Whether you need to be accompanied or you just prefer to have someone do it all for you transparently, we can help.

To give you a headstart we have compiled a list of absolutely essential points.

• Before you sign any documents, you should obtain advice from a lawyer (abogado) or make sure you have an independent interpreter with you who can read through everything and make sure you understand exactly what you are signing.
  We would always recommend that you appoint your own independent Solicitor (Abogado) This way you can be sure that they only have your interests at heart.
• A Nota Simple from the Registro de la Propiedad, showing that no mortgages are registered against the property, if there are they will be passed onto you.
• A certificate of Referencia Catastral . This is a separate land registry which concentrates on the actual site location as opposed to the 'Land Registry' which concentrates on Title and Ownership. You must check that both registries' descriptions of a property are virtually identical, there may be slight differences but there mustn't be any large differences. If there are then it can mean there are problems and it should be checked by a Solicitor (Abogado) to confirm which is correct
• Get a check on the legality and Planparcial if you are buying within an urbanization. You also need an assurance that a building permit is available if you buy a plot. Make sure you see it and get your interpreter to check it through. DO NOT accept any less.
• A check on the IBI or the Declaration de Obra Nueva . (This is proof or otherwise that the annual real estate taxes have been paid - or not.) They will fall into your lap if there are any unpaid.
• A receipt for paid-up community charges.
• Copies of owner's paid up bills for electricity, water, rubbish collection and the telephone
• An Escritura de compraventa signed by a Notary Absolute MUST. DO NOT accept anything else, again, take along your interpreter.
• Proof of payment of fees and taxes, and the 5% deposit to Hacienda if you buy from a non-resident.
• An idea of how and when you will get your final escritura puiblica , which makes you the real owner.
• If you complete on your purchase before actually receiving the escritora (title deeds) Make sure you have a contract outlining monies paid and to whom, expected date of reciept of the property deeds. Make sure you understand exactly waht is in the contract. This should be signed by both parties and a copy retained by yourself. You'll be amazed how many promised escritoras do not materialise.