Middle Eastern entrepreneur invests in a Marbella villa

Omar, not his real name, is a 42‑year‑old technology entrepreneur from Saudi Arabia who had recently sold a stake in his software business. He wanted to invest some of the proceeds in a lifestyle asset abroad. The Costa del Sol appealed because it combined year‑round sunshine with international schools, golf courses, and a cosmopolitan mix of residents. Omar sought a villa where his family could spend summers and holidays, and he also saw the investment potential in owning property in a region that continues to attract global buyers. The property he targeted was a €1.2 million villa in a gated community near Marbella. With income denominated primarily in Saudi riyals (SAR) and a complex business history, he needed a specialist introducer to navigate currency exchange and anti-money-laundering (AML) requirements.

Omar contacted Zerodown after reading about them on an expat forum. The initial call was with Lina, a pre-qualification specialist fluent in English and Arabic. Lina explained that Spanish banks do lend to Middle Eastern nationals, but there are extra layers of scrutiny when income is in a non‑euro currency. She highlighted the need to document Omar’s salary, dividends, and any distributions from his company. She also outlined that funds used for the deposit must be clearly sourced and that the bank would likely request proof that taxes had been paid on his income. Moreover, some banks prefer to see that clients maintain assets or accounts in euros to mitigate currency risk.

Zerodown guided Omar through compiling his financial portfolio. He provided recent pay slips and dividend statements from his company, as well as bank statements showing savings in SAR and an investment portfolio. Lina advised him to open a euro bank account to facilitate the transfer of funds later. She also recommended engaging an international accounting firm to certify that taxes had been paid on his income. Omar obtained a letter from his Saudi bank confirming the origin of his funds and a certificate of good standing for his company. All documents were translated and certified.

While preparing the file, Omar visited Marbella with his family. They toured several villas but were drawn to one property in particular: a five-bedroom villa with a landscaped garden and sea view. The asking price of €1.2 million reflected its premium location. Omar placed a small reservation deposit, understanding it would be refunded if he could not secure the mortgage.

Zerodown introduced Omar’s case to two Spanish banks known for working with international clients from the Middle East. The banks carefully examined the file, focusing on the source of funds and Omar’s income stability. They requested additional information about his company’s financial statements and a breakdown of his personal assets and liabilities. Lina helped Omar prepare a net worth statement, detailing his holdings and investments.

After thorough review, the first bank issued an indicative term sheet offering a mortgage covering a significant portion of the purchase price. The term sheet stipulated a fixed interest rate for the first ten years, after which the rate would become variable based on EURIBOR. It required Omar to contribute the remainder of the purchase price as a deposit and to maintain a minimum balance in a euro-denominated account to buffer currency fluctuations. The second bank offered a similar structure but insisted on a larger minimum balance. Omar chose the first bank’s offer due to its more flexible conditions.

The bank’s underwriting team then conducted an AML review. Given the involvement of a non‑euro currency and a private company, they sought evidence that all funds were from legitimate, taxed sources. Omar provided copies of his company’s financial statements, including audited accounts and proof of tax payments in Saudi Arabia. He also presented bank statements showing the transfer of dividends into his personal account over several years. Zerodown facilitated communication between the bank and Omar’s accountants to answer any queries promptly. The bank also required an appraisal of the villa, which was carried out by a local surveyor and confirmed the property’s value.

Once underwriting and valuation were complete, the bank issued a binding mortgage offer. Omar reviewed the contract carefully with Lina and his own legal adviser. The mortgage covered most of the purchase price at a competitive rate, with the balance paid from Omar’s euro account. The loan agreement included conditions about currency risk, requiring Omar to keep a certain percentage of his income or savings in euros and giving the bank the right to request additional documentation if there were major currency fluctuations. Omar accepted these conditions, understanding that euro exposure was part of investing in Spain.

The completion took place at a notary in Marbella. The bank transferred funds directly to the seller’s account, and Omar paid his portion from the euro account he had opened. He signed the deed with the assistance of a bilingual lawyer introduced by Zerodown, ensuring that all legal obligations were clear. The bank registered the mortgage on the property, and Omar received the keys.

Reflecting on the process, Omar appreciated the expertise of an introducer. Without Zerodown’s guidance, he might not have known how to prepare his complex financial records in a way Spanish banks would accept. The team’s familiarity with AML requirements and currency considerations ensured that his application didn’t fall at the first hurdle. The process was not quick—three months from initial contact to completion—but it was smooth thanks to careful preparation and open communication. Omar now enjoys summers in Marbella with his family and knows he has a professional team to support him should he wish to refinance or invest further in the future.

After securing the villa, Omar spent time familiarising himself with the Spanish property system and community. He made multiple trips to Marbella with his wife and children, exploring the schools, grocery stores, and cultural attractions. They wanted to ensure that the villa would be a comfortable base not only for holidays but also for extended stays if their children pursued university in Europe. Omar met with neighbours from different countries and attended local expat gatherings. These interactions reassured him about the safety and welcoming atmosphere of the gated community. He also visited the town hall to understand municipal taxes, utility setup, and community fees that come with owning property in Spain.

The currency management aspect continued even after the mortgage was approved. Omar, with guidance from Zerodown’s currency partner, scheduled periodic transfers to his euro account to cover ongoing expenses like maintenance, insurance, and future mortgage payments. They discussed using forward contracts to lock in favourable exchange rates, which provided certainty on future costs. This strategic approach to currency management meant that Omar would not be caught off guard by sudden swings in the SAR-EUR exchange rate.

As the villa purchase moved toward completion, Omar considered how to customise the property. He hired a local architect to design a home office and a play area for his children. The architect recommended construction firms and interior designers familiar with obtaining local permits. Zerodown introduced a Spanish-speaking project manager who oversaw the renovations, liaising with contractors and ensuring work complied with building regulations. During this time, Omar continued to run his business remotely, confident that his investment in Marbella was progressing smoothly.

On the day of completion, Omar’s wife and children accompanied him to the notary’s office. They celebrated with a meal overlooking the sea, toasting to their family’s new chapter. Later, Omar reflected that the process had taught him patience and the value of specialist support. By carefully documenting his finances and following a structured plan, he had transformed a dream into an asset that his family could enjoy for generations. He also realised that his relationship with the bank and the introducer would be an ongoing partnership, as future refinance opportunities or additional purchases could arise. The villa is now more than a holiday home; it is a symbol of the family’s global lifestyle and financial sophistication.

A year after moving in, Omar began to appreciate the broader benefits of his investment. He hosted friends and business associates, showcasing Andalusian hospitality and strengthening personal and professional bonds. He also began exploring philanthropic opportunities in Marbella, donating to a local school and sponsoring a youth tech programme. The villa became a hub for both family gatherings and business brainstorming sessions, blending leisure and ambition in equal measure. As his children grew, he contemplated using the property as a springboard for future studies or work in Europe, confident that the foundation he had laid through careful preparation would serve his family well for decades to come.