It’s not the law...so why use a Lawyer?
You should never purchase a property without conferring with a lawyer.
The lawyer will go over all the details of a contract and mortgage to make sure everything is in your best interest.
You should look for a Spanish lawyer who is conversant in your language and who will also be familiar with Spanish real estate laws.
You should also choose and use your own lawyer.
Many real estate agents will recommend a lawyer they know. But that person may be working for the real estate agents best interests, not yours.
The cost of buying a property equates to around 10% of your total purchase bill.
The lawyer’s fees equate to 1.5% of the total cost.
The role of the lawyer is to check the legal status of the property.
Here in Spain, if a property has debt, that debt stays with the property even when it is sold.
Your lawyer will ensure that written into your legal contract is a clause stipulating that all debts be paid on exchange of contracts.
The present owner of the property you are buying is then obliged to present proof that all bills and debts have been satisfied.
Also, the exchange of contracts for utilities from the current owner’s name to your own is taken care of by the lawyer.
Don’t trust this purchase to just anyone, using a lawyer is not cheap, but buying the home of your dreams should not become a nightmare just because you think you can cut corners and save yourself some money.
6 Tips for Buyers
1. Do your own research and background reading before thinking
of purchasing in Spain
2. Visit Spain independently and have a good look around
3. Remember that making a mistake can be costly.
4. Take your time and have realistic expectations.
5. Never be tempted to buy when the paperwork isn't 100% in order
6. Always use an independent lawyer
