considerable part of the investment including additional costs and at the same time ensured a balanced financing structure.

Financing solution

The financing was structured so that, alongside the purchase, all planned modernisations were taken into account from the start. These included:

  • complete renewal of the kitchen
  • modernisation of both bathrooms
  • installation of energy-efficient air conditioning
  • new fitted wardrobes in the bedroom area
  • renewal of the lighting with modern LED technology

This meant the apartment could be occupied immediately after the work was completed, without having to carry out later conversions during ongoing use.

Outcome

The buyers were able to prepare their move to Roses as planned and occupy the property permanently shortly after the renovation. Thanks to the early inclusion of all modernisation, a solid overall calculation emerged with no subsequent financing need. At the same time, part of their assets remained as a reserve for the new chapter of life.

What other buyers can learn

On the Costa Brava in particular, apartments in good locations are often offered in well-kept but no longer up-to-date condition. Anyone who includes necessary modernisation in the overall financing gains planning certainty from the start and avoids additional financing solutions after the purchase. A balanced combination of equity and financing can also help to preserve financial flexibility after the purchase.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Does modernisation always have to be paid from own funds?
No. If the measures are defined before the purchase and calculated realistically, they can often be included directly in the overall financing.
Why is not all of the available capital used?
Many buyers deliberately choose to keep financial reserves for unforeseen expenses or retirement rather than investing all their capital in the property.
Which modernisations are especially common for apartments in Roses?
Alongside kitchens and bathrooms, air conditioning, shading, new windows, fitted wardrobes, network cabling and energy-efficient lighting are among the most common measures.
Is Roses suitable as a permanent residence?
Roses has year-round infrastructure, medical care, shopping and good transport links, which is why it is one of the popular places to live on the Costa Brava for people who want to move to Spain permanently.

Conclusion

Buying a property in Roses shows how sensible financing can be when it takes into account not only the purchase price but the entire investment. If modernisation measures are planned from the start and equity and the financing requirement are balanced against each other, a sound basis emerges for a permanent start to life on the Costa Brava.

Your contact

A similar situation in Spanien? Let's talk.

Every financing in Spanien is an individual case. In a free initial consultation I will tell you honestly what is feasible and which bank fits.

Book a free consultation

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