Property services · Costa del Sol
Buying, selling, renting or looking after a property raises different questions. At RIVA CELESTE we help you organise your decisions, find the right options and coordinate the necessary steps on the Costa del Sol, with close and clear communication.
Your starting point
We help you define priorities, select opportunities and move forward with sound judgement throughout the purchase.
We design a presentation and marketing strategy tailored to selling or renting.
We support you with managing your property, the steps after the signing and certain complementary formalities.
Eight services, one adviser
Choose where you would like to start. We will then define together the scope you need.
A search designed around you: carefully selected properties, well-prepared viewings and coordination of every stage up to the signing.
A sales strategy to present your property accurately, reach the right buyers and support you from the first enquiry to the signing.
We prepare your home for the market, deal with interested parties and coordinate the process until the tenancy is formalised, according to the type of rental chosen.
One point of contact to look after your home while you are away: inspections, keys, maintenance and coordination of services according to an agreed plan.
After the signing, we help you organise the handover of the property and coordinate the practical formalities so that you can start enjoying it.
We help you prepare the next steps and, where appropriate, contact authorised mortgage lenders or credit intermediaries.
We handle the NIE, TIE, Social Security, municipal registration (empadronamiento), transfer of utility contracts and other formalities related to your property in Spain on your behalf.
We plan and coordinate the renovation of your home: quotes from trusted professionals, permits and supervision of the works through to completion.
Eight services in detail
Service 01
Buying well starts long before choosing a home.
A property can be attractive at first sight and yet not suit the way you want to live or invest. That is why we start by listening to you. We talk about areas, total budget, lifestyle, timeframes and real priorities. If you are buying from abroad, we also take into account the time you have available for viewings and the formalities you will need to arrange before the signing.
Our job is to help you make decisions with well-organised information. We select relevant options, prepare the viewings and explain the points worth checking in each property. As the transaction progresses, we coordinate communication with the seller and with the professionals you choose for the legal, technical and tax checks.
Define → Select → View → Check → Negotiate → Coordinate the signing
At each stage you will know what information we have, what still needs to be confirmed and which decision needs to be made. Individual legal and tax review, official valuation and mortgage approval are the responsibility of the competent professionals or institutions.
Share your priorities and we will suggest a realistic starting point.
01
We specify location, type of property, layout, essential features, negotiable preferences, timeframe and budget. We distinguish between the purchase price and the overall budget for the transaction.
02
We prepare a list of properties that meet your criteria and point out their advantages and the aspects worth checking. We avoid viewings that add no value to your search.
03
We coordinate times, routes and questions to make the most of each viewing. If you live outside Spain, we can prepare an initial shortlist remotely with the information available.
04
We help you assess location, condition, layout, surroundings, known running costs and possible uses, without replacing the checks of a surveyor or lawyer where these are needed.
05
We help you formulate a coherent proposal, communicate it and understand the seller’s responses. Any important condition must be correctly reflected in the contractual documentation.
06
We gather or request the available information on the property and make it easier for the relevant professionals to review it: ownership and registered charges, planning status, community of owners, utilities and other relevant matters depending on the case.
07
We organise dates, contacts and pending tasks, including the reservation or deposit contract (arras) where applicable. We coordinate the preparation of the notarial signing with the parties and professionals involved.
08
We help plan the handover of the keys and, if you wish, connect you with the after-sales service for the practical formalities that follow.
Service 02
Every property needs its own strategy.
Selling is not just about publishing photos and waiting for enquiries. The asking price, the quality of the presentation, the information available and the way viewings are handled all influence the buyer’s experience and the owner’s ability to negotiate.
At RIVA CELESTE we start by getting to know the property and its circumstances. We analyse its market position, identify which buyer profile it may appeal to and define a presentation and marketing plan. During the marketing period, we keep you informed of enquiries, viewings and offers received so that you can decide with sound judgement.
An agreed sales plan, a coherent presentation of the property, regular updates on the marketing and one point of contact to organise the transaction.
Decisions on price and on accepting offers remain yours.
Tell us where your property is and what timeframe you have in mind.
01
We learn about your goals, timetable, occupancy situation, the property’s features and the important conditions of the sale.
02
We study the property’s positioning using market references and its specific attributes. We agree on a pricing strategy that can be reviewed according to the market’s real response. This valuation is not an official appraisal for mortgage purposes.
03
We identify the documents needed to market the property clearly: ownership, registry details, floor area, energy certificate, community fees and other applicable items. The legal check is the responsibility of the designated professional.
