Buying Spanish Properties

THE COSTA DEL SOL

YOUR PEACE OF MIND

Utopian Properties are a well established Real Estate Company specialising in both construction and the sale of new and resale freehold property. We offer a large portfolio varying in style, type and price to suit your requirements whether you are looking for a holiday home, a property for retirement or business premises. Our unrivaled years of experience is your passport to finding the property of your dreams. We provide a personal service with individual attention to help you through each and every stage of the property purchase, including full legal and financial advice. You will be given unlimited help with banking, schooling, employment and social life etc, without any obligation and absolutely no cost whatsoever to yourselves. We also provide a full management service should you require a rental income from your property, or just looked after during your absence.

YOUR INSPECTION VISIT

Having decided that you are in a position to purchase, your next step is to join us on one of our four day, personalised, subsidised inspection visits. Upon arrival in Spain our Overseas representative will be waiting to greet you at Malaga Airport and transfer you to your accommodation. During your stay there will be ample opportunity to view the range of properties that we have especially selected for you, suited to your requirements. Explore different locations, facilities, local amenities and sample the gastronomic delights of the region.

BUYING PROCEDURE

If a particular property is of interest and you wish to purchase, it will be necessary to place a holding deposit and sign a reservation contract. The property will then be removed from the market at the agreed purchase price while searches are conducted. At this juncture we suggest you instruct an Abogado to act on your behalf for the conveyance, which we can arrange for you. (Utopian Properties Buyer's Guide)

THE ROLE OF THE ABOGADO

The Abogado is a Spanish Lawyer appointed to safeguard your interest and legal rights to clear title of the property. He will prepare a purchase contract to be signed by you and the vendor, to agree the price and completion date etc. The Abogado will search the property for any outstanding debts, tax arrears and unpaid bills. He will prepare the title deeds - Escritura de Compraventa - to be notarised by the Notario Publico on completion and pay any outstanding debts.

THE NOTARIO PUBLICO

Appointed by the government the Notario Publico is responsible for agreeing the notarial value of the property and that all taxes have been paid. Once he is satisfied that everything is in order he will then instruct you to sign the Escritura de Compraventa in his presence and he will counter-sign on behalf of the government. Once this has been completed he will lodge the Escritura de Compraventa with the local land registry office.

TOTAL LEGAL COSTS

As a guide you should calculate between eight and ten percent to add to the purchase price for legal costs. This will cover the Transfer Tax, Abogado, Notario and Land Registration fees.