Hi Craig
Maybe the new podcast of Justin's interview with Smiley (Patrick from Marbella Mortgages) will be of interest. I have previously had excellent help from Patrick by sending a personal message. We have a mortgage with BBVA, but if you read the general message boards, there are recommendations from members for other lenders. I think Halifax in Spain may be one.
There does seem to be a difference in the way the 'named' lenders that we recognise from the uk lend, and lenders in spain calculate what you can apply for. You'll neeed an expert, not me to explain, but it's generally about the loan to value rate. Uk lenders base the % loan against the property valuation and or purchase cost but some spanish lenders base the % loan on the current price of the new build. So effectively, as the prices for SG properties have increased over the last 4 years, you could borrow more. It is not as common as before apparently, but is possible......
that's probably as clear as mud and as useful as a chocolate teapot ....sorry - maybe someone else can help or post this on the general forum. Good luck Craig.