Process

Your buying journey,
step by step

From the moment you reach out to the day you receive your keys, this is exactly what buying a property in the Málaga Region with Aluma looks like.

At a glance

Nine steps from first call to keys in hand

Every buyer's journey is slightly different, but the structure is always the same. Below is a visual overview of what working with Aluma looks like, from the moment you reach out to the moment you are settled in your new home.

Steps 1–7 are included in all packages. Step 8 (Trusted professionals) is part of Complete and Premium. Step 9 (Settlement and aftercare) is exclusive to the Premium package.

Your journey to a home in the Málaga Region – Aluma Real Estate buying process infographic
01
First contact
A free introductory call

We start with a 30-minute call. No sales pitch, no pressure. You tell us what you are looking for, what you have seen so far, and what has been holding you back. We listen, ask questions, and tell you honestly whether and how we can help.

This call is free and without obligation. Many clients book it simply to understand the market better, even before they are ready to commit.

Video or phoneDutch, English or Spanish30 minutesFree, no obligation
Aluma buying process step 1
02
Package & plan
Choosing your level of support

If it is a good fit, we agree on the right package together. Essentials covers market orientation only. Complete covers the full buying journey. Premium adds relocation and settlement support. There is no pressure to choose the most expensive option, only the one that fits your situation.

We agree the scope, the fee, and the timeline upfront. Everything in writing, nothing hidden.

Essentials · €1,995Complete · €3,995Premium · €5,495Written agreement
03
Market orientation
Understanding the Málaga Region market

Before you look at a single property, we give you a clear picture of the market. Which areas fit your lifestyle. What properties in your budget actually look like. What the full cost of purchase is, including taxes, notary fees and legal costs.

We also give you a personalised buying roadmap: a step-by-step plan specific to your situation, so you always know what comes next.

Neighbourhood analysisFull cost overviewBuying roadmap
Aluma buying process step 3
04
Property search
Finding the right properties

We identify properties that genuinely match your criteria, including off-market opportunities not listed publicly. We pre-screen everything before we put it in front of you. If a property does not meet the standard, you will not hear about it.

Our developer and co-broker network gives us access to new-build projects and exclusive listings across the Málaga Region.

On-market and off-marketNew build and resalePre-screened only
05
Viewings
Seeing properties the right way

We coordinate and accompany all viewings. We assess each property independently during the visit, flagging anything that concerns us and identifying anything that adds value beyond what you can see. We speak Spanish with the agents and vendors, so nothing is lost in translation.

All viewings coordinatedIndependent assessmentSpanish-speaking advisor
Aluma buying process step 5
06
Offer & negotiation
Securing the right price and terms

When you find the right property, we advise on the offer strategy. We use comparable transaction data, assess the seller's position, and negotiate on your behalf. We do not negotiate emotionally. We negotiate with data, patience, and a clear understanding of what the market supports.

Pricing analysisNegotiation strategyContract review
07
Legal & completion
Navigating the Spanish buying process

The Spanish property purchase has specific steps that can feel unfamiliar: NIE number, reservation contract, nota simple, purchase tax, and the final signature at the notary. We guide you through every one of them, in plain language, in your language.

We introduce you to a trusted independent lawyer and, if needed, a Spanish mortgage broker. We attend the notary with you.

NIE guidanceLawyer introductionNotary attendancePurchase tax included
Aluma buying process step 7
08
The right professionals
Connecting you to people you can trust

The Spanish property purchase involves a number of professionals: a property lawyer (abogado), a notary, a gestor for registrations and tax filings, and often a mortgage broker. The quality of these professionals varies enormously.

We introduce you only to people we have worked with, tested personally, and would recommend to a close friend. Our network includes independent lawyers experienced in international transactions, established gestores, and mortgage brokers with access to Spanish lending products for non-residents.

Independent lawyerGestorMortgage brokerNotary guidance
09
Settlement (Premium)
Landing in Málaga, properly

For Premium clients, we do not stop at the keys. We set up utilities, introduce you to a trusted gestor for registrations (NIE, padrón, residencia if applicable), and provide relocation support: school guidance, healthcare, local network introductions and rental strategy where relevant.

For 12 months after completion, we remain available. Questions arise after every purchase. We answer them.

Utility setupGestor introductionNIE and padrón supportSchool and healthcare12 months aftercare
Aluma buying process step 9
Our commitments

The promises we make to every client

01
We tell you the truth
If a property is overpriced, we say so. If a neighbourhood has drawbacks, we tell you. Our advisory value depends entirely on our honesty.
02
We never rush
Our focus is the right outcome for you, not closing a transaction quickly. The right decision, at the right time, is always worth waiting for.
03
We stay involved
We do not hand you off to someone else. We remain your point of contact from the first call to the final key, and beyond for Premium clients.
04
We protect your interests
In a foreign market, with unfamiliar professionals and an unfamiliar legal system, having someone whose loyalty is to you alone is not a luxury. It is a necessity.
05
We keep your confidence
Every conversation, every detail, every financial parameter you share with us is treated with complete discretion. Your information is never shared, ever.
06
We think long-term
We are not interested in a single transaction. We want to be the advisor you call for every property decision you make in Spain, now and in the future.
What clients say

The experience, in their words

View all reviews on Google ↗

"They are a very trustworthy person who instils a great sense of confidence throughout the entire process, and they work within the market price range."

Josue Byron Ligorria Google

"Thomas helped me excellently in my search for a second home in Spain. His knowledge of the region was clearly evident and gave me a lot of confidence. Thanks to his guidance and involvement, things are going very well."

Willgard Vos Google

"Purchasing a property abroad can be exciting, but Thomas from Aluma Real Estate made the entire process incredibly pleasant. He genuinely listens and gives honest, high-quality advice. We are absolutely delighted with the result."

Annemarie Google

"Thomas guided me superbly. His extensive experience and reliability come first."

Bo Sanders Google

"I had a very good experience working with Thomas. From the beginning he was very attentive and professional. He has excellent knowledge of the areas and was able to recommend high-quality options that perfectly suited my needs. His friendly and personalised approach stood out. Would I recommend working with him? Absolutely."

Juani Ovejero Google

Ready to start your search?

Book a free 30-minute call. No obligation, no pressure, just an honest conversation about how we can help.

Book a free call