10 Things You Need to Know Before Selling Your Golf Resort Property in Murcia

Ensuring a Secure, Successful Sale in Spain’s Premier Golf Communities

Beautiful, sun-drenched and impeccably positioned, the golf resorts of Murcia represent some of the most desirable property locations in Spain. From the historic elegance of Hacienda Riquelme to the grandeur of Mar Menor and the impressive amenities of La Torre, these exclusive communities offer an exceptional lifestyle that continues to attract buyers from across Europe and beyond.

If you’re considering selling your property within these prestigious resorts, understanding the unique aspects of the Spanish property market – particularly within these specialist communities – is essential for achieving the best possible outcome. This guide outlines the ten critical factors you need to consider before putting your golf resort property on the market.

1. The Spanish Property Sale Process Differs Significantly from the UK

Selling residential property in Spain involves a complex, multi-stage process with specific legal and documentation requirements that differ substantially from those in the UK. The journey typically progresses through distinct phases:

Valuation & Market Analysis: Establishing an accurate asking price based on property characteristics, location, and current market trends specific to golf resort properties
Marketing: Creating compelling advertisements with high-quality photographs, descriptions, and potentially floor plans
Finding a Buyer & Negotiation: Handling viewings, enquiries, and negotiations
Preliminary Contract (Contrato de Arras): A legally binding agreement, typically involving a 10% deposit
Due Diligence: Verification of all legal aspects of the property
Notary Involvement: The public Notary plays a central, impartial role in the completion stage
Completion (Signing the Escritura): Formal transfer of ownership
Post-Sale Administration: Handling taxes, utility transfers, and community notifications

Each step carries specific requirements and potential pitfalls, making professional guidance invaluable throughout the process.

2. Documentation is Non-Negotiable for a Legal and Transparent Sale

Assembling the correct documentation is essential for a legal and transparent property sale in Spain. As the seller, you are responsible for providing the following core documents:

Title Deed (Escritura de la propiedad): The original deed proving your ownership
Nota Simple Informativa: An official extract from the Land Registry confirming the property’s legal status
Energy Performance Certificate (Certificado Energético): A mandatory certificate indicating the property’s energy efficiency
Latest IBI Receipt: Proof that annual local property tax is paid up to date
Community of Owners Certificate: If applicable, confirming all community fees are paid
Licencia de Primera Ocupación/Cédula de Habitabilidad: Documents confirming the property meets habitability standards
Recent Utility Bills: Copies of recent bills for essential services
Seller’s Identification: Valid ID (Passport) and Spanish Tax Identification Number (NIE)

Professional agents understand the nuances of these requirements and can guide you through the process of obtaining and presenting these documents correctly.

3. Tax Implications Can Be Significant, Particularly for Non-Residents

Sellers in Spain face various tax liabilities that must be carefully navigated:

Capital Gains Tax (CGT): Applied to the profit realised from the sale, with rates typically at 24% for non-EU residents (including UK citizens post-Brexit) or 19% for EU/EEA residents.

3% Withholding Tax: For non-resident sellers, the buyer must withhold 3% of the total sale price and pay this directly to the Spanish Tax Agency. This serves as an advance payment towards the seller’s CGT liability.

Plusvalía Municipal: A local tax levied by the Town Hall on the increase in the value of the land during the period of ownership.

Understanding these tax obligations is crucial for accurate financial planning. Miscalculations or misunderstandings can lead to unexpected costs, penalties, or delays in receiving your proceeds.

4. Choosing the Right Agent is the Most Critical Decision You'll Make

The agent you select to represent your property can significantly impact the entire selling experience. In Spain, the regulatory environment for estate agents is evolving, with regional initiatives implementing registration requirements and professional standards.

Professional, established agents offer numerous advantages:

Market Expertise: Deep understanding of local property values, trends, and buyer preferences
Procedural Knowledge: Familiarity with Spanish property law, documentation, and transaction procedures
Marketing Reach: Access to international buyer networks and sophisticated marketing platforms
Negotiation Skills: Experience in achieving optimal sales prices and managing complex negotiations
Financial Security: Professional Indemnity Insurance and client money protection provide essential safeguards

Consider these factors when selecting your agent:

Specialisation: Agents focused specifically on golf resorts have deeper knowledge of these unique markets
Track Record: Evidence of successful sales in your specific resort
Verification: Registration with relevant authorities or membership in professional bodies
Client Testimonials: Feedback from previous sellers in similar situations

“We sold our apartment at Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort with Lonrah’s help. Perfect service, clear price agreements, quick communication and no question too much. Not a moment of regret, all agreements were kept and the sale was also completed in an incredible short period.” – Paul & Christine Beckers-Baert

