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How much deposit is required on a property in Spain?
When you have found your ideal property, a refundable, and sometimes non-refundable!, holding deposit of 3,000€ will be required. This will guarantee the removal of the property from the market. This deposit forms part of a legal contract, which holds the price of the property as agreed at the time of paying the deposit and guarantees you will not be affected by any future price increases.

This sum is part of the cost of the home and is not an extra payment. It will be deducted from the price of the property.

This sum is paid directly to the builder or developer and a receipt, or a deposit contract will be issued to you. Most developers will accept this payment in the form of a personal cheque, credit card payment, bank transfer or cash.

Do I need a Spanish Solicitor?
Before proceeding with the purchase of your property in Spain, we recommend to contact with a Solicitor and understanding the legal aspects of buying and owning a Spanish property.

We recommend choosing the services of an independent Spanish Solicitor, who will explain the buying process to you in great detail and precisely identify all the costs associated with the purchase of your new home.

Usually the initial consultation is free of charge.

Should I use a Solicitor in the UK?
This is not necessary, as your Solicitor in the UK would still have to use a local Spanish Solicitor. This would mean two sets of legal bills. All communications from your Spanish Solicitor will be in English, if the Solicitor you contact with is an English speaker.

What is a N.I.E. number?
N.I.E. number is simply an identity number given to foreign nationals by the Spanish authorities. It is required by non-Spanish nationals who wish to carry out financial transactions in Spain. It is required for the purchase of a property and for the arrangement of a mortgage. This document, together with your original passport and current passport photos, are absolutely necessary to sign the deeds on completion. So, try to bring them with you to the notary on completion.

What do I need to obtain an N.I.E. number?
The NIE process is quite simple. You need to fill out a short form, produce your passports, supply from two to four passport sized photos along and from two to four photocopies of you passport itself. You are required to attend in person for the application, although it can be obtained through power of attorney through your Solicitor.

What does an N.I.E. number cost?
The application is generally free of charge, or with a small fee, if you are applying it by yourself. Usually the agent, or the Solicitor could request some amounts as fees to help you in this process. The issuing of the number will take from one day to six weeks, depending on the area, and the region in which you apply for.

How do I open a bank account in Spain?
Opening an account in Spain is very easy and we will be pleased to assist you at any time.

At the early stages of your purchase you will be introduced to a bank of your choice, or if you prefer, one recommended by us, so that you can open an account. With the internet you can access your account in English at all times from the UK, to check statements, transfer funds and generally keep an eye on the account, all without speaking a word of Spanish.

What's involved in the buying process?
A sales contract will be drawn up by the developer for your agreement and signature, or by your Solicitor, if a re-sale. Your Solicitor will inspect the contract and advise you accordingly.

Your Solicitor will carry out the necessary searches and investigations on the property. The Solicitor will ensure that the monies are paid over in a secure manner, that the title deeds are finalised and that the property is yours, all legally signed and secured.

Do I have to be in Spain for each stage of the legal process?
No. Just as in the UK, you can instruct your Solicitor to act on your behalf, even for the final completion. This is done by granting "Power of Attorney" to your Solicitor.

What are the payments terms for Spanish property?
When purchasing a new property in Spain, you will generally be required to make staged payments. These staged payments vary, depending on the developer. Typically, 20% to 50% will be required within 30 to 60 days of signing the contract. The balance is paid upon completion and the signing of the deeds.

However, before you enter into any contract you will be informed of the dates and amounts of any payments.

On Re-sales, is common to apply for a 10 % of the price of the property before completion.

What other costs on top of the purchase price can I expect?
Normally you should allow an additional 10% on top of the purchase price for legal fees, Notary fees, land registry, IVA (VAT) and stamp duty. Your Solicitor will give you a detailed breakdown as part of his quotation. If you are considering taking a mortgage, the bank may charge an arrangement and survey fee, just as they do in the UK, together with other expenses.

What does the Public Notary do?
All transfers of property in Spain must be signed in the presence of a Public Notary. The role of the Notary is to witness the signature of the title deeds on behalf of the Spanish authorities. When a transaction takes place in front of the Notary it becomes final. The necessary paperwork is then distributed and public records are amended. The Notary does not to give legal advice.

What are community fees?
Community fees are applicable for properties that have the benefit of shared facilities and services. Typically, this might include a swimming pool, 24 hour security, up-keep of gardens and general maintenance, etc... We will ensure you have all this information before you make your final decision.

Do I need a Spanish Will?
Yes. Since you will own a property in Spain, the assets should be covered by a Spanish Will. In the unfortunate event of your death it will save your family or inheritors work, translations, time and money. Visit our section of Wills and Inheritance for more information.

