Refining the search step by step
Albert and Monika live in Budapest, Hungary. Seven years ago, Albert stopped working after a career in the high-tech industry in Eindhoven and moved from Antwerp to Budapest. He still has a second home in Antwerp today.
When they started looking for a holiday home, the destination was still open.
“We were looking for a holiday home in Southern Europe and initially explored our options through short trips. We visited Italy, Portugal and Spain, among other places, including Ibiza. I also spent a lot of time looking on Idealista, partly because I wasn't necessarily looking for a new-build property.”
They could clearly describe what was important to them:
“We were looking for a location with cultural activities, close to an airport and train station, close to the beach and nature, but not a typical resort.”
At NB-ESTATES, you do not need to have a specific region in mind from the very first conversation. We start with your wishes and refine the search together, without any time pressure. Thanks to our Dutch-speaking teams in the different regions of Spain, we can objectively compare the possibilities.
For Albert and Monika, this eventually brought the Costa Blanca into the picture.
From personal advice to guidance on the ground
Albert's second home is located close to the NB-ESTATES office on Kloosterstraat in Antwerp. He decided to drop in and got talking to Carl.
“I dropped in one day and was given a very friendly welcome by Carl. During our conversation, we came to the conclusion that the Costa Blanca could be a good option. Carl offered to have one of his colleagues there show us around and visit a number of projects with us if we went there for a weekend. And that's exactly what we did. During that weekend, we chose a beautiful apartment in Alicante.”
During this weekend, Albert and Monika were able to experience the region for themselves and visit different projects before making their choice.
From the right property to a secure purchase
Finding a suitable property is only one part of the process. The purchase itself comes next, involving legal and practical steps where good guidance is at least equally important.
For Albert and Monika, this support also proved valuable during the purchasing process:
“The cooperation and guidance were fantastic. There were a few small issues with the property developer that NB-ESTATES managed to resolve. In addition, NB-ESTATES helped us find a very competent lawyer, which you need when making a purchase. And importantly, I was able to handle everything in Dutch, which is very efficient.”
Internally, we also monitor the purchasing process closely. Our Legal Department reviews the necessary documents and provides clarification where needed, so that clients always know what is expected of them during the purchasing process.
The purchase is complete, our guidance isn't
Even after the purchase, you can continue to rely on NB-ESTATES. Our after-sales team supports clients throughout the further process with the property developer, for example with questions, practical matters or possible modifications to the property.
“The guidance provided by NB-ESTATES was very good, especially because NB-ESTATES has staff on the ground who are familiar with the handover process.”
At the time of handover and afterwards, we remain a point of contact for our clients. As long as you own your property, you can contact us with questions and for advice.
Market knowledge and the right contacts on the ground
After completing the entire process, we asked Albert whether he would recommend NB-ESTATES to family or friends.
“Absolutely. NB-ESTATES has a very good overview of the property market in Spain, with a focus on new builds. They have the right contacts and fantastically beautiful projects in the right locations in their portfolio.”
Satisfied clients are our best ambassadors. We are therefore proud to receive such words and, above all, grateful for the trust Albert and Monika placed in us throughout their search and purchase.
His most important advice to future buyers perhaps sums up his experience best:
“Make sure you are guided by people who know how things work in Spain.”
Albert van der Werf
Soon even closer to our Dutch clients
As a Dutch client, Albert's story fits perfectly with the next step for NB-ESTATES. In addition to our presence in Belgium and Spain, the first steps have now been taken in the search for an office in the Netherlands.
We therefore asked Albert how, as a Dutchman, he views this expansion.
“Of course. Many Dutch people are looking for a holiday home in Spain and the Dutch are now the largest group of foreign buyers.”
With our expansion into the Netherlands, we also want to be even closer to our clients there. This allows us to combine personal contact in the Benelux with the local knowledge and guidance of our Dutch-speaking teams in Spain.
So many regions and properties. Where do you start your search?
Anyone looking for a property in Spain is quickly faced with an abundance of regions, projects and possibilities. But what truly suits your wishes and budget? As Albert and Monika's story shows, a good search begins by asking the right questions.
From our offices in Antwerp, Knokke and Spain, and soon also in the Netherlands, we are happy to guide you personally throughout your search. Our Dutch-speaking teams on the ground know the different Spanish regions, the local property market and the regulations, and guide you from A to Z.
Are you considering buying a property in Spain? Schedule a no-obligation introductory meeting at one of our offices, via video call or at your home.
+32 3 304 72 42
sales@nbestates.com
nb-estates.com