It’s a more straightforward process to buy a home in Spain, than in the U.K. In fact, it’s very easy. Learning a few of the legal words and process, will help you understand what’s in store once you’ve chosen your little piece of Heaven!
You’ll hear lots of new words that you’ll be unaccustomed to, so here’s a little translation of the “lingo”:
ESCRITURA: Title Deeds
NOTARIO: Notary; A Public Official Authorised By The Government That Prepare The Title Deeds. The Notary Does Not Work For The Seller Or Buyer, And Are Completely Independent.
REGISTRO DE LA PROPIEDAD: Land Registry
NOTA SIMPLE: Land Registry Search
ABOGADO: Lawyer
HIPOTECA: Mortgage
N.I.E. (Numero Identificacion Extranjero): Foreign Identification Number (For Tax Purposes)
So now you’re ready with the lingo, you can better understand what’s to come.
Buying property is very easy here and once you’ve chosen that perfect home and negotiated on the price, the next step is signing a reservation contract and paying a deposit. After this you’ll need to appoint a Lawyer and making sure you choose one that speaks your language is going to be helpful, if you have any legal questions now or after you’ve purchased. Your Lawyer or Agent will be there to help you arrange your N.I.E. too, as this is required when buying property, applying for a mortgage, etc.
Once you have your Lawyer in place and you have a completion date, you need to make sure your finances will be ready. The quickest completion my company has ever done was in two days… from reservation to completion! But don’t panic! The average time for a completion could be two months. It’s a date that will be suitable for both buyer and seller. Remember if you’re having a mortgage, although the local banks do say they can have the paperwork ready in approximately 3-4 weeks, from experience this is usually longer. And during the summer months, mortgages take a little longer to be approved. Why, I hear you ask? Because the Spanish banks only work half days, and with staff, national and local holidays, you have to “go with the flow” and learn the word “mañana!” However with modern technology, you can always give them a little encouragement with an email, if you feel they’re taking longer than expected!
You would have been advised by your Lawyer how payment is to be made. Usually by Spanish Bankers Draft. These can be quite costly, however remember to negotiate. The banks are willing to “discuss” their charges.
On the day of completion, you’ll need to have your Bankers Draft ready with your Original Passport (not a photocopy), and N.I.E. certificates. And now you’re ready to go!
The Notary offices are usually quite busy, so be prepared for a wait. Just take it in your stride, and enjoy the experience. Think by the end of the day, you’ll have the keys to your new home in Spain and the wait will be worth it!
Excited? You should be! This is one of the biggest investments of your life and what’s better is… It’s in this Spanish sun!
Whether it’s an investment for your holidays, or you’re coming to join us out here permanently, now is always the best time to buy!
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