Hi,

Depending on your responses to my WINDY thread:-

Due to various reasons I need to move fast in buying a property now (been researching it for a long time now).

As my budget is on the lower side - I have seen a couple of properties that im particularly interested in that suits my low budget - but think I might be using a smaller estate agent. If I fly out to view these properties ASAP what do I need to do first regarding the financial side?

Do I set up a bank account as soon as I get there first? (presumably to transfer the deposit to).

I need a small mortgage - do I do that after Ive put an offer in?

Do I insist on a Lawyer separate from the Estate Agent - and if so, how do I go about finding one in a short visit of a few days?

I'm really frightened about electricity scares (having read some of your terrible stories - huge comiserations to those of you affected). I'm told the properties I'm interested in have electric metres in them - but HOW DO I KNOW they are legal ones and not illegal ones? I wouldnt know where to start but I do want to look into it. (One property is a new build and one is a resale).

Is there a step by step buying guide for green buyers like myself that I can access quickly?

Thank you so much for reading all my waffle above - I really am confused.

Many thanks in advance.

Mrs teapot (as ever, the kettle's on and the wine cork is not far away either!)

Buying in Spain is quite easy.

Normally you can transfer the deposit once you get back to the UK as it only takes a few days to arrange (use a specialist conmpany like HIFX as opposed to a bank as the rate is better and for larger amounts they do not charge for the transfer).

It's advisable to use a lawyer seperate from the estate agent.

If you are buying a new build off plan make sure all payments are supported by a bank guarantee provided by the builder and that the builder has a good record of completing the build on time, many run 1-2 years - yes years - late.

In most of the popular areas of Spain there are specialist companies who can help you with all the processes, we have a holiday home near Mazzaron (20 miles from Murcia) and if you are looking at that area we can give you their contact details. They arrange resdience permits, Spanish Wills (worth doing as rules diifferent to UK), help opening bank account (we opened by post), set up direct debits for utilities etc, downside is there is a charge for their services but it can be well worth it.

Many areas in Spain are covered by good web sites with forums like this one, if you search for them you can get good contacts for lawyers, banks etc from people who are in the area you want to move to.

Good luck

Thank you for replying - very informative.

Things are moving fast here. I might be buying a new build that is already finished and only a few remaining - it a Spanish Developer. Would I have particular problems buying a development by a Spanish Developer? How do I check about land grab laws? How do I check the electric meter is 'legal'?

I would be using an independant Estate Agent (not the developer) to buy - how do I check they are registered and genuine?

I would appreciate any fast replies as I am going out there ASAP.

Many, many thanks in advance.

Mrs Teapot (haven't time to get the kettle on at the mo!)

The only way to be 100% certain of having a legally registered meter is to take the serial number of the installed meter to the local electricity provider and confirm its registered address.

If the house is a new build and water is provided by a well you should also taste the water as it is not unknown for the water to be very salty and altho you will probably not drink it you may have problems if you put in a swimming pool, want to water the garden or have washing machines dishwashers etc.

It is possible to take a sample of water to the pharmacist for analysis at a small cost.

It cost us 2,500 euros to have a replacement well dug elsewhere on the property because of this.

These problems are particularly prevalent in the Chiclana de la Frontera area.

In Spain most new builds are bought off plan ie before they even start to build. If a property is ready it may be that the original buyer backed out for whatever reason. This is not necessarily something to worry about as can take 2-3 years from agreeing to buy to property being built and circumstances change.

Just watch and make sure they are not trying to pressurise you to buy when saying only a few left.

Best to use a reputable legal company as they can check and resolve many of these issues, there are some in Uk who speciailise in Spain but best to use one locally to the property but not one who is working for the builder.

Where are you looking to buy ?

I have gained lots of information from the forum and newsletters on www.spanishpropertyinsight.com. We bought off plan, it is near completion now but has taken 2 years so far!! I would definately recommend the site if you need quick information which you could print off and read on the plane!

Good luck!

RE: Is there a step by step buying guide for green buyers like myself that I can access quickly?

The best thing I did when living in Spain was to enrol with FIPE this organisation is sponsored by the government of Valencia and provides factual and responsible info.(www.fipe.org) The site can be accessed but membersip costs €80 for the first year then €50 for each succesive year.
The best thing I took to Spain was a return ticket.
Regards.

Sadly, I read last week that the Valencia government is closing the organisation down due to "irregularities". I understand they were only minor and now resolved but it seems that funding is being withdrawn.