Ten Step Guide to Buying Spanish property

STEP 1 KNOW WHAT YOU WANT
Be clear about your requirements. Tell us as much as possible about what you are looking for in a property and what you want to use it for. No matter how unimportant a particular requirement may seem, let us know about it as it could be the difference between viewing and not viewing a property, possibly losing you an opportunity.
The clearer you are, the less time you will waste in viewing unsuitable properties.

STEP 2 KNOW THE AREA
We cover a wide area with varying physical characteristics, from mountainous to gently rolling hillsides, lake views, etc. You may be familiar with a particular area that appeals to you through having holidayed in the same area and now want to buy your own place. You may only have the vaguest notion, having seen the area on television. Whichever is the case, tell us what your situation is so that we can correctly tailor the properties we offer you.

STEP 3 BE CLEAR ABOUT YOUR BUDGET
Be honest. If you have €300.000 to spend, say so. Don’t say “about €250.000”. We will never try to sell you a more expensive home than you can afford, but we don’t want to lose the opportunity to show you the house of your dreams because it falls above your stated budget.

STEP 4 FINANCE
Be clear from the outset and tell us if you are going to need a mortgage. This may well affect the properties that we show you, as not all properties are mortgageable. You need to be aware that valuations in Spain are a hit and miss affair for several reasons, principally because the system is unsophisticated and mortgage valuations do not correspond to market values. Expect to get a valuation on a fully renovated and ready to live in property of around 80% - 90% of market price.

STEP 5 DON’T FORGET THE ADDITIONAL COSTS OF BUYING
Indirect taxes are high in Spain. Chief amongst these is the tax on buying a property which, in Andalucia, is currently 7%. Because of this we advise clients to budget approximately 11%-12% on top of the purchase price to cover all costs including their share of the agency commission, notary, registry and a lawyer.

STEP 6 HAVE YOUR DEPOSIT PREPARED
There is a two stage buying process in Spain: a private contract followed by the signing of a public contract at a Notary. You will need 10% of the purchase price when signing a private contract which takes only a couple of days to prepare.
Typically, the buyer pays the 10% deposit to the seller in cash on signing or undertakes to make a transfer to the seller’s nominated account within a certain time, typically 7 days. So make sure you have the deposit funds available because the seller is free to sell to another buyer if you fail to pay within the stipulated period.

STEP 7 BE DECISIVE
As the market hardens, many properties are attracting interest from multiple buyers. Decide if you want a property, tell us and we will act rapidly, negotiating with the owner and, once an offer is accepted, prepare a contract to send to your lawyer. We will not allow you to pay any money until you sign a binding legal contract.

STEP 8 APPOINT A LAWYER
Your choice of lawyer is of utmost importance. We spend more time sorting out past problems caused by sloppy and incompetent lawyers than we do showing properties. It would be wise to appoint a lawyer experienced in the environment where you intend to buy and not one whose work typically involves the purchase of apartments and houses in urbanisations on the coast. They are different worlds. Ask us to recommend a lawyer if you are unsure.

STEP 9 EXECUTE A POWER OF ATTORNEY
Spain is an unbelievably bureaucratic country. Changing over title to essential services can be a long-winded nightmare. Best to let your lawyer do it, for very little cost. A power of attorney takes less than an hour and costs typically around €50 - €70. Money well spent. You will need to obtain NIE’s and open a Spanish bank account. You either have to do this in person (which can require repeat visits 10 days apart) or have your lawyer do it for you. Also, if you are unable, or it is inconvenient, to return to Andalusia to complete the purchase at the Notary, your lawyer can sign for you and save you the cost of a journey.

STEP 10 FINALISING YOUR PURCHASE
Before you can sign at the Notary, he will need evidence that you have paid or are paying the agreed price. This is usually demonstrated by a copy of the deposit transfer and a bank draft for the balance. In order that you (or your lawyer if you have transferred funds to his/her client account) can instruct a Spanish bank to prepare the draft you will need to have sent the funds to Spain. Don’t do so via a bank, you will lose money and they will take longer to make the transfer. There are several currency trading companies, mostly based in the U.K., who are governed under the same regime as the major banks. They offer much better rates, don’t charge commission and can offer same day transfers. Once you have the cheque ready, you can sign at the Notary and both take possession of, and legal title to, your property. This is the beginning of what we hope will be a wonderful adventure. You will need to acclimatise, get to know your neighbours and do whatever jobs are necessary. We will be there to assist in whatever way you need. A plumber? Help with paperwork? We will point you in the right direction and introduce you to the relevant people.

TEN STEP GUIDE TO BUYING