How to buy your first property in Spain

Preparing to buy a property / Villa in Spain...the things you should have in place

Long before you get to the stage of making an offer on a property, there are a number of things that you are advised to have in place first.

Buyers who leave these key aspects until the stage where they are ready to make an offer often end up making (expensive) mistakes because they are forced into rushed decisions.

1. Find an independent English speaking solicitor
You don't have to engage their services straight away, however you can find out how much they charge, what they will do for you and have them prepared to act as soon as you are ready to make an offer.

2. Obtain a foreigner identity number
- NIE (Número de identidad de extranjero)
You will not be able to purchase a property in Spain without this. Your solicitor can arrange this for you.

3. Open a Spanish bank account
You will not be able to open a bank account without an NIE number.
Shop around, find one who has staff that speak English and get them to spell out their costs.
Pay particular attention to the costs of making transfers.
Many banks charge you money to deposit money into your account from overseas.
The initial enquiry

Once you have identified a property that is of interest and are ready to make an enquiry, think about what information you want to find out before you complete the enquiry form.

Be specific about the questions you would like to ask.

Some examples might include:

• I would like to arrange to view your property.
• Can you recommend some local accommodation?
• Can you send me room dimensions?
• Can you send me more photos of the exterior?
• How much are the utility bills each month?
• Can the property be extended?
• Can you recommend a local school?

By far the best way to find out what you would like to know is to talk to us over the phone. Enter your number on the enquiry form and we'll call you back.
Viewing the property

Before you turn up to view the property, it is useful to have some key questions ready to ask the owner. For example:

• How long have you lived here?
• Why did you choose this house / location?
• What are your average monthly running costs?
• Why are you selling?
• Have you made any alterations to the property?
• Tell me about the local amenities
• Can you recommend a good bank?
• Where is the nearest medical centre?
• Do they speak English there?
• What is your experience of the local health facilities?
• Can you recommend anywhere where I can learn Spanish?

At the time of the viewing it is normal that the owner will first accompany you around the property.

Always ask if you can then take another look on your own.

Things to look for / ask about:

• Property structure and roof - do they look sound?
• Is there any evidence of damp inside or out?
• What type of heating is there?
• Check the mains fuse box
• You will get an idea of the general condition of the electrics
• Check the distribution of sockets, TV points etc
• Plumbing - are there any obvious signs of problems?
• Hot water - check it works
• Sceptic tank - if there is one check it
• When was it last emptied?
• Kitchen - take a good look at it's condition and open all the cupboards
• Bathrooms - check for damaged sanitary ware and leaks around the bath and shower
• Bedrooms - look inside fitted wardrobes
• Security - how secure is the property against intruders?
• Outside - check the perimeter fence for security
• Pool - check the structure and ask to see the pump running
• If it is not crystal clear blue, be suspicious of problems
• Ask who owns the access road to the property
• Ask about neighbours and boundaries

Take photos and notes to help you later.

After the viewing, it is worth visiting a local bar or cafe if you are seriously interested. Try to find some people who live in the area and develop polite conversation with them. Ask them what is good and bad about living there.
Making an offer

Of course, you are going to offer less than the asking price.

However, think carefully before you decide on a price even if it is a buyer's market. It is imperative that you do some research beforehand and know the price range of similar type properties. If you really like the property, offer a price that is below the asking price but not too low. Offers that are too low are likely to offend the seller, be dismissed out of hand and could bring any negotiations to a halt.

If the owner comes back with a counter offer that is less than the original asking price then you should be able to get to an amicable agreement. Once you have verbally agreed on the price, ask the owner (through their solicitor) to agree it and any other conditions in writing.
Completing the purchase

Once you have verbally agreed on the price and any conditions of the sale, the next thing to do is contact your solicitor.

Before doing this you'll need some information from the property owner

• Full name(s)
• Full postal address of the property
• Contact telephone number
• Emaill address
• Name and contact details of their solicitor

Your solicitor will then request the following from the seller's solicitor;

• Confirmation of the sale price
• What's included in the sale
• Copy of the Title Deeds
• Copy of an up to date Nota Simple (to check the property is free of charges)
• Copies of the latest utility bills
• Proof of payment of council tax for the current year
• The completion date
• A draft contract of sale

Then comes the usual back and forth between the solicitors until they're both satisfied that all is in order. Once this is done, the final thing to agree is the date that everyone will attend the Notary to complete the purchase.

Thank you to Smartmove Spain for these guidelines in buying your Spanish House.