Buying a Home in Martos (Jaén) as an Expat: Why We Chose It and Why We Love It
Three years ago we stopped scrolling property sites, got on a plane and started viewing homes around Jaén. After a few false starts and plenty of coffee stops we found our home in Martos. We signed, collected the keys, and we have never looked back. If you are an expat thinking about buying here, this is what Martos feels like from the inside and why it works for us.
What Martos Feels Like Day to Day:
Real Andalusian life. Whitewashed streets, a dramatic rocky backdrop, and a town that still pauses for a chat on the way.
Everything you need. Supermarkets, markets, health centre, schools, sports facilities and trades so you are not driving miles for basics.
Friendly pace. Morning coffee in centre, long golden evenings, and a calendar of local fiestas.
Great base. Jaén city is a short hop, Granada and Córdoba are easy day trips.
The Bit We Fell for: Olive Grove Country:
Martos sits in endless olive hills. Winter brings the buzz of the harvest and the rest of the year is all about walking or cycling the Vía Verde del Aceite, a traffic free greenway on the old railway line. It is beautiful, low stress and perfect when friends visit.
Value for Money and Space:
Compared with coastal hotspots, Martos offered us more house for our budget and for many homes a bit of outside space or a view. If you want authentic Spain without resort prices it is a compelling option.
Our Buying Journey: Plain English Timeline
- Area research and viewing trips
We narrowed to Martos after seeing the town in person, not just the listings. - NIE and bank account
Essential for the purchase and utilities. - Independent lawyer
Checked title, debts, planning status and any community rules. - Due diligence
Nota Simple, cadastral checks, utilities, and what furniture stayed. - Arras reservation contract
Agreed price, timing and conditions and paid the deposit. - Completion at the notary
Signed the escritura deed, got the keys and celebrated with tapas. - Aftercare
Land Registry inscription, utility changes, and our first deep clean.
Costs: We allowed about 10 to 15 per cent on top of the purchase price for taxes, notary, registry and legal fees. It kept surprises away.
Things We Wish We Had Known on Day One
- Heating and cooling matter. Summers are hot and winters can be crisp. Good air conditioning and heating save hassle later.
- Community statutes are important. If you are buying in a building, check any rules on holiday lets, pets or renovations.
- Measure twice, furnish once. Doorways and stairwells can be snug, so plan furniture and appliances.
- Ask about running costs. IBI council tax, community fees if any, water and electricity, and insurance soon add up.
Letting Your Place for Holiday Use
If you plan to let when you are away, Andalucía uses the VUT system, Vivienda de Uso Turístico. You will need to register, display your code in adverts and meet comfort and safety standards. Spain is also rolling out a national rental registration number that platforms will verify. We can point you to simple checklists to keep it compliant.
Who Martos Suits
- Buyers who prefer authentic town life over a resort
- Walkers and cyclists who want countryside on the doorstep
- Remote workers and families who value space, value and community
Our Favourite Simple Joys
- A coffee and tostada in the morning after an early walk
- Local olive oil that ruins you for supermarket bottles back home
- Sunset light on the Peña de Martos from the balcony
- Markets where the greengrocer knows your name after a month
Ready to Explore Martos
If you are curious about neighbourhoods, typical running costs or the buying paperwork, we are happy to share our notes and introduce English speaking professionals who helped us.
Contact US HERE
The local Council Website can be found HERE
