Buying property in Spain. Is it a risky experience?
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- čas přidán 29. 05. 2019
- Buying property in Spain doesn't have to be a risky experience as long as you do your homework and prepare for the stress. In this vlog I talk about my own experiences with buying property in both Spain and Portugal.
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I bought two properties in Spain, country which I love, and I would like to give this advice: buy something smaller, but in the historical center, historical building (they were constructed better) renovated inside, by doing this you avoid two problems: 1) the risk to buy a property which is not completely legal 2) the risk of having increased the cost for the construction...and if you change your mind later on... is always easier to sell it.
But if you only want to live in it for 2 months a year and leave it dormant for 10 months? I want a security lift, security building and live among professionals in the hope the apartment doesn't get broken into while it's empty for 10 months
I was so overwhelmed with the options. Despite loving the older design and locations kept wondering about ongoing costs and practicality. Your comment clarified some concerns. Thank you.
I would think this is great advice and exactly what I am planning to do when I move
@@mikesmith2315 come to Valencia, is quite good quality of life
My strong advice don’t buy
Never buy off plan and never eat yellow snow!!
In that order?
@@adrianred236 lol 😜
I really liked this video, very frank. My partner and I, as of last sept 2018, bought our casita for a steal in the tranquil and verdant Lecrin Valley outside of the Granada. The process and recommendations of the estate agent and lawyers were excellent, professional, prompt and approachable. Their fee, costing no more than 1500 euros, included obtaining the surveying, deeds and power of attorney to claim an NIE and bear witness to signing along with the seller etc. I can't speak for urbanisations and off plan, but this place is so wonderful and we couldn't have had a better experience. I'm hesitant to mention the Valley because it's so pretty and unspoilt, but do visit because it is truly spectacular!
Pity you didn't indicate what you paid because I'm including all fees and tax and it's much more than 1,500€.
Traduction
The developers are already negotiating with the local farmers,lol. Or maybe not so much.
Thank you for your honesty about the housing.😊
Good advice in this video. Wherever you may choose to buy a house and in whatever country, it's always wise to do your homework beforehand. If you have friends or perhaps a family member that's been through the buying process then it may be good to take their advice and recommendations too.
Dear British citizens, I have been living with my partner in Spain and we had a horrible house experience, the same with burglary and thieves! Instead of Spain, consider Croatian coast which is extremely safe no burglary, no thieves like in Spain. There is no property tax in Croatia! Most everyone speaks English unlike in Spain where even the Spanish lawyers don't speak English. There are direct flights from UK to many cities along the Croatian coast. Incredibly beautiful nature, amazing history and architecture, not made for mass tourism, the sun is a lot more gentle which is prefect for the Nordic skin. I can go on and on...just have a look for Pula, Opatija, Rovinj, Rabac, Istria, Zadar, Split, Makarska, Dubrovnik...so many places along the coast just look on the map.
When you say the Spain in what region of Spain you had this bad experience? Spain is very big is not the same Galicia that Andalucia or Catalonia or Extremadura.
@@mickybcn7453 It was in Andalucia, Malaga area. I heard the same bad experiences in Barcelona, Catalunya and Valencia area.
@@jamesjoyce3156 Yes sometimes happened but is not normal,and usually the thieves are from Bòsnia and East countries.
@@mickybcn7453 there are thieves everywhere and of every nationality.
Hundred per cent right, well said, Spain is a corrupted country and you are defenseless. Worst of all the Valencian region that they change laws eve five minutes and you end up completely screwed up loosing it all.
Don’t buy houses in Spain.
Could you do a more indept video on buying property in spain and on the running costs, and say more about buying an existing property, thanks very much
As a American (my wife is Spanish) I found the purchase process here in Spain more than a bit arcane and more expensive. I had bought and sold two houses in the US and found the process much easier and quicker. The fees that you have to pay in Spain are so much more and the extra bureaucratic steps make it a lot less fun. I felt more elation that the process finally being finished three months later, than I felt when be did the sale at the notary and got the keys. Realtor fees are similar in the US, but the VAT is not. VAT, or as we call it sales tax, is not charged on the sale of a home. You only pay a "title transfer fee" of $300-800, depending on the municipality. Also a lawyer is always involved and the purchase always takes place in their office with lawyers from both parties present. The difference is that their are not separate notaries, all lawyers in the US are notaries. There are also a lot of "little extras" that are part of the process. An sworn certificate of title done by a professional showing any liens and certifying that the property is fully legal. Insurance of the title is also included to make compensation to the buyer if something is fraudulent or missed. There is also a complete inspection of the property by a licensed inspector certifying the condition of the home. The entire process from agreement to purchase to final delivery of title of ownership (Deed) takes less than 60 days. That is for an existing home. Buying "off plan" in the US is not common. Generally construction has to have begun and be at a certain percentage of completion before a unit can be sold. Contracts are also much more defined. A delivery date is part of the contract and the builder will be liable for fines for not meeting the contracted date. This can be refunds or reductions in final payment, based on the contracts late fee provisions(i.e. $250 for each day beyond contracted delivery date). Needless to say I felt I was buying a house here in Spain like it was another planet!
