Administration Procedure
Before signing the deed
The reservation contract and the purchase contract
When reserving a property you pay an amount of 3000 Euro (or more depending on the price of the house) to the estate agent or the promoter. This deposit is non-refundable unless there is an unlawful cancellation of the purchase on the part of the seller. The purchase agreement will be sent to the buyer within 10 to 15 days. A second deposit of 10% of the purchase price must be paid by the buyer within 30 days. The previously paid reservation amount will be deducted from this 10%. These percentages may deviate for new-build homes, where the interim payment terms are set when the reservation contract is signed.
Power of Attorney
If you cannot or do not want to travel to Spain during the purchase process, you can be represented by power of attorney for applying for a NIE number, opening a bank account, executing the purchase deed.
NIE Number
The NIE number is a tax identification number for foreigners. This number is compulsory for anyone wishing to pursue an economic activity on Spanish territory and is required for, among other things, the purchase of real estate, opening a bank account, registering with Social Security, connecting utilities, etc.…
Opening a Spanish Bank Account
A Spanish bank account is required to pay the final part of the purchase price. If you do not have a Spanish mortgage, it is no longer mandatory for a non-resident to have a Spanish bank account. All utility payments, taxes, etc. can be made via SEPA bank transfer from your bank account in your home country.
Legal Controls
Before concluding the purchase contract, it is advisable to hire a lawyer for a legal check of the property to be purchased. This attorney checks the property for any outstanding mortgages or charges, outstanding utility bills or other expenses, construction violations, urban planning issues, etc.
Bank guarantees are also checked when building off plan.
Signing the deed
The final payments have to be made on the day of signing the deed at the notary.
We assist you with the notary and check and translate the deed of sale.
Payment of costs and taxes
The costs to be paid are: notary costs, registration costs, transfer tax (for second-hand houses) or VAT (for new builds). For new builds, additional stamp duty must be paid.
These costs are pre-calculated by us, so that you will not be faced with surprises.
The registration of the deed
The notarial deed must be registered in the land register. Your lawyer ensures the registration of your title in the land register. This procedure can take several months.
After signing the Deed
Connection of utilities
After the purchase, the water and electricity contracts must be transferred to your name.
We take care of these formalities.
Taxes
Of course, just like in your own country, you have to pay taxes on your Spanish property every year. It is best to be guided in the beginning by an adviser or a gstor with expert knowledge.
Will
Because inheritance law in Spain is very different from that in your own country, we recommend having a will drawn up in Spain.
When drawing up the Spanish will, you can choose to have the will drawn up according to the inheritance law of your home country.