5. Accurate Valuation is Essential in the Specialised Golf Resort Market

Pricing your property correctly from the outset is crucial for attracting serious buyers and achieving a timely sale. Golf resort properties have unique value factors that distinguish them from standard residential properties:

Location within the resort: Frontline golf properties typically command premium prices
Views: Golf course, pool, or mountain views significantly impact valuation
Property type: Different villa models (like the ‘Baron’ at Mar Menor or ‘Sabina’ at La Torre) have varying demand levels
Resort amenities: Security, maintenance, and community facilities contribute to overall value
Seasonal factors: Market activity in Murcia’s golf resorts often follows distinct seasonal patterns

Professional agents with specific resort expertise can provide valuations that accurately reflect these nuances, avoiding both undervaluation (leaving money on the table) and overvaluation (leading to extended marketing periods and potential price reductions).

“All of the local agents in the region charge a minimum selling fee as do Lonrah, but Lonrah will do their utmost to sell your apartment at a true value, instead of selling it cheap to make a fast buck.” – Ria Hurley

6. Effective Marketing Requires Both Global Reach and Resort-Specific Focus

Marketing a golf resort property requires a specialised approach that highlights both the property’s unique features and the lifestyle benefits of the specific resort. Effective strategies include:

Professional Photography: High-quality images that showcase both the property and its setting
Virtual Tours: Especially valuable for international buyers who may initially view remotely
Feature Highlighting: Emphasising unique selling points like golf course views, proximity to amenities, or special features
Resort Context: Providing comprehensive information about the resort’s facilities, community, and advantages
Multi-Channel Exposure: Utilising websites, social media, email campaigns, and print materials
International Targeting: Reaching potential buyers across key markets including the UK, Ireland, Scandinavia, Germany, and the Netherlands

An agent with established marketing systems specifically designed for golf resort properties can significantly enhance your property’s visibility among qualified buyers.

7. International Buyers Have Unique Considerations and Expectations

The buyer pool for Murcia’s golf resort properties is predominantly international, with each nationality having distinct preferences, priorities, and purchasing processes. Understanding these nuances is key to effective negotiation and successful sales.

Common considerations for international buyers include:

Currency Exchange: Fluctuations between the Euro and other currencies impact perceived value
Tax Implications: Non-resident buyers face specific tax requirements
Usage Patterns: Whether the property will be a holiday home, permanent residence, or rental investment
Post-Brexit Factors: UK buyers now face different residency restrictions and considerations
Financing Options: Many international buyers require specialised mortgage arrangements

Working with an agent experienced in international transactions ensures these factors are addressed proactively, facilitating smoother negotiations and completions.

8. The Completion Process Has Distinct Spanish Characteristics

The final stages of a Spanish property transaction have unique features that sellers should understand:

Notary’s Central Role: The Spanish Notary (Notario) oversees the signing of the final deed, verifies identities, checks documentation, and ensures legal compliance
Power of Attorney: Non-resident sellers often grant power of attorney to their legal representative to facilitate completion
Deposit Structure: The typical 10% deposit paid at the preliminary contract stage has specific forfeit conditions
Completion Timing: The period between preliminary contract and completion typically spans 60-90 days
Payment Methods: Bank-certified checks or bank transfers are the standard payment methods

A professional agent coordinates these elements, working alongside your legal representative to ensure the process progresses smoothly to completion.

9. After-Sales Support is Essential for a Smooth Transition

The journey doesn’t end once contracts are signed. Post-sale procedures require careful attention:

Utility Transfers: Arranging the transfer of electricity, water, and other services
Community Notifications: Informing the community administrator of the ownership change
Tax Declarations: Filing necessary tax returns related to the sale
Banking Considerations: Managing proceeds, especially when transferring to international accounts
Mortgage Cancellations: If applicable, ensuring mortgages are properly cleared

Quality agents provide dedicated after-sales support to manage these details, preventing complications that could arise from overlooked administrative tasks.

“First class service – London and Sarah have provided an exceptional service that we believe you will find very hard to even match let alone beat. They took care of the whole process of selling our villa on La Torre Golf Resort in Roldan. From the marketing of our villa, through to securing a buyer and completing the sale, their response time and keenness to provide the answer to any question, however small, was instant every time.” – Justin Elvins

10. Working with Specialists Delivers Measurable Advantages

The golf resorts of Murcia represent a distinct property niche that benefits from specialised expertise. Agents who focus exclusively on these communities offer significant advantages:

Resort-Specific Knowledge: Intimate familiarity with each resort’s unique characteristics, property types, and market dynamics
Targeted Buyer Networks: Established connections with qualified buyers specifically interested in golf resort properties
Resort Community Relationships: Strong working relationships with resort management, community administrators, and service providers
Comparable Sales Insight: Detailed understanding of recent transaction values within specific resorts
Lifestyle Understanding: The ability to effectively communicate the unique benefits of resort living to potential buyers

This specialisation translates into tangible benefits: more accurate pricing, more effective marketing, qualified viewings, and ultimately, better sales outcomes.

