A guide to Buying a property in Spain

Abogados advice

More and more Brits are leaving Britain grey skies and lifestyle for a new brighter life on the sunnier shores of Spain.

This new relaxed lifestyle doesn’t mean that you can lower your guard when buying a property in Spain. The phrase “buyer beware” should be the mantra of anyone seeking to buy a property overseas, whether this is your dream home for your and your family or if it is your pension fund for your retirement.

Buying a property in Spain

The primary piece of advice that Irwin Mitchell would give anyone buying overseas is always seek the advice of an independent solicitor who is experienced and has a proven track record in residential property work.

We have outlined some basic questions to ask your developer, estate agent or seller and what response you should be looking for. This is of course in addition to the questions that you would normally ask about any property on location, price and the properties key features.

1. Has the property being entered onto the Register (Registro de la Propiedad)?
2. Who actually owns the property?
3. Are there any outstanding charges associated with the property like a mortgage or a notice of attachment (hipoteca o anotación de embargo)?
4. How is the land that the property stands on Classified?
5. Has the developer obtained the building license required according to the planning rules?
6. Is the developer required, according to the purchase contract, to obtain the license for the first occupation of the property before the deed is signed?
7. Ask questions about communal areas like pools and gardens?