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10 Useful Tips to Consider When Buying Property in Costa Blanca

Whilst the thought of going to live in Spain very close to a golden beach may appeal, especially during particularly grey days in the UK, there is a lot to have to think about when you decide to make that leap to live in another country.

As well as all the normal things you have to deal with in a removal within your own country, there is also the language, currency and a completely different legal system to contend with. Added to that is the fact that things will take longer to sort out – as if this sort of thing isn't already a bit of a drawn out process in the normal run of things!

By following 10 tips you will make sure you don't miss anything really important.

1. Legal Advice.

The Spanish conveyancing system is very different to the UK, so it is advisable to use a lawyer with expert knowledge of the Spanish property system. They should be able to give you their registration number with the local 'Colegio de Abogados' (the local lawyers association).

2. Nota simple.

All properties must now have a 'Nota Simple' (land registry extract) and an energy efficiency certificate before they can be offered for sale. The nota simple lists some basic information so you can check that there are no debts or legal proceedings pending, and that the registered owners of the property are in fact the sellers.

3. Cadastral register.

Make sure that the property is a legal build and has all the correct permissions, and is listed on the Cadastral register. The Cadastral certificate is very useful, as it will give you the exact size of the plot and show you where the boundaries are.

4. Get information about the annual costs.

Find out that the cadastral value of the property, which will then help you to find out what the purchase tax and the yearly 'IBI' (like council tax) bill will be.

5. Make sure that the property does not have pending charges.

You should get a receipt to prove that all the utility bills, including the 'IBI' have been paid up to date by the existing owner, before you buy.

6. Be careful if you buy a land to build.

It is a good idea to check that there are no rights of way or building restrictions on the land you wish to buy, which can be easily checked at the local town hall.

7. Property Survey.

Most people don't do this when buying in Spain, but it is prudent to have a property survey carried out, just as you would if you were buying in the UK.

8. Don´t forget to check this if you buy new build properties.

If you are buying a new property, of which there are many still unsold from 2007, you will need a 'licence of first habitation certificate' issued by the town hall.

9. Get everything in writing.

Always get offers and agreements in writing before agreeing to proceed, and always insist on a paper receipt for any money you have paid.

10. Get a Will in Spain.

Last but not least, get a Will in Spain, so that if anything happens to you, the inheritance laws in Spain don't get in the way of your wishes.