“I wanted to thank London and Sarah for the fantastic service in handling the sale of our Spanish apartment in Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort. Thank you so much for all your outstanding work and help.” – AF Alam

What our Clients Say

Our clients’ experiences reflect our commitment to excellence. Here’s what they have to say about working with us.

London is a well-practised and skilled negotiator. On selling our property, he managed to get us the sales price that we were very happy with.

I did not feel that I was being lent on to accept a lesser price in order that London could walk away with his commission.

I think that the buyers were happy too.

London understands the importance of ensuring that all parties come away thinking that they have a fair price for the property – he understands that there is no point in getting a verbal agreement one day, just for one party to pull out the next day because they felt that did not get a good deal.

There are Estate Agents, brilliant Estate Agents and now there is Lonrah. London and Sarah are 'truly exceptional' in what they do.

Lonrah take the time to get to know the client, what your needs and expectations are and then they deliver exactly to the brief. London's knowledge of the property market in the area cannot be surpassed and Sarah provides all the care and attention to detail during the after sales process that you would normally only hope for. Going the extra mile by helping you achieve your dream of owning your Spanish home has been so impressive.

Virtual viewings and return visits have made the process seamless and you really feel as though you have been in the home you have viewed. Keep up the great work Lonrah.

We sold our apartment at Hacienda Riquelme Golf Resort with Lonrah's help. Perfect service, clear price agreements, quick communication and no question too much.

We used to buy this flat with the help of London Eldridge and Sarah Day before they started Lonrah together. That purchase went very smoothly. London with the visits, always professional but never pushy and next Sarah with the excellent administrative handling. For all these reasons, we decided to let Lonrah guide us through this sale.

Not a moment of regret, all agreements were kept and the sale was also completed in an incredible short period. We recommend Lonrah and we love London and Sarah.

Thanks a million.

Paul & Christine Beckers-Baert

After just completing, remotely, on our first Spanish property I have to say I can't recommend London & Sarah at Lonrah highly enough. A remote viewing was arranged within minutes of the property being marketed and after a few phone calls our offer was accepted that day.

From the first minute London & Sarah have been fantastic, answering calls and emails so promptly, and have ensured what could have been a daunting experience as we are UK based was plain sailing.

Always there for us when needed and made us feel so comfortable throughout the whole transaction. Having worked with estate agents in the UK for the last 25 years I can honestly say they could learn a lot from Lonrah.

Highly recommended to say the least.

First class service - London and Sarah have provided an exceptional service that we believe you will find very hard to even match let alone beat.

They took care of the whole process of selling our villa on La Torre Golf Reaort in Roldan. From the marketing of our villa, through to securing a buyer and completing the sale, their response time and keenness to provide the answer to any question, however small, was instant every time.

We would highly recommend them without a single hesitation.

What an amazing team!

Helped us as buyers through the whole process, not just buying a property in Spain, but how to live life in Spain too! would highly recommend!!

Wesley and Claire

Why Choose Lonrah for Your Golf Resort Property Sale?

At Lonrah, we understand that selling your property is about more than a transaction – it’s about securing your investment, respecting your emotional connection to your Spanish home, and ensuring a smooth transition to the next chapter.

As “The Resort Specialist,” we bring unparalleled expertise to the sale of properties within Murcia’s premier golf communities. Our focus is exclusively on the resorts where we live and work – Mar Menor, Hacienda Riquelme, La Torre, Las Terrazas, Roda, and Santa Rosalia – giving us in-depth knowledge that generalist agents simply cannot match.

Our approach combines:

Collaborative Valuation: We provide expert market analysis while respecting that you have the ultimate say in your property’s pricing
Targeted Marketing: Our innovative marketing strategies and extensive advertising reach places your property in front of qualified international buyers
24/7 Customer Service: We keep you updated, consulted, and in control throughout the selling journey
Dedicated After-Sales Support: Our co-founder Sarah Day personally manages the journey from sale agreement to completion
No Minimum Contract Period: You’re always free to remove your property without penalty – we believe we must justify our efforts to you continually

With over 100 resort sales annually, our results speak for themselves. But more importantly, our commitment to building lasting relationships with our clients – many of whom become neighbors and friends within our resort communities – drives everything we do.

Ready to explore selling your golf resort property with Murcia’s specialist agency? Contact us today for a no-obligation consultation and discover the Lonrah difference for yourself.

Contact Information:

Email: sales@lonrah.com
Phone: +34 656 444 520
Website: www.lonrah.com
Office: Visit us in the historic courtyard in the town centre of Hacienda Riquelme – Map Directions