Legal Information

With the different language and unfamiliar terminology, the use of a qualified solicitor is extremely important. Although employing a solicitor involves added costs, the amount charged for Spanish Property Conveyancy is small compared to the expense of trying to sort out any mistakes later. A Spanish solicitor will ensure that all aspects of the purchase, including planning permission and all other legal requirements are satisfactory.

Lexus Mortgages will recommend a reputable & well established Spanish lawyer. They will ensure that all the necessary searches & investigations are undertaken & that all the legal requirements are explained & understood.

Legal Advice - NIE NUMBER

The NIE is short for Numero de Indentificacion de Extranjeros. This is a foreigner’s tax registration number and you are required to have a number if you have any financial dealings in Spain. You can apply for a mortgage without the number; however at completion the NIE certificate would be required.

Lexus Mortgages & your lawyer will help you obtain the NIE Certificate through the foreigner’s department within the local police.The number will be used to complete your mortgage & pay the required taxes.

The Buying process

Buying a home in Spain is a very different process to the one you are probably used to. Our Spanish mortgage team will ensure that you receive the appropriate advice and we will guide you every step of the way to make sure the process is as smooth as possible.

Costs

The most important thing to do before committing to any purchase is to work out the costs which may be incurred when buying a home in Spain. Contact us & we will provide you with a personalised mortgage quotation which includes the costs associated with the purchase.

Agreeing a purchase

Once you have located a suitable Spanish property, the first step is to agree the purchase price with the seller. Your lawyer will then complete the appropriate searches and property investigations to ensure that you have all the information you require. The terms of the purchase should be confirmed in writing & a deposit is usually paid to the seller. The property is then removed from the open market.

Completion

Once your mortgage offer has come through, the lawyers will then agree a notary date. Any sale in Spain has to be formally completed before a notary. The public title deeds are signed in front of the notary & the final payment is made. You may attend the signing of the deed yourself or you may grant a Power of Attorney to your lawyer who will represent you and attend on your behalf.

Registration

Once the deeds are signed the Notary will advise the Land Registry. Your lawyer will then arrange for the registration of the title deeds into your name. The lawyer will also arrange for the taxes to be paid and arrange for the transfer of any utility bills