Investment Properties

in-the-sun.com
 

Area Guides

 
 

Property News

Be the first to get the latest Spanish property news, the best prices and the best plots 'in the sun'.


email:
 
 
 
Polaris World Authorized agent

Buying in Spain

Spain's pleasant, healthy climate and wide selection of properties make it the most popular destination for an overseas property.

Choose from developed plots, farmhouses and village locations, through to villas, townhouses and new apartment developments.


Fincas

A finca is a plot of land or an estate outside of or in-between towns and villages. Properties advertised as fincas can run from tumbledown farmhouses to lavish modern villas. An advantage is that fincas generally come with a substantial amount of land, which may include olive groves and fruit orchards.


Residency

The process for obtaining the Residency Card for Members of the European Union has been amended for practical purposes. Until now, EU citizens who live in Spain have not been obliged to obtain this card. On July 2, 2007, a Royal Decree obliged them to <b<register themselves with the Registro Central de Extranjeros [Central Register of Foreigners]. This implies a substantial change for these residents because not only does it provide them with an identity document but now also provides them with a certificate of their registration as a citizen of the European Union in Spain.

Those people that already have a card will not have to undertake this process until their card expires. New residents will have to request the Certificate of Registration in order to subsequently, and depending on each case in question (sometimes 2 years of continued residency, 3 or even 5), to obtain a certificate giv ing them the right to reside permanently.

This "Certificate of Registration as citizen of the EU" can be requested from National Police Station in the area where they live.

At the Police Station of Cartagena (Murcia) and Orihuela (Alicante), for example, they require your certificate of registration with the local council [padrón], the payment of a fee (approximately 8 euros), a photocopy of your passport and the completion of a form, as well as two passport-sized photographs (not requested at the Police Station of Orihuela). The person applying for the certificate must present themselves at the Police Station


The fiscal representative

It's highly advisable for any person who has a property in Spain but doesn't live there all the time to nominate a fiscal representative. This is a person to whom the tax authorities can send all correspondence relating to your affairs in Spain, secure in the knowledge that it will arrive. The fiscal representative must be resident in Spain, but it's for you to choose whom to appoint. It can be a friend, neighbour, lawyer or tax adviser.


The gestor

For facility management you can appoint a local gestor or legal representative. This person is the official form filler who does the work for quite reasonable charges. If you decide to live or work in Spain your gestor can assist you with residencias, work permits, licences and permits in connection with the opening of new businesses. They'll also advise on importing cars, furniture, electrical goods and pets into Spain, obtaining payment of your pension in Spain, national insurance and other related matters.


The estate agent

Ask your estate agent for details of the outgoings payable every year to maintain the property:
annual real estate tax (1131)
community fees
charges for rubbish collection
water rates
electricity charges
property income and wealth tax


Mortgages

Applying for a mortgage is a straightforward process, as in the UK. A number of documents must be furnished to the Spanish bank in order to accommodate a smooth transaction. Please note that originals of everything will need to be shown and copies will be taken at the bank.

passport, driving licence
if employed: past three months' payslips, latest P60s
if self-employed: last three years audited accounts, tax returns and accountant's reference


Children's education

If you plan to move the whole family abroad, your children's education is highest priority. You can choose from international, state and private schools.

Contact the National Association of British Schools in Spain for information. Website: www.nabss.org