How to make the purchase of real estate in Spain safe?

Verification of documentation of the property in Spain

It is important to check property before signing the contract. Cooperation with the real estate agency or purchase of bank property reduces the chance to obtain bad experience but do not eliminate it.  As a buyer, you have the right to request information about the status of the object, existing encumbrances, the absence of arrears on taxes and other obligatory payments.

As a rule, the Spanish notaries and real estate agents check all the information about the chosen housing unit. Still, if you want to make a responsible investment, you need to check everything yourself. Do not make the down payment or sign the contract before making sure that the property has no legal flaws. 

Documents worth checking

A seller has to provide a buyer with the number of documents. The complete list of obligatory papers proves the full ownership and exposes possible flaws. 

If the seller presents you only Nota Simple, you should know that this document is just informative. Actual information about the ownership of all properties is stored only in the Property Registry, where you should apply for a certificate with the necessary data. If the transaction is not directly from the seller, it is important to verify that the representative has the authority of the owner, including if the seller is a legal entity, which must have all the powers of attorney.

As a buyer, you have to ask a seller to present the following papers:

A buyer can ask for copies so that they can study them in detail or contact the certified lawyer. Only after close investigation of the legal side of the purchase, a buyer and a seller can compile the contract and discuss the amount of a down payment. 

Verification of the technical condition of the property in Spain 

It is better to conduct the checking of the technical condition of the property with a specialist. First of all, a buyer should pay attention to the foundation. A good foundation must be made with reinforcement technology and have certain characteristics that depend on the area, number of stories of the house and materials of which it is built. 

Second option to check is the roof. A specialist should climb into the attic and carefully inspect the roof, to determine the degree of moisture and the internal integrity of the home.

Third important option is utility systems. To check the sewer and water supply, open the water for an extended period of time and observe how it drains into the cesspool. The rate at which it drains should be fast and not have any delays. 

The last but not the least option is to look at the wiring and switchboards, which should be in perfect order with a complete absence of tangles and protruding wires. 

A buyer should have a look at the overall atmosphere and layout of a villa or an apartment. If you do not like the interior at all, calculate the future expenses on furniture, amenities, and décor and evaluate your financial opportunities.