Buying a property in Spain

If you intend buying a property in Spain, whether this be an apartment or house on the coast, a flat in town, a plot of land or country estate, THE FIRST THING YOU SHOULD DO IS GO AND SEE A NOTARY.

Do not sign any private contract without first consulting with a Notary. Remember as well that the ideal thing is to do the DEED directly, because THIS CAN BE DONE IN JUST A MATTER OF HOURS as soon as an agreement is reached with the seller, and no other kind of document need be signed previously.

The Notary will draw up the deed, find the best balance of interests
-adjusting to the instructions of the parties- and provide special legal advice to the party that most needs it. He will control the legality of the claim and demand the necessary licences and authorisations.

In this way the buyer can always be sure he is buying in accordance with the Law and the state of liens and encumbrances described, because -except in cases of urgency or justified waiver- the Notary should undertake to check the ownership and state of liens and encumbrances at the Registry Office. Once the deed has been signed, a fax will be sent to the Land Registry in order to gain priority over any entry that is submitted afterwards.

In most cases, the Notary can be asked to handle the question of paying your taxes, reporting your investment as non-resident to the Spanish Authorities, handle the question of filing the deed at the respective official bodies and at the Land Registry, etc.

Approximate cost of notary fees for a 200,000 USA $ purchase or sales transaction: 400 $ USA

Approximate cost of notary fees for a 700,000 USA $ purchase or sales transaction: 630 $ USA.