Guide to buying property in Spain

Guide to buying properties in Spain

 

The Buying Process

Once a price has been agreed with the vendor both parties are best advised to sign a preliminary contract, a Contrato privado de compraventa. Even before signing this contract proof that the seller owns the property and that it is free of charges should be required. In Spain debts are charged to the property and any outstanding mortgage will be passed on to the buyer. A Nota Simple will confirm this. A deposit of 10% of the purchase price is usually requested and the estate agent will hold these funds in a bonded client account. If you intend to raise finance for the purchase this sales agreement should have an arres agreement (i.e. a 10% deposit) and a date specified for completion. It is possible to sign the sales contract without such a deposit and technically you are permitted to sue a vendor who subsequently withdraws but with an arres agreement in place, should the vendor decide to withdraw you are entitled to twice his deposit as compensation. The balance of the purchase price and all fees will be payable when the vendor & purchaser sign the Escritura de compraventa, the definitive contract equivalent to the Deeds of the property. If you are buying a new property you do not own the property until the work is completed and you are in receipt of the relevant certificates. The notary in Spain is a public official who will be required to witness the deed of sale but expert, independent legal advice should be taken to protect your own interests.

 

Spanish Mortgages

All mortgages are full status and proof of income and outgoings will be required. Spanish mortgages can be arranged for acquisition, renovation & construction. Due to the nature of financing new properties a "letter of intent" is issued by lenders rather than a mortgage offer until the property is completed. Re-mortgages are available through specialist lenders. A minimum deposit of 25% of the purchase price is required and you will also be liable for solicitor's fees. Spanish lenders assess eligibility for a loan on the applicant's ability to service the loan and not potential rental income from the property. The general guideline is as follows: of an applicant's net income 35% should cover existing outgoings and the monthly repayment on the Spanish Euro mortgage. If you are self-employed income is assessed as the average of the last three years' net income. Rental & investment income will also be considered. If employed a lender will base your income on your payslips and the amount that is credited to your account monthly. Outgoings considered are liabilities such as mortgage/rent in the UK, personal loans & maintenance commitment.

 

Taxes and other Costs

There are two Property Taxes: Impuesto sobre bienes inmeubles/IBI - based on the fiscal value of the property Rendimientos del capital inmobiliario - based on the fiscal value, and purchase price. Fees payable when buying in Spain are approx. 11%. If you take out a Spanish mortgage a further cost will be passed on to you by your notary for registering the charge of the lender with the land registry. Valuations are carried out by the lenders and typically start from 285 Euros. The Arrangement fee is approx. 1% of the loan amount.

 

Q&A - How much can I borrow?

Ask us for a quotation request, complete and return to us and we will send you a personalised quote confirming the maximum amounts for which you can be considered over the terms available. The information we provide is based on current rates and lending practices of the major lenders in Spain.

 

Q&A - Can I buy a property in the name of a company?

It is possible to buy a property through an offshore company but you should seek legal advice.

 

Q&A - What supporting documents do I need to provide with an application?

APPLICANT DETAILS Photocopy of your passport (s) Proof of residence in the UK i.e. Driving license or Council Tax Three months' personal bank statements illustrating income & outgoings declared Name, address, telephone and fax numbers of present bankers who will be contacted and requested to provide a full credit reference CONFIRMATION OF INCOME If Employed Confirmation of employment i.e. contract or reference from your employer (s) stating income, your position, start date of employment gross annual salary and associated bonuses Three most recent pay slips and last P60 If Self-Employed Last two years' audited accounts A letter from a chartered accountant confirming the figures and personal drawings Letter of Confirmation from Accountants (if applicable) of personal drawings from the business on an annual basis Last two years' tax returns V.A.T. returns for the current year (if applicable) Other sources of income Last two years' tax returns Copy of tenancy agreement if rental revenue to be included Annual statement of pension or retirement payment details CONFIRMATION OF OUTGOINGS Most recent annual mortgage statement and written up-to-date proof of the current monthly repayment Copy of tenancy agreement if renting currently Copy of any loan agreement (s) in place Copy of most recent credit card statement Copy of Decree Nisi or any such documents confirming maintenance commitment PROPERTY DETAILS "Nota Simple" available from Property Register Last statement or IBI tax when available Title Deed of the Property "Escritura de Propiedad" When property is built by developer - copy of the "Escritura de Division Horizontal" Deed of Property Private contract (if any, or other letter) when available CONSTRUCTION/REFURBISHMENT Deed of Property - for the plot of land and Nota Simple "Obra Nueva" - Deed of Construction Construction Licence "Licencia de Obras" Budgets/Plans/Estimates - Officially approved by the "Colegio de Arquitectos" If the property has a mortgage copy of the monthly payments ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS Proof of personal contribution to the purchase.

 

 

Articles provided by www.idealspain.com

 

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