Many UK and North European citizens are finding the idea of buying abroad more attractive and achievable. Since adequate capital growth is offered, lower air prices and interest rates have made buying property in Spain more desirable. The country of Spain provides the advantage of brief air travel, plentiful sunshine and a thriving economy. It may not have been a good idea to buy in Spain in the past, but it can be done more safely if you stick to some general guidelines. The following is a fundamental guide for those interested in buying real estate in Spain:
- Get your finances together before you do anything else.
Consider using a Spanish mortgage expert to guide you through the process. - Take expert legal advice before you sign on any dotted lines.
- Avoid overstretching yourself financially.
- Stand by for time deadlines to be protracted.
- Wait until you have the funding in place before committing yourself to a private purchase contract.
- Be aware that the procedure for buying in Spain has its own idiosyncrasies and don’t assume that it will be the same as it is in other markets.
- Fully understand the way taxes are accrued based on the specific ownership structure that you choose.
Before you make any purchases, it would be wise for you to approach the situation with a list of questions that for your Spanish Lawver. There have been many instances where international buyers have been unable to get the results they seek because they didn’t know what questions to ask. Before you sign on any dotted line, then, you should consider the following questions
- Is the property’s land pastoral or urban? What complications can come from purchasing land that is rustic.
- What costs will have to be accounted for, including standard legal costs and tax costs?
- Are licenses already in place, for instance property contracts or first liens of residency?
- Is there be a ten year warranty on the building, if the building was constructed less than ten years ago?
- Is this transaction being made with a direct purchase or is it part of a termination of deed?
- In this specific purchase, will any be under declaration?
- Are you responsible for any additional costs such as, capital gains, inheritance, wealth or income taxes?
- Are there any unforeseen deposits to pay? At what point in the process are they considered nonrefundable?
- What will have to be paid to an attorney, along with other legal charges?