Guides · 5 October 2026
Pre-Purchase Home Buying Checklist
Buying a home is, for most people, quite possibly the largest investment they will make at least once in their lifetime. Given how important it is, it pays to look closely at every document you're about to sign — it's never a good idea to hand over money on account, or to commit to a purchase, without first getting advice from a qualified professional.
At MoMaA, an architecture studio based in Marbella, we've put together this pre-purchase home buying checklist to help you make an informed decision before taking the leap — whether you're buying in Marbella, along the Costa del Sol, or anywhere else.
I. Economic aspects
- Check the community fees and confirm there are no outstanding debts.
- Verify that the property tax (IBI) is fully paid.
- Confirm there are no outstanding fees owed to any conservation entity, master community or similar body, for homes located in developments outside the town centre.
- Find out the monthly community fee.
- Find out the monthly cost of the contracted electrical power for your appliances.
- Find out the annual property tax (IBI) cost.
- Find out the annual cost of waste management (rubbish collection) for the property.
II. Urban planning aspects
- Copy of the first occupancy licence (certificate of habitability) for the property.
- Copy of the certificate confirming no urban planning infractions, issued by the local planning authority.
- Updated copy of the property registry extract ("nota simple"); check for liens or easements.
- Copy of the cadastral certificate, to verify that the surface area used for tax purposes matches the one on the registry extract.
- Copy of the certificate of completion of works and the declared surface areas.
- Copy of the building's use and maintenance manual, including electricity and water compliance certificates, plus warranties for air conditioning equipment, etc.
- Copy of the project or drawings of the property, approved/stamped if possible.
- Copy of the community's bylaws (statutes).
- Local urban development plan (PGOU) maps showing the land classification and zoning for the area.
- Check for a draft of a new PGOU, if one is currently being drawn up.
III. Neighbourhood aspects
- Orientation plan of the property and analysis of its sun exposure.
- Interview with the community president or administrator.
- Talk to neighbouring residents to get their feedback on the building and the area.
- Check traffic noise at different times of day.
- Check street noise at different times of day.
- Check neighbour noise at different times of day.
- Distance to schools.
- Distance to the bus station.
- Distance to the nearest metro/train stop.
- Distance to emergency and medical centres.
- Distance to supermarkets.
- Distance to shopping centres.
- Distance to sports facilities.
IV. Construction aspects
- Energy performance certificate of the property and its rating.
- Inspection of the electrical panel and wiring.
- Inspection of the HVAC system, the condition of its units and its efficiency.
- Inspection of the plumbing and taps (limescale build-up, general condition, etc.).
- Inspection of the sewage/drainage system.
- Check for damp or moisture stains.
- Check for cracks in the walls.
- Check for cracks in the ceiling.
- Check the condition of the flooring.
V. Registration aspects
- Execution of the public deed before a notary.
- Payment of taxes and registration at the Land Registry.
- Activation of the electricity supply.
- Activation of the water supply.
- Activation of phone and internet services.
At MoMaA we've spent more than two decades advising buyers and homeowners across the Costa del Sol. If you need an independent technical inspection before signing, a review of a property's planning documentation, or answers about its construction condition, our team of architects can help you buy with the peace of mind of professional, independent advice.