04
We suggest adjustments in preparation, tidiness and staging. We coordinate photography, video, floor plans or visual material when they are part of the assignment. The description must faithfully represent the property.
05
We write the listing, publish it on the agreed channels and adapt the messages to the buyer profile, including international buyers where relevant.
06
We answer enquiries, organise viewings and gather the information needed to identify genuine interest, while respecting the privacy of contacts.
07
We share the marketing activity and relevant feedback. If the market response suggests changing the price or the presentation, we discuss it with you before acting.
08
We pass on the offers, help you compare conditions beyond the price and coordinate the next steps up to the deed with the notary, the buyer and the relevant professionals.
Service 03
Renting with clarity from the very first contact.
Renting requires defining from the outset who the property is aimed at, what conditions are offered and what responsibilities each party has. A long-term residential tenancy is not the same as other types of stay: the type of rental determines the documentation, timeframes and applicable requirements.
We help you present the property with complete information, handle enquiries and organise viewings. Before the agreement is formalised, we coordinate the documentation and recommend that the contractual terms be reviewed by the competent professional when the case requires it.
Rental marketing focuses on finding a tenant and formalising the tenancy.
Ongoing management of the property – incidents, maintenance or continued coordination – is a separate service whose scope is agreed separately. See property management →
Tell us the location, availability and intended use.
01
We discuss the intended use, availability of the property, desired duration and occupant profile. When the type of rental has specific requirements, these are checked before the property is advertised.
02
We review its presentation, equipment and available information. We suggest any cleaning, maintenance or photography worth doing before it is published.
03
We agree on an indicative asking rent and clear commercial terms, taking into account the property’s features and the applicable regulations.
04
We write an accurate description and organise the necessary information on floor area, equipment, rent, costs and conditions, so that applicants know exactly what is on offer.
05
We answer questions, coordinate times and collect only the information relevant to moving the process forward.
06
We share with the owner the applications and the relevant information obtained lawfully, without promising any financial outcome or future behaviour.
07
We help organise the agreed terms, the inventory, the deposit and the timetable for signing and handover, with a professional review of the contract where appropriate.
08
If this module is contracted, we organise the handover and a record of the condition of the property and the items included.
Service 04
Your home looked after, even when you are far away.
A second home needs attention during the months it stands empty too. A small fault, a technician’s visit or the preparation of your next stay should not force you to sort everything out from another country. That is why we create a care plan tailored to the property, how often you use it and the level of support you wish to delegate.
Management starts with a clear agreement: what is checked, how often, who authorises expenses, how an incident is reported and which suppliers may access the property. You keep control of the decisions; we coordinate the tasks entrusted to us and report back on the results.
First we document the condition and needs of the property. Then we agree on the frequency of visits, recurring tasks, the budget that can be authorised and how we communicate.
From then on, every action has a person responsible, an authorisation where required and a result reported to the owner.
Tell us where the property is and how long it stays unoccupied.
01
Visual check of entrances, windows, possible signs of damp or leaks, air conditioning, electricity and general condition, within the agreed scope. After the visit, any issue detected is reported.
02
A summary of the visit with photos where appropriate, tasks carried out, pending matters and decisions that require your authorisation.
03
Safekeeping and controlled handover to suppliers or authorised persons, with a record of access according to the contracted procedure.
04
Contact with technicians for repairs, equipment servicing, gardening, pool or security systems. We request and forward quotes before commissioning work that requires approval.
05
Organising cleaning, ventilation and a basic check before your arrival; coordination after your departure if agreed.
06
Receiving notifications, initial assessment and coordination of the appropriate action. Hours, contact channels and limits for urgent action are set out in the contract; the service does not imply permanent availability unless expressly agreed.
07
Communication with companies and service providers regarding appointments, breakdowns, quotes and tasks related to the property, within the authorisations granted.
08
Coordination of professionals, access to the property, progress monitoring and reporting of issues. Works subject to permits, technical direction or specialised supervision require the competent professionals.
09
Preparation between stays, cleaning, maintenance and coordination of check-ins or check-outs. Marketing and the requirements of the rental type are defined separately.
Service 05
The signing completes the purchase, but opens a new chapter.
Receiving the keys does not mean that all tasks are done. The documents received may still need checking, utilities organised, the workings of the community of owners understood or the property prepared for first use. For a buyer living outside Spain, these formalities can mean many extra trips and messages.
Our after-sales service helps organise what is pending and coordinate specific tasks agreed with you. We work with a clear list of actions, responsibilities and deadlines, and let you know what has been completed and what still requires your decision.
A smoother transition between the purchase and the use of your new home.
