Hartland Property - Spanish property for sale in Spain.

Hartland Property Consultants & Property Brokers

Information on buying property in The Costa Calida, Mar Menor, Murcia, Almeria,  Spain .

             

Hartland Property Consultants

Please don’t be taken in or fooled by so called free inspection trips which are becoming more and more popular with some of the larger agents.

THIS VERY IMPORTANT READ THIS BEFORE COMING TO SPAIN

PROPERTY VIEWING TRIP ARRANGEMENTS

FLIGHT TICKETS.  RENT-A-CAR.  AIRPORT COLLECTION

 ACCOMMODATION - PROPERTY VIEWING APPOINTMENTS

As soon as you have decided on your travel dates and are ready to visit we are at your service to assist and guide you with the following services that are at your disposal:  

We can arrange  B.B -or Rental -Hotel accommodation 

 www.hotelcorzo.com

  in Los Alcazares

 FLIGHT TICKETS:

 To assist you in arranging a flight from any of the major UK airports contact an agent at the Dial-a-flight office calling them directly on; 01732-591470 - Alex Gache is the manager. You can discuss your travel arrangements with them or contact your own travel agent who may have last minute cancellations.   Another option would be to view Tele-text and on the web there is  www.ryanair.com  who fly in to Murcia or www.easyjet.com  for sample of flight information. 

 LOCAL RENT-A-CAR / CAR HIRE:

 If you would like a car at the Airport at Murcia or Alicante try  www.drivespain.com or you have a choice of car rental agencies, which can be ordered on line. They will reserve one for you ready for collection at the rent-a-car administration desk when you arrive. Please remember your credit card and drivers licence for those who will be driving the vehicle. The prices are inclusive of full insurance but not damage to the tyres and wheels.  Drivers must be over 25 years of age to rent a vehicle.

LOCAL AIRPORT COLLECTION SERVICE

 If you would like to be collected at the local airport Murcia, we will require your flight number and arrival time. You will be met by one of our representatives at the Taxi rank outside the departure gate as you leave the airport. This collection service is only offered to our clients who are staying locally and close to one of our associated offices. If you require to be picked up from Alicante airport there is charge for this service.  

120.Euros for the return trip-from Alicante airport to Los Alcazares

BANK -amp; DEPOSIT

Should you require finance we can arrange for the Royal bank of Scotland manger working with the sister Bank of Santander Central Hispano to contact you to discuss your requirements.

Requirements for a mortgage and buy of property are as follows: -

You must bring with you proof of income + (A tax cert, if self employed from the I.R.S.)

(a)          Passports

(b)          P60 (If a both are working 2 P60S will be required)

(c)          The last 3 months bank statements

(d)          Confirmation of all outstanding balances on any existing mortgage and any other loans i-e credit card etc.

(e)           Also a deposit of 3.000.00 € to 6.0000 € on New properties  or up to 10% of the  re sale property value is required to secure the property.  Please bring a UK cheque book with you if not a bankers draft of 3000éuros it can be return to the bank if not used Credit cards are not now used at the Bank for deposits.....

Arrangements have to be made for this to be transferred here in Spain to save disappointment and possible loss of your property arrange with your Bank regarding this.

(f)            Before you can buy a property in Spain or apply for a Bank Loan you will require applying for an N.I.E. number. You need a bank certificate that you have an account here in Spain. Or a copy of the property contract, This can only be done in person at the police station in Cartagana. This takes 21 days to receive you will then be able to return and buy your property after that time. We will help you do this, also if you require lawyer, we can recommend an independent one who speaks English and Spanish.

 THIS VERY IMPORTANT READ THIS BEFORE COMING TO SPAIN

ACCOMMODATION for prospective Buyers

 If you would like accommodation booked on your behalf, our office can also arrange this. Please contact us with the arrival and departure dates and the area you are interested in.

We offer Bed & Breakfast in ** or *** hotel accommodation or self-catering apartments and bungalows.

PROPERTY VIEWING APPOINTMENTS – NEW / RESALE / LAND

 If you arrive in the morning we would usually set up and appointment for you for the same afternoon at our office, you would be met at your hotel and taken to the office, or you may find your own way.

 You will then be able to discuss your requirements and financial details with the Director of H.P.C.  You will then be able to view a selection of property.

If you arrive late in the afternoon or in the evening then an appointment would be made for you for the following morning, or at a convenient time to suit you.

 We do appreciate that you may have traveled far and require a rest.

  We recommend that we make the initial appointment for you (especially for viewing businesses) to enable you to carry on with your plans for the rest of the week. If your appointment is made later into the week of your visit you may lose valuable time.

 To view re-sale property and especially country property, time is required to arrange viewing, to have the agents in the area and owners present therefore we require to plan and make the necessary arrangements in a practical and professional manner and not waste your valuable time.

VISITORS WHO MADE THEIR OWN TRAVEL & ACCOMMODATION ARRANGEMENTS

Under these circumstances, we will make your initial appointment with our office; this should ideally be within the first 2 days, and arranged before you leave home. During your visit please call the following contact number to arrange viewing: Tel: (968 134  784)

 (Local number when in Spain) or from the UK (0131 339 5926).

