chrisjolly

I worked for a very unscrupulous agent on the Costa del Sol for a few months and she would rush people into paying a deposit saying she would give it to the seller but she kept the money. When the buyers wanted to know where it was she used to say take it up with the seller! Fortunately she left after over fifty denuncias. Do not pay the agent! Do not rush into this. The fees are paid by the seller not the buyer. Deal with everything in person as there are still very dishonest agents operating on the coast sorry to say.
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missile

Is there any other kind?

Moses2013

It always depends what kind of property you're looking at, but prices still have a long way to go in that area. There's a huge oversupply of apartments, so you'll always find something cheap, while a detached house close to the sea will be harder to get. You have to be happy with the price you're paying and most people recommend to rent beforehand, but those people are usually moving their whole life to Spain. We bought a plot, but never rented beforehand.

chopera

As previously mentioned, lawyers don't do conveyancing in Spain. We've bought twice in Spain and haven't used one at all. You can get a nota simple from the local council and that should state what debts are outstanding against the property and any other legal issues. We downloaded a contrato de arras from the internet, modified it to our (and the seller's) liking, and both us and the seller signed it. Typically the contrato de arras involves a requirement from the buyer to place money (a "deposit") in a special bank account and the agreement is that if the buyer pulls out the money goes to the seller, and if the seller pulls out they have to pay that amount to the buyer along with the deposit. And that's pretty much what a lawyer usually does in these cases. But there is no need for one because you still have to go to the notary where the "completion" takes place, and sign off the documents yourself. So the lawyer has no legal responsibility and only carries out bureaucratic work. I've been told you can often get gestoras to do it for much less money. If you take a mortgage out the bank tends to take most interest in all the legalities being in order, as they obviously have a stake in the property.

I don't know the market in that area, but if it helps I read somewhere recently that on average most offers come in at 80% of asking price. Also in some areas the market is so cheap that even if it drops by another 20% or so, it's not a big deal. Also you'll still end up paying transaction tax based around the valor catastral rather than the actual transaction value, so be prepared for it being more than you expect.

chrisjolly

In actual fact there are some very good agents who put themselves out to find the clients the right property so it is a little unfair to cast them all the same. The problem here is that there is no regulation concerning agents and selling property unlike the UK where they are regulated by Acts of Parliament and can be prosecuted for misdemeanours.

Moses2013

You should still never buy without a lawyer, especially if it's a holiday home. A good legal firm will offer the whole package and you don't have to be in Spain at any stage. Porth mentioned Solvia and the properties they have are so overpriced, I can't imagine they sell anything.

chopera

Yes I'm not recommending that people do that, unless they are confident in doing it themselves. Just highlighting that it's not actually necessary or indeed a requirement to do so. I don't know of any Spaniard who has used a lawyer for a buying/selling a property.

chrisjolly

I didn't use a lawyer as all they do is everything you can do yourself with some careful tedious work in the Town Hall, the electricity office and the water office. It depends on each and every circumstance. I agreed to pay the final bills as part of the deal but I did check who the owners were and the exact boundary of the house.

Moses2013

It's great if it worked for you, but there are so many things to consider and it's often cheaper to get a lawyer if you're living abroad.

Nick6039

Thanks for the response. We have seen so many properties and really spoilt for choice. but looking up to £75,000 total including fees etc. We have looked at the Polaris on terrazza or other areas but the community fees have been said to be anything from 1000 euros to 3000 euros and nobody will tell us the actual truth. We would like a duplex with garden for the pooch and community pool. None too flash but with potential. Not for renting out just for us but must take the dog. Anywhere 30 minutes or so from the beach but within walking distance to a bar or amenities etc. To buy just a plot takes courage and well done to you! If we love the life then maybe will jump but for now a holiday home is enough. Thanks again for the response. Nick

dfjordan

I imagine you can go to whoever is responsible for the adminstration and ask them to tell you what the community charges are working out at. I dont know if they do it there, but the latest list of unpaid charges is also useful to ask for, as if many owners arent paying, then your maintenance will suffer

Nick6039

Thanks. I never thought about people not paying the charges. I imagine we will be able to research more when we come out. Thanks again. Nick

NickH01

Hi Nick 6039.
What a small world, I am also a Nick living just down the road from you at Westwoodside, near Doncaster. We are also looking at buying near Alicante in a place called Elche. Lots of good practical advice on here. Good luck.

cheradik

Hi Guys

Anyone out there who can direct me towards a good english speaking solicitor as I am intending to buy a house in Pego. Thank you

Rosemary

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