Buyers Guide Property buyers are looking at all areas of Spain, www.buyyourpropertyinspain.com covers the whole of Spain, the Balearics and Gran Canaria. Due to our wide coverage...you the buyer, have a choice of many different areas offering a vast range of properties, whether it be your holiday, retirement or investment home. As a property buyer you can use the Estate Agent system, but as with agents worldwide you will be paying a hefty commission fee for the pleasure. By buying a property listed on our website you will be in complete control, and also saving yourselves money, you will find this method less frustrating and more enjoyable...as it should be. What benefits will I achieve buying direct from the owner ? Well the obvious one is saving money by avoiding agents fees, the key reason for advertising your property with us. Apart from that you are in direct contact with the seller, you can ask any questions you feel necessary. You know what its like when you view with an agent, you tend not to ask the owner as much as you would like and rely on information from the agent. By dealing with the seller direct you are in complete control from the start. How do we arrange a viewing ? Simple, just contact the seller by using either email or telephone, all these details can be found in their information. Between you and the seller arrange a convenient date and time, keep in touch with them if you are travelling a distance, and maybe ask about suitable accommodation in the area if required. What if we like the property...what next ? If you find a property that suits all or most of your needs and requirements, the next step is to secure it with a deposit, that is once you have negotiated an acceptable deal. You should find yourselves a good Solicitor, and of course English speaking as there are plenty of them around. Your sellers should be doing exactly the same, so if you decide to place a deposit be sure you mean to complete the purchase. The deposit should be left with their Solicitor, and only released when your Solicitor and maybe Surveyor have completed all relevant searches etc. A deposit can be anywhere from 1,000 euros upwards. Whilst you are with the sellers write down what is and is not included in the sale, this is very important, agree this between yourselves and inform both Solicitors. I may need a Mortgage ? Not a problem, very similar to most other countries, your Spanish Bank will need the usual documents: If in employment then your last three payslips, P60's, passports etc. If you are self employed then your tax returns, last three years audited accounts and references. You may be able to get a large proportion of the value on a mortgage, check out the best way and obviously what you can easily afford. The best way is to seek professional Mortgage advice, you can even get one set up '' mortgage offer in principle'', this will save you time when you find the right property. As with any Mortage there is a requirement for home insurance, there are many companies offering this service so no problem at all. What other costs can I expect in the purchase and what do I need to know ? 1) Be aware of taxes and other costs that will be added to the sellers asking price, your Solicitor will be able to advise you of these and the final price payable. 2) Ask your Solicitor about any community charges, taxes etc that may be payable annually. 3) Your Solicitor will also tell you of any outstanding mortgage or debts on the property, it is vital that these are settled before you complete or you may become liable. 4) It is normal that once the searches have been made that a Contract of sale (contato privado de compraventa) is signed, at this satge in the purchase you may be asked to  make a further deposit of up to 10%. 5) Make sure that your Solicitor arranges for all mains services to be transferred into your name, if the property has a telephone (land line) then talk with the owners and your Solicitor to make certain that this is also changed into your name. 6) If you are unlikely to attend the completion, then you can grant Power of Attorney to your Solicitor. 7) Two important things to do early in the process, get yourself a Spanish Bank Account , and you will also need an NIE number, this is an identification number for foreigners. Both are very easy to do and your Solicitor will be able to arrange these for you. By reading these helpful notes you will have seen the obvious need for a Solicitor. When you hear of things going wrong it is usually because buyers have not enlisted professional help, and its so simple and inexpensive...so do it. The buying procedure from start to finish can be as quick as 3/4 weeks, but normally around 6/8. One last bit of advice, when you have purchased your property you should get a Spanish Will. This will save any problems should your circumstances change within the family.