 You may also call this number for information.

All calls are transferred to Spain at no additional charge to yourself.

We hope to be of service to you,

 Mrs I. A. R. Wishart (Director’

  Ps. We must stress that we need the maximum price your prepared to spend plus 10% for the I.V.A. (Spanish Tax) legal expenses, Spanish notary Fees. And what you are looking for Type of property and location, before we start to look for you.  

Our experienced agents in Spain all have a detailed knowledge of the area and can offer you a very personal service and comprehensive information prior to any visit here in Spain. Having established your own personal requirements in purchasing a property prior to traveling we will then organise a "tailor made" visit for viewing and finding your ideal home in the sun.

Legal Services

With this highly individual service we can introduce you to a very well recommended firms of English speaking solicitors with many years of experience in handling non-resident property purchases and we can also introduce you to a choice of Banks offering account opening and mortgage facilities. Straightforward advice is at hand every step of the way and we will, through our agents, be able to keep you regularly updated on the progress of buying your new home here in Spain. Please feel free to contact us directly with your telephone numbers and email addresses,

  A very warm welcome awaits and we look forward to seeing you here soon!

Legal Representative

Legal Abogado/Spanish Lawyer -Multiservice-Miiradores,

438-La Manga-Club-30385 Los Belones, Cartagana. (Murcia) Phone (968 17 51 46 -Fax 968 17 52 63 

Legal Abogado/Spanish Lawyer Independent Consultants

Juan Carlos Cabeza Martinez, Centro Commercial - El Faro-n2Plaza de cavanna,30380.-La Manga-Mar -Menor (Murcia) Phone 968 56 41 12- fax 968 56 47 03

We offer Free, No-Nonsense Advice and find a property Service to you

As an independent company we are ideally placed to help turn this dream into a reality. 

By only representing the very best  professional accredited property agents, Lawyers, Banks, We arrange all the legal paper work with  the lawyer, Open bank accounts arrange bank Loans with (The Royal Bank Of Scotland) sister Bank of  Santander central Hispano. As official agents for the bank. We are offering 60% loans on Property through the Royal Bank of Scotland  sister Bank of Santander central Hispano here in spain  at 2.50%  

We are the one  and only stop you need to make

We Refund 1000 €uros  up to 3000 €uros  should you buy NEW for your  hotel &  traveling expenses