Do I need Spanish insurance?
Fire insurance is compulsory by law when taking out a mortgage. This will often be arranged by the bank that are providing your mortgage.
Comprehensive household insurance is available to protect your home and contents. Life insurance can be taken out to guarantee payment of the loan in the case of death. We would be happy to recommend a reputable insurance provider.

What happens with regular bill payments such as water and electricity?
All utility bills can be paid via direct debit from your Spanish bank account.

What are the annual running costs for a home in Spain?
This obviously depends on the price of your property and where you buy.

As a guideline, the running costs for an average 2 or 3 bedroom property on the Costa Blanca will be approximately from 1,000€ - 3.000€ a year. This includes water, gas, electricity, local rates, refuse collection, community fees, insurance an property/wealth tax.

What is the basic cost of living?
The cost of living in Spain is dramatically lower than the UK and many northern European countries. A couple with no mortgage could easily live on 200€ per week, and still eat out regularly. This certainly makes any pension or benefits you receive go further.

Do I need to register on the "Padron"?
If you wish to stay in Spain for longer than six months of the year, you must register with your local Town Hall, and be placed on the "Padron".

The "Padron" is simply a registration list, which records everyone living in the local area. It is similar to the electoral roll in the UK. For this you will need your NIE and passports, a copy of your property title deeds, and sometimes an electricity or water bill.

There will often be benefits to registering you family on the "Padron" - such as free or subsidized use of local facilities.

Will I be covered by the Spanish National health system?
If you pay Spanish Social Security contributions, you and your family are entitled to free or subsidized medical and dental treatment on the same terms as Spaniards.

Retired European Union residents who have applied for permanent residency (and who receive a state pension) are also fully covered.

If you aren't entitled to public health benefits through payment of Spanish social security or being in receipt of a pension from another EU country, you must usually obtain private health insurance, because you will not obtain public covering.

The quality of health care in Spain is considered to be equal, if not better, to any country in Europe.

Can I claim my pensions & benefits in Spain? Yes. Your UK retirement pension or other benefits can be paid directly into your bank account in Spain.

Can I bring my car or vehicle over to Spain?
Short term visitors and tourist are allowed to bring a foreign registered vehicle with them for personal use, provided that these visits do not exceed six months in any one year.

Any one who spends more than a total of six months in any year in Spain is considered resident and must import the car.

To do this you must register it with the local authorities and obtain Spanish plates. An MOT for right hand drive cars is now available from the Spanish ITV centres.

We strongly recommend that you sell your right hand drive vehicle in the UK and purchase a left hand drive car in Spain. There are inherent dangers with driving a vehicle that was designed to operate on the opposite side of the road.

Can I use my UK driving licence in Spain?
Yes, with the introduction of European licenses, it is not obligatory for residents to hold a Spanish license. These licenses have been recognized as valid for all purposes in Spain.

The older licenses are only accepted if they are accompanied by an official Spanish translation. If you have an older (pre 1990) license, it is advisable that you apply for an EU license from the DVLA.

Is there disabled parking in Spain?
Yes, as in the UK, disabled drivers have specially designated parking areas. These are recognizable, by the international "disabled" sign, next to a yellow painted kerb.

Can I work in Spain?
Yes. Anyone from the European Union who becomes a resident in Spain and has obtained a NIE number, has the right to work in Spain without a work permit, providing they have a valid passport.

European Union nationals are entitled to the same treatment as Spanish citizens in matters of pay, working conditions, vocational training, social security and trade union rights.

Is there a gas supply in Spain?
In the larger cities, natural piped gas is now available, but on the Costa Blanca and Costa Calida most homes and other premises operate off bottled butane gas.

This is available either directly from the nearest Repsol or Cepsa deposit store, a delivery lorry or many petrol stations.

Is the electricity supply suitable for my equipment?
Spain generates electricity at 220 volts 60 cycles per second. All UK appliances will be compatible with this type of supply. The only exception is some older electric clocks, which will run about 10 per cent faster.

Will my electrical appliances work in Spain?
You will need to replace the plugs, as Spain uses a different electrical socket to some other European countries.

For UK residents, adapter plugs are also available which are extremely cheap and convert the Spanish electrical sockets to take UK plugs. These adapters fit neatly into the sockets and are suitable for permanent use.

However, this is still Spain! The Spanish approach to life remains unchanged - with long lunches, outdoor living, great food and drink and a much more relaxed approach to life.

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Spanish property solicitors - Spanish solicitors - Spain solicitors - Spanish property solicitors – Alicante solicitors - Murcia solicitors - Granada solicitors - Almeria solicitors – Catral solicitors - Torrevieja solicitors