The service is defined before we start, so that you know which formalities are included, which are carried out by a third party and what external costs may arise.
Tell us when you will sign or when you received the keys.
01
Coordination of keys, remote controls, codes and documentation provided by the seller or developer, with a record of what has been received.
02
Identifying the practical formalities still pending and who is responsible for each one: buyer, notary, administrative agency, lawyer, bank or agency.
03
Coordinating contacts for electricity, water, internet and other services, including providing the necessary details when this is part of the assignment.
04
Gathering contact details, fees and available rules to help you get to know the building or development.
05
Organising cleaning, equipment checks, small repairs or furniture delivery through agreed suppliers.
06
Recording issues detected after the handover and coordinating communication with the seller, developer or responsible professional. Legal claims and technical assessment are the responsibility of specialists.
07
A point of contact during the agreed period to check that the tasks entrusted are progressing and to close any pending ones.
08
If the property will be empty for part of the year, we can prepare a separate property management proposal.
Service 06
Plan your financing before making your final choice.
When the purchase depends on a loan, it is worth knowing early on what documentation the lender may request, what timeframes are usually involved and how the financing process fits into the transaction timetable. This is especially useful if your income comes from another country or if you need to coordinate documents from different jurisdictions.
RIVA CELESTE can help you organise the initial information and, where appropriate, put you in touch with a duly authorised lender or mortgage credit intermediary. The creditworthiness assessment, the terms of the offer, regulated credit advice and the granting of the loan are the responsibility of those professionals and institutions, not of the property agency.
The amount available, the approval and the terms of the loan depend on the lender’s assessment.
We recommend not making purchase commitments based on a verbal estimate of financing; any relevant condition should be reviewed with the lender or intermediary and, where appropriate, with your legal adviser.
Tell us what property you are looking for and whether you have already spoken to a lender.
01
We identify the target price, available own funds, purchase horizon and whether you plan to apply for financing, without carrying out a creditworthiness assessment.
02
We explain the usual stages – enquiry, documentation, the lender’s assessment, possible valuation and decision – so that you can anticipate timings and dependencies.
03
We help you organise what the financial professional requests. Each lender will set its own specific requirements, especially for non-resident buyers.
04
If you would like specialist help, we put you in touch with a registered lender or intermediary and tell you who will provide the financial service.
05
With your authorisation, we keep the financing timeline aligned with the reservation, the contractual agreements and the signing, without assuming the loan is approved before the lender confirms it.
06
We point out which questions to put directly to the lender or intermediary: costs, interest rate, linked products, valuation, timeframes and the terms of the offer.
Service 07
Less uncertainty in the paperwork for your project in Spain.
For many foreign buyers, the Foreigner Identity Number (NIE) is among the first formalities to plan. It is important to distinguish the number from the documents in which it may appear and from any residence permit: having an NIE does not in itself grant the right to live or work in Spain.
In addition to the NIE, depending on your nationality and plans, other documents and formalities may be needed: the TIE or the EU citizen registration certificate, the Social Security number, municipal registration (empadronamiento), a digital certificate, a Spanish bank account or meeting your tax obligations as an owner.
We take care of the paperwork. We prepare the documentation, book the appointments and process the applications on your behalf when the procedure allows it, with your authorisation or through a power of attorney; for the steps that require your personal attendance, we go with you. If you prefer, you can also do them yourself and rely only on our guidance. Appointments, acceptance of applications and the issue of documents depend on the competent authority.
You can delegate the entire procedure to us, ask us to handle specific steps or simply ask for guidance. We will explain the scope and cost of our service before we start.
We do not replace the authorities, nor do we guarantee obtaining any document, appointment or specific timeframe.
Tell us which country you are writing from and what stage your project is at.
01
We prepare the documentation, book the appointment and handle the application in Spain or through the consulate. When the procedure allows it, we act on your behalf with your authorisation or through a power of attorney; if your presence is required, we go with you.
02
We identify the document that applies to you according to your nationality – the registration certificate for citizens of the EU, the EEA and Switzerland, or the Foreigner Identity Card (TIE) for nationals of other countries with a residence permit – prepare the file, book the appointment and go with you for the fingerprinting or registration, which must be done in person.
03
We process the application for the affiliation number with the necessary documentation, whether to work in Spain, register as self-employed or access certain benefits.
04
We prepare the application with the documentation required by the town hall and submit it or go with you, according to each municipality’s procedure.
05
We handle the application and guide you through the identity verification – the only step you must do yourself – so that you can deal online with the Tax Agency, Social Security and other bodies.
