buying in spain?

NB: The following information is for guidance only. You should always seek independent legal advice before proceeding with any purchase or associated procedure.

Any person buying a property in Spain is recommended to use the services of an independent solicitor. When buying property in Spain there are a number of expenses to consider.  Some of these expenses relate to legal services that you should employ, to be sure that all legal and taxation aspects of your property purchase are properly taken care of.  Once you have decided on a suitable property, your are strongly advised to seek the services of a totally INDEPENDENT solicitor (Abogado). who can speak English.  

In the UK there are a few solicitor firms specialising in the provision legal services for purchasing Spanish property. If you feel better choosing this route, it is recommended that you use a firm of solicitors with offices both in Spain and UK to offer the complete service as a one stop shop. This may be a more expensive way to do things but some people feel safer.

It is normal practice when buying a property in Spain, to employ the services of an INDEPENDENT Spanish solicitor, (Abogado) to ensure that all aspects of your property purchase proceed without major problems.

We can recommend a few solicitors in the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida areas, from whom  previous clients have received and still receive a satisfactory service.

When purchasing a property, your Spanish solicitor (Abogado) should:

·   Check that in the case of a new build/off-plan property, the correct building licences from the ultimate issuing authority (e.g. Valencia or Murcia) have been issued and are valid.

·   The official status of the land (Rustic or Urban)

·   Check the reservation contract BEFORE you sign and pay the reservation fee.

·   Check the land registry for any debts registered against the land in the case of a new build, or the existing property.

·   Check for other future developments of e.g. new roads, land fill sites, railway lines planned in the vicinity.

·   Check the private contract before paying the main deposit

·   Arrange a power of attorney if you are not be able to get to Spain for signing the deeds at the Notary.

·   Arrange and attend the Notary office with or for you to sign the deeds.

·   Arrange for the entry of the title deeds (Escritura) in the Land Registry.

·   Arrange payment of the associated property taxes.

·   Arrange utility connections

·   Ensure your local taxes (Suma) are paid.