US tech exec finances a Golden Mile villa

Michael (not his real name), a 48‑year‑old software executive from Silicon Valley, had always imagined a Mediterranean escape where he could unplug from the intensity of his career. An avid sailor and cyclist, he wanted a base in Europe that would offer year‑round sun and easy access to culture and outdoor pursuits. After a sabbatical exploring the south of France and Italy, he fell in love with Marbella’s Golden Mile. The palm-lined boulevard, proximity to marinas, and mix of international cuisine and Andalusian history captured his imagination. With significant savings and a diversified investment portfolio built through his tech career, Michael decided to purchase a villa as both a vacation home and a long-term investment. However, being a US citizen and tax resident, he knew he would need guidance to navigate Spain’s property laws, mortgage process, and currency considerations.

Michael’s income profile was complex. His compensation package included a base salary, annual bonuses, and restricted stock units (RSUs) in his employer. Some RSUs would vest over several years, while others were already liquid. Additionally, he held stock in other tech companies and had a small rental property in California generating passive income. Many of his assets were in US dollars, and he wanted to avoid unnecessary currency risk. When he began researching Spanish mortgages, he encountered conflicting advice. Some sources suggested that US citizens could not obtain mortgages in Spain, while others offered generic information lacking details on how banks evaluate foreign stock-based income. Michael needed an expert who could help him structure his finances in a way that Spanish lenders would understand, while keeping the process efficient and avoiding delays that could jeopardise his property purchase.

Through a referral from a friend in London, Michael discovered Zerodown. A quick visit to the website assured him that they specialised in non-resident cases, offered English-speaking support, and worked with a network of banks able to consider diverse income sources. Michael completed the pre-check form, outlining his desired budget around €1.8 million, the type of property (a modern villa close to the beach), and his income mix (salary, bonuses, RSUs). Within 24 hours, he received a call from Alex, a Zerodown pre-qualification specialist. Alex’s background in corporate finance meant he understood RSUs, stock sale timing, and foreign exchange implications. He explained that Spanish lenders were increasingly comfortable with high-net-worth, foreign borrowers, provided the file clearly broke down income types and demonstrated stability. For Michael, that would mean compiling detailed compensation history, tax returns, and statements showing vested stock and any stock sale proceeds.

Alex also advised Michael on currency planning. Since the purchase price would be denominated in euros, it would be sensible to begin converting a portion of his US dollar assets early, locking in a favourable exchange rate if possible. Zerodown introduced Michael to a foreign exchange specialist who helped him set up a euro account and schedule transfers when the rate was advantageous. This would later save Michael thousands of dollars in conversion fees compared to transferring large sums in one go through his US bank.

Over several weeks, Michael gathered the necessary paperwork. He provided three years of US tax returns, payslips covering his base salary, bonus statements, and a detailed schedule of his RSUs, including vesting dates and values at vesting. He also included brokerage statements showing his holdings and recent stock sales. Because Spanish banks are cautious about the risk of foreign income fluctuations, Alex suggested adding explanatory notes about the tech industry’s performance and diversification strategies. Michael wrote a brief narrative about his company’s growth outlook and his commitment to staying in his role for at least another three years. Zerodown arranged for certified translations of the relevant documents. They also prepared a summary table for lenders, converting all amounts to euros at conservative exchange rates and highlighting what portion of Michael’s income was guaranteed versus variable. This comprehensive, professional file would be key in demonstrating creditworthiness to Spanish banks.

While the documents were being prepared, Michael flew to Marbella to view properties. He met three real estate agents and toured several villas along the Golden Mile. The property that captured his attention was a newly built four-bedroom villa with clean, modern architecture, an infinity pool, and sea views from the upstairs terrace. Priced at €1.85 million, it fit within his budget and offered the high-end features he desired. Michael made a reservation deposit, contingent upon securing suitable finance. The seller’s agent requested proof of funds, and Zerodown provided a letter confirming that Michael’s case was in pre-qualification, with introductions to banks forthcoming.

With the property reserved, Zerodown presented Michael’s file to two international banks with local branches in Spain and experience lending to US citizens. Both banks were receptive to the structured file, particularly the clear breakdown of RSU income and conservative currency conversion. Within one week, the first bank issued an indicative term sheet. The proposed mortgage covered a significant portion of the purchase price at a competitive fixed rate, with the remainder to be paid by Michael as a deposit. The term sheet included details about interest rate, amortisation period, and the requirement for life insurance to cover the loan. Michael sought advice from his US-based financial adviser, who confirmed that the terms were reasonable given current market rates and his risk profile.

The second bank offered an alternative term sheet, with a slightly lower rate but an adjustable component after the first five years. Michael compared the two options carefully. Alex from Zerodown walked him through the pros and cons of fixed versus adjustable rates, considering his intention to hold the property long term. Ultimately, Michael chose the fixed-rate option for the stability it provided. While the initial monthly payment was slightly higher, he valued the predictability and the peace of mind that his rate would not change.

Next, the bank ordered a property valuation. Because the villa was newly built, the valuer focused on verifying construction quality, permits, and adherence to planning regulations. Zerodown coordinated access to the property and arranged for the valuation report to be translated for Michael’s review. The valuer confirmed that the property’s market value aligned with the purchase price, giving both Michael and the bank confidence.

During underwriting, the bank requested additional documentation on Michael’s RSU plan. They wanted assurance that if Michael left his employer, the remaining unvested shares would not disappear entirely. Alex and Michael collaborated to provide explanatory letters from the employer’s HR department and statements showing vesting schedules. This level of detail reassured the bank that Michael’s income stream had stability beyond base salary. They also asked for evidence of Michael’s health insurance, as some lenders require proof of medical coverage when approving long-term mortgages to foreign borrowers. Michael provided documents demonstrating coverage through his employer and a private international policy he purchased.

Once underwriting was complete, the bank issued a binding offer. Michael reviewed the terms with his financial adviser and with Zerodown’s team. The mortgage would cover the majority of the purchase price, with the balance paid from his personal funds. He appreciated that there were no hidden clauses and that the bank’s fee structure was transparent. Michael arranged to transfer the deposit from his US brokerage to his euro account in two tranches, timed to take advantage of favourable exchange rates. Zerodown’s foreign exchange partner facilitated the transfers, ensuring the funds arrived on schedule.

On completion day, Michael flew to Marbella to sign the deed. A local notary oversaw the transaction, reading the terms aloud in Spanish and ensuring both buyer and seller understood the obligations. Zerodown’s lawyer partner accompanied Michael to answer any questions and translate. The bank representative transferred the mortgage funds directly to the seller, and Michael wired his deposit from his euro account. With the keys in hand, Michael walked through his new villa, imagining friends and family visiting for years to come.

After closing, Michael reflected on the process. Working with an introducer like Zerodown had saved time and reduced stress. The team’s knowledge of how Spanish banks evaluate stock-based income, their ability to translate complex financial documents, and their insights on currency management were invaluable. Michael also appreciated that the fee structure was transparent: he paid half of the service fee when the term sheet was issued and the remainder upon completion. By receiving clear expectations and having experts handle both the numbers and cultural nuances, Michael could focus on choosing the right property rather than struggling with bureaucracy. As he begins to enjoy his new home, he is already planning longer stays in Spain, confident that he has a solid financial foundation for his Mediterranean retreat.