4. Choosing Your Property – Now is the exciting time, going out and viewing possible properties. Take your time and look at as many as you can – if you are looking at new properties, don’t be rushed into a decision “this is the last one available” is the selling point of many an estate agent. Don’t be fooled, there are always plenty of properties available. Take lots of photographs and if possible a video, this is very useful when reviewing later, it can get very confusing when you are looking at lots of properties. Make a short list and go back to look again. This is an important decision – take your time.

5. Paying a Deposit – You have made you choice, now is the time to put your money where your mouth is! The usual in Spain is a 3,000 euros deposit to take the property off the market. The next step will vary depending on whether your choice is new or resale. With new property the next step will probably be payment of something in the region of 30% of the final purchasing price, payable within one month. There may also be stage payments during construction though the norm is balance on completion. Different builders have different rules so be aware of these before you decide to put down your 3,000 euros deposit. With resale property the whole process can be completed within 1 month (if this suits both seller and buyer), so normally it is 3,000 euros deposit and the balance on signing at the notary.

6. Appointing a Solicitor – It is important to appoint a Spanish solicitor who is well versed in Spanish property law and with a good grasp of the English language. He (or she) will be your friend and ally throughout the buying process and will make sure that there are no outstanding debts on the property. Also after the signing he will help with such things as changing electricity and water contracts into your name. You can usually also retain him to deal with your future tax returns in Spain.

7. Taxes and Costs – You will need to be aware of the various taxes and costs that will need to be paid both during and after the purchase. Taxes on purchase , transfer tax (IVA), 6% of the purchase price on new property, 7% on resale. plusvalia tax, calculated on the appreciative value of the land the property is on (normally paid by the purchaser). Land registry charges – around 300 euros to change the property into your name. Notary charges, can vary depending on location but generally around 500 euros. The guideline for extra taxes and costs is 10% of the purchase price although this can be nearer to 12% if you are obtaining a mortgage to purchase the property. Taxes after purchase – SUMA, local council tax payable every year. Community fees, if you are on an urbanization there will be fees for the upkeep of common areas such as gardens, swimming pools, lifts etc. This may be payable monthly, quarterly or half-yearly.

8. Signing the Deeds – The property deed is known as the Escritura in Spain and the signing of this and the final payment for the property is done at the notary office (the notary is an official government representative). You may be present along with your solicitor for the signing or your solicitor can do this in your absence if you have previously given him power of attorney (a common practice in Spain). Before you can sign the deeds you will need to obtain an N.I.E number (foreigners identification number), this can be obtained at any national police station but make sure you ask your solicitor about this long before the signing and he will advise you how to obtain one. Also make sure that you have your original passport with you before going to the notary, also the passport of anyone who is to appear on the deeds.

9. Taking Possession of the Property – When the deeds are signed and the final monies paid you will receive the keys to your property. You will then need to make sure that electricity, water and SUMA contracts are changed over into your name. Don’t forget to organize property and contents insurance. If the property is new, you will want to check it through and write a snag list of any problems.

10. Congratulations – You are now the proud owner of a property in Spain, may the sun shine on you and the value of your property rise, that tiny one bedroom apartment may one day turn into a seafront villa! – Relax and enjoy.

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