06
We put you in touch with the right bank, prepare the documentation and coordinate opening the account as a resident or non-resident. Signing the bank contract is up to you.
07
Together with a partner tax adviser or administrative agency, we take care of IBI, municipal fees and taxes for resident or non-resident owners. Tax returns are filed by the authorised professional.
08
We put the electricity, water, gas, internet and telephone contracts in your name, review power and tariffs, and set up direct debits from your account so that everything works from day one.
09
We set up direct debits for IBI and the waste collection fee, notify the community and the property administrator of the change of owner and handle other municipal notices related to the property.
10
Sworn translations, apostilles, powers of attorney, exchanging your driving licence, health card or home insurance: we handle them for you or with the right professional when necessary.
01
We check with you whether you already have an NIE and what specific formality you intend to carry out. A new number should not be requested if one already exists in your name.
02
We show you where to consult the official procedure in Spain or, if you are abroad, at the Spanish consulate that corresponds to your place of residence.
03
We help you gather and organise the forms and supporting documents required by the competent body. Requirements may vary depending on the submission route and personal circumstances.
04
We help you fit the formality into the purchase timetable, bearing in mind that getting an appointment can take time and that no date should be taken for granted.
05
When a formality requires representation, translation, legal or tax advice, we help you contact the right professional if that support is part of the contracted service.
06
We keep a list of completed steps, pending documents and the next action that depends on you or on another party.
07
Depending on the project, we can coordinate communications with the notary, administrative agency, utilities or other suppliers. Each additional formality is expressly defined before it begins.
Service 08
A home tailored to you, before you move in or sell.
Many properties on the Costa del Sol gain value and comfort with a well-planned renovation: an updated kitchen or bathrooms, better insulation and energy efficiency, or a more practical layout. For those living outside Spain, coordinating building work remotely can be complicated.
That is why we help you plan the renovation from the start: we assess with you what is worth doing, request quotes from trusted professionals, check the necessary permits and supervise the works through to completion.
We have already supported more than 25 renovations of properties sold. The works are carried out by authorised companies and technicians; we coordinate, monitor progress and keep you informed in your language.
We present comparable quotes, a realistic timetable and progress updates with photos, even if you are not in Spain.
The scope, timeframes and cost of each project depend on the professionals carrying it out and on municipal permits.
Tell us which property you would like to renovate and what result you are looking for.
01
We visit the property with you, or by video call if you are away, and define which renovation adds the most comfort or value for your goal: living, renting or selling.
02
We request and compare offers from architects, surveyors, builders and installers with experience on the Costa del Sol.
03
We check whether the works require a licence or a declaration at the town hall and the community’s authorisation, and coordinate the application.
04
Kitchens, bathrooms, floors, painting, carpentry, air conditioning, terraces or pools: from small improvements to a complete renovation.
05
Insulation, windows, aerothermal heat pumps or solar panels: improvements that reduce consumption and improve the energy certificate rating, with information on possible grants.
06
We visit the site, send you photos and progress updates and let you know about every pending decision, so you do not need to be there.
01
What you want to achieve, with what budget and by when: whether the property is for you, for renting or for selling.
02
We define the scope with the professionals, compare quotes and explain each item to you before you decide.
03
We coordinate permits, timetable and trades, and keep you informed of progress at every stage of the works.
04
We review the finishes with you, gather invoices and guarantees and leave the property ready to live in, rent out or sell.
How we work
01
You tell us what you want to achieve, by when and what needs to be resolved first.
02
We define the right service and actions for your situation, with a clear scope.
03
We organise the agreed conversations, visits and formalities with the people involved.
04
You know what has been done, what is pending and what the next decision is.
Frequently asked questions
Yes. Tell us what you have in mind and where you are in the process. We will help you identify the most useful next step for your situation.
Yes. We can organise remote communication and coordinate the stages of your property project on the Costa del Sol. When a formality requires your presence, specific documentation or representation, we will let you know in advance.
We can guide you through the process and, where appropriate, put you in touch with authorised lenders or intermediaries. Approval and the terms of financing depend exclusively on those who grant it.
No. You can apply yourself to the competent authorities. Our service is designed for those who prefer help understanding and coordinating the steps linked to their property transaction.
It is defined according to the property and its needs. Before we start, we will set out in writing the tasks included, how we will communicate and any applicable costs.
Our commitment
Not every project requires the same formalities. Before we start, we listen to your situation, define the tasks we will take on, identify the external professionals who need to be involved and explain how we will keep in touch. That way you will know what to expect from RIVA CELESTE and which decisions remain yours.
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