Buying a house in Spain - a guide
 

First step

Before purchasing your property in Spain - it is most important to choose the location. An old adage for purchasing a property in Spain is "follow the three l's" location, location, location as this is without doubt the most important factor.
You must consider the following - is this a holiday home? is it for permanent residence? each question may direct you to completely different areas and properties, and should be taken very seriously before you rush into looking at that "wonderful villa".
Next you need to consider employment - are you looking for employment? if so where is the best location? many believe that the built up areas offer a lot more opportunities than some of the less commercial resorts - that is not always the case, as the commercial areas have an abundance of commission only sales jobs and bar work, and a lot of people competing for them!
In some of the less built up areas (such as some of the areas around Costa Calida, and in particular the up and coming areas such as Calasparra), employment opportunities are far greater as the area is starting to grow, and there can be a higher demand for skilled labour
The easiest trap to fool into is to be swept away by the atmosphere and moment whilst in holiday, and people do tend to "rush in" and buy a home in the resort where they previously took their vacation. This is not necessarily a bad thing, but a couple of considerations should be made beforehand.
Tourist areas are packed during the summer, the bars and shops get overcrowded, your table at your favourite restaurant may be taken, beaches get overrun very quickly, parking can be difficult, the streets could smell like a thousand different types of foods (emitting from the local bars and cafes) and the noise levels will increase.
This is not meant to put you off, merely to remind you that sometimes being in "the heart of a tourist resort" is not always a good thing.
Moving slightly inland will offer great benefits - the property prices are usually lower than that of a popular tourist resort, the areas are quieter and closer to nature, the authentic Spanish surroundings and charm still remain and most areas have easy access back to the main resorts.
If you let us know your intentions, and preferred locations - we will be able to point you in the right direction
Buying a new home
When purchasing a new home, payment is usually made in stages and the building work progresses - and will often vary as there is no set rule to payment amounts and stages. It is your responsibility to ensure that the work in question has been carried out to specification at each stage
It is always cost effective to ensure that any design or building changes are agreed and included at the design stage to avoid too many additional excessive costs.
Building a home
To buy a plot of land or reconstruction project is relatively simple - but always recruit local expert help as the red tape and very different business practices in Spain can be difficult to follow if you have had no previous experience.
One of the important factors is to check that the land has been approved for building, and that the plot is large enough and suitable for the type of property you are looking to build. This can be done by obtaining the "certiicado de situacíon urbanística" from the local town hall
Resale homes
Resale properties represent great value for money in Spain, and the advantage is that you see exectly what you are getting, and what work (if any) needs to be carried out.
If you aim is to purchase a traditional Spanish home with charm and character; a building for renovation; a building with a large plot of land or outbuildings - you must usually buy a resale property
Fees
When purchasing a property anywhere- there is always an additional cost. In Spain, it is usual to expect to  pay fees of around 10% of the property purchase price (and you will need to add between 1 to 1.5% for new properties to that total)
Fees are always based on the -quot;declared" value of the property, which is traditionally much lower than the actual price (and this of course has a bearing if applying for a mortgage). There is regulation in place as "the law of public fees" makes it no longer possible to declare a very low figure, and the can be penalties for gross under-valuation.
Fees payable
  • Transfer tax (resale property only)
  • Legal document tax
  • VAT (new properties only)
  • Land tax
  • Notary fees
  • Stamp duty (new only)
  • Legal fees
  • Deed registration fee
  • Surveyor fee (optional)
  • Selling agents fee
  • Utility fee (new only)
Importing money
There are two types of exchange rate quoted on a site offering business transactions from Spain (indeed if you look at our property pages - we mention a commercial exchange rate)
Purchasing a property in Spain, allows you to benefit from a higher (usually) exchange rate than that of the tourist rate
In order to take advantage of the commercial rate - you should speak to your bank or other financial institutions to arrange a SWIFT transfer. The charges vary - so it is certainly worth shopping around
Mortgages or home loans
These are available from most Spanish banks. As with the UK, the amount you are able to borrow will depend on varying factors such as income, profession, property etc.
You must usually provide proof of income and outgoings. If the mortgage is for a commercial property, you will need to provide a detailed business plan.
In recent years Spanish mortgages have been the most competitive in Europe with rates varying at around 5%.
The maximum mortgage in Spain is usually 80% - (but rates and limits can vary from bank to bank. )
Example:
A property £100,00 obtaining a 60% mortgage, you must pay £40,000 deposit plus approx 10% fees of £10,000 - making a total of £50,000
Mortgages are granted as a percentage of the valuation and not the selling price.
Conveyancing
In Spain, some aspects of conveyancing can only be performed by the Notario (public notary) such as the drawing up of deeds and witnessing signatures.
A Notario represents the Spanish government, and one of his/her main tasks is to ensure that the State taxes are paid on completion of sale. The Notario does not guarantee or verify accuracy of statements made in a contract - so it is vital to employ the services of a Spanish lawyer.
A lawyer should carry out the following:
  • Verify property belongs to the vendor and that he/she has legal authority to sell it (shown in the Escritura publica)
  • Making sure that there are no tenants
  • Check that there  are no encumbrances or liens
  • Check that there are no pre-emption rights over the property, with no construction plans that would have an adverse affect on the value or use of the property
  • Check boundaries and measurements in the Escritura are accurate
  • Ensure permits and planning permissions are in order
  • Ensure that a proper title is obtained and arranging necessary registration of ownership
Purchase contracts
The first stage of buying a property is the signing of the "contrato privado de compraventa" - which usually takes place on payment of the deposit
Inheritance and Capital Gains Tax
Before registering the title deed, caRefully consider taxes and inheritance consequences for those in whose name the deed is registered.
Property can be registered singularly; joint; name or names of children giving parents sole use during their lifetime or name os Spanish or foreign company.
Completion
The date of which is usually two to three months after signing , or the date agreed by all parties stated within the contract. Completion involves:
  • Transferring legal property ownership
  • Signing the deed of sale
  • Payment of balance
  • Payment of fees, taxes and duties
The Notary will send you a bill for his/her fees or taxes which must be paid within 30 days of completion, at this time the Notary should also provide a draft deed of sale.
Signing the deed of sale
This takes place in the Notary's office before the deed of sale is signed, the Notary checks all the conditions contained in the contract have been fulfilled. It is normal for both the buyer and seller to be present, and read the deed of sale before it is signed and witnessed by the Notary (most deed of sales are in Spanish - so an interpreter may be required)
Wills
It is strongly recommended upon your property purchase that a Notarised will is granted in front of a Spanish Notary related to the assets in the Spanish territory. This avoids costs and delays for the beneficiaries as they are granted a period of six months from date of death to pay inheritance tax - delays in payment are penalised with additional late payment fines
Moving house
Going through the process of moving home is a difficult one for most people moving "within the country" - so an overseas move can be a stressful time
Use a company that is a member of (FIDI) International Federation of Furniture Removers or (OMNI)  Overseas Moving Network International  who usually will have a lot of experience in this matter, and can offer advice and additional services such as insurance and packing if required.

On arrival
WELCOME TO SPAIN!

Now that you have arrived - there are a couple of things you should try to sort out as soon as possible (if your property company has not already done this for you - mind you do ask them first!)

  • Locks - change them as you do not know how many sets of keys were in circulations
  • Electricity - visit the local office with your passport or residence card and the contract and bills form the previous owner. You will need to organise the electricity contract for your new home whilst here
  • Gas - If you are fortunate enough to have mains gas (highly unlikely however unless you are in a main city) then you should contact the supplier. If like most however, the property is services by "bombonas" (gas bottles) - you will need to find and visit the local supplier, who may inform you that they wish to make a safety inspection first, before signing contracts and delivering the gas bottles. Be warned that these bottles are heavy and have a habit of running out at the most inconvenient times - so stock up!

Finally - ENJOY YOUR NEW HOME