Also beware of squatters!!! They have more rights than homeowners
You can end up losing your home .. Beware!!!
Sadly this is true
So the best is to squat first on a property one thinks of buying?
When was this video made ?
@@tomSmith-yw9ej March 2019
Michelle, can you please explain? I don't know anything about losing the home because of squatters
I think you offer some good advise. I am not looking though for a new flat, but to buy an existing village house and have looked at numerous options in Andalucia, Murcia, Valencia, and Catalunya,. I speak Spanish, but am not aware of the nuances of property and title in Spain. What particular suggestions do you have for existing and in some cases, older houses in smaller places. Thanks.
Great video, and very good advise 👍
Loving your blogs, and so glad I've found you, especially regarding the daily virus updates. One point I'd like to make, however, is that friends of mine did all the research and employed all the right people, only to find that the local mayor and solicitor had falsified permissions and documents, and the property was on illegal land. The problem was compounded by the lack of interest shown by the higher courts and authorities. Still not resolved to this day! It doesn't seem fair that the buyer's did everything humanly possible, but were let down by the system.
Que guapo eres .
I have a Motorcycle in Spain and I have to pay "mandatory Insurance" even though it has been broken down and off the road for 2 years, apparently it is the Law- not like the UK where you can SORN it. sorry for being off subject -- just a heads up
It seems like in Germany it´s just the same as in Spain. If you want to stop being charged insurance and vehicle tax for a car or motorcycle you don´t use and even keep on private ground, you have to deregister by presenting the rear number plates to the road traffic department and they´ll scratch of the seals in order devalidate them.
If you leave the vehicle after deregisteration in public space you´ll get fined.
Just put it on "baja temporal", is not that hard bruh
Is the socialist bureaucracy like in the US?
I've had cars on my land for years. They are not insured.
I can solve that for you Alan ! Ride it 😀👍
Hi just found your vlog and found it very interested to hear your views on life in Spain where I intend going in the next year, with the intention of buying land and living off-grid. Have you done any vlogs on the process of obtaining planning permission for small developments, in my case it may be a tiny home project. Thanks in advance. Paul
neighbours and increases in paying community charges (la communidad) in a shared building can be a problem. Get them to prove that gas and electricity works before you buy and make sure that the person you are buying from has the deeds to the house. at least there is no leasehold in spain and it's almost 100% freehold (UK law for who owns the land on which the building stands).
I purchased 17 properties, a mix of flats, fincas, stand-alone homes and land, the sketchiest was buying from builders- they really don't have respect for time and or promises.. I am working on two that have draged 2.5 years now.
I did my research thoroughly for a year before making an offer on a property in the Almeria province last November. We needed a mortgage but could still have signed everything within a couple of months or so. I only extended it because I already had flights booked and it suited the buyers who live in Barcelona. I had a thoroughly recommended independent solicitor (not linked to the estate agent) and it couldn't have been smoother. Better than my son who bought his first UK flat around the same time, unoccupied, which took 7 months to complete. But then we weren't buying off plan which I expect complicates things.
Thanks for the video. Very informative. We bought ours last year and did a lot of research beforehand and luckily we had a very good agent and the whole process took 4 weeks with all legal doc., and got keys and deeds. Yes, agreed that people should avoid buying off plan....
Man W where did you buy? Can you recommend your agent?
@@esthers9122 it's a "good" agent in their opinion.
Title search and escrow is not required and therefore automatic?
Yes, definitely you need to do your homework before buying a house. My experience is that unfortunately, you shouldn't even trust the council arquitect. I got free advice from private arquitects and from a lawyer. When the time came, we hired that same lawyer before signing anything. Otherwise, we would literally be crying right now.
I'm Spanish, however I'm also half Portuguese, I only lived 5 years in Portugal when I was a child. But, I lived in the UK for 13 years and part of my work was dealing with Spanish and Portuguese companies and my impression is that the Portuguese are more professional in what they do. However, as we all know there is good and bad everywhere. So, do your homework, research very well before signing and beware not to trust anyone by his/her word!
Hi, good video. I know that I have to come up with some down-payment for a house. Do you think as a foreigner, I could qualify for mortgage loans for any bank institution in Spain?
We would love to move to Spain . It is good for everyone to know the pitfalls. Also we know a couple that bought home on Costa Blanca. They bought FRONT LINE. Some years later the Spanish built in front of their house. Not what they had payed for. So watch out if you think you have a VIEW bc 3 years later your View will be gone. !!
Nobody can tell what's going to happen in 10? years time.
Buy a house that’s already built ... in a mature area. Good advice !
Could you do a vid on off-grid living in Spain and Portugal and the legal side to it it your from UK like me, thanks
CK, I'm in Portugal, what exactly do you want to know?
what is your opinion on buying a unfinished property or built your own.
The quality of construction in Spain is often terrible with the building standards also found to be sub par. It’s not that the trade is lacking skilled professionals it is more a case of their attitude, the focus is on saving money, cutting corners and fooling buyers into thinking the levels of quality are far above what they actually are. A lot of the pricing and valuation processes are absolutely ridiculous. A true minefield, both for those that are naive and those that are switched on, each type of individual suffers differently when buying in Spain!
Contractors the world over seem to be human pond scum.
Erm the quality of construction in spain is roughly 3 times better than the UK and 8 times better than the US
A IP 😂 you simply haven’t got a clue. Have you Ever heard of building standards? Please learn why the likes of you in particular have 2 eyes and 2 ears yet only 1 mouth.
@@JR-jj2dh no but I have lived for years in the UK and in Spain and the difference is pretty noticeable. Then again, in Spain I lived in Madrid not in coastal settlements designed for tourists. But even those should comply with Spain's rather strict building standards. If you want to know about them let me know. One of the many "benefits" of Brexit is that the UK can continue to cut corners on such things.
The construction stardards in the U.K are terrible. They use too much wood in the construction of a house. Floor boards everywhere and underneath them. In Spain they use concrete. Much better.
hello,i hear about squatters problem,meaby you can make one vlog about this situation please
Good advice 👍
You didn't mention the important bit, at least for UK buyers, that you need to add up to 15% of the price quoted for taxes and various fees.
Thank you for sharing
Always enjoy your videos thanks , my partner had a place near Alicante and was constantly ripped off by different new charges , even the sceptic tank which was put in place when the Finca was built had to be changed because of new EU regulations and cost a few thousand euro , when she came to sell she found out the access road was built on private land .
Hi Nic, in Portugal just about 100% of plots offroad are accessible through other private plots but the law grants you right of way. In other words, yes the land over which the access road was built belongs to your neighbor BUT he/she must give you that access, one way or the other. In any event, you should become aware of these and other situations prior to a transaction. Just go around and ask who owns the adjacent properties and go talk to them. Chances are you will end up drinking wine with them - or they will end up selling their plot to you ! (both cases have happened to me).
Moral here...be careful of diy lawyering.
@@wolfthequarrelsome504 no she used an accredited Spanish lawyer
In the metropolitan area of Madrid, in Rivas-Vaciamadrid, where you are recording the video, it's absolutely necessary to build housing: this metropolitan area grows about 100,000 people every year. It's estimated that only in Madrid city, almost 20,000 homes and almost 50,000 throughout its metropolitan area need to be built each year. More than a matter of economy, work or production, construction in many areas of Spain is a necessity...
Did you get a mortgage in Portugal even not living there? Is that possible?
I believe you should rent for a while and assess everything properly.
Friends of our bought out in Spain a few years back and nice villa but not a good investment.
Easy to lose money, although they love the villa they do regret not having rented for a good while first
@@markohenry5891 good advice
It’s quite simple really do your research and quality legal advise. I think the general rule of thumb is if it sounds too good it probably is.
Just out of curiosity, what part of Spain is shown in this video and what is the average part of an unattached home in that area? I've been told that Real Estate prices in Spain vary dramatically depending on the region.
The video is Madrid... Prices do vary enormously depending on the area.. But I guess that's true of most countries.. If you don't mind a rural location away from the sea.. Then prices are very cheap.
There are a lot of Okupas, so be carefull to leave the property alone.
Okupas?? What is that? Squatters?
Marky Mark
People who take an a empty property for living themselves.
Don t buy just rent...... xpain is bankrupt and taxes are up!!!!!!!!
@@goldo1107 yes
There squatters. You get them everywhere.
Do you have anything about buying a property that is considered historical?
What about rent in your area. Eksampel. 2 bed appartment. Price
I bought a farmhouse in galicia. Green country, honest helpful people, never a problem of any kind.
Beautiful mountain top with great few.
If i would not got sick and needed special treatment i would not be in boring germany again. I lived in many countries but this is the best. Ok, it rains a lot, but that makes the place so stunningly lush and beautiful.
I will sell for a ridiculous price to the right buyer.
It's also very cold in winter.
I was told to always get a mortgage even if it's for 10,000€. The banks would never lend against a dodgy property.
This seems like great advice. As a REALTOR® in the United States, the banks will definitely pay for due-diligence on any property they're financing, which will certainly alleviate some risk. Thanks!
Excellent advice, we did this and the bank turned down our first two choices, saying they were illegal.
On a recent visit to Spain I noticed CD more than one estate executive mdue saying mortgages of less than £50000 were rarely available from banks.. May be different for bank repossessions... ?
I think if you have trusted Spanish friends, they also can help you with some of the ins and outs of purchasing property or any other legal matters.
Given that at some point there will inevitably be another recession, do you expect a repetition of these events in Spanish housing or have the authorities put some safeguards in place?
Who checked the title, the building permit the clearances from the Alcaldia, any liens, mortgages and letter incumbrances?
No. The system on the continent depends on you doing your own due diligence... And not to put you wrong, by a competent, and responsible professional. ( Poor lawyers are always the better bet)
I am about to venture into buying a property in spain after renting here for over 2 years, noticed this video and will definately do my homework. My reason for deciding to buy is nervousness about the financial institutions after the corona virus period. Money can dissapear overnight but hopefully a property will will more permanent. Thanks again
I'm suprised no one has posted the names of reputable English speaking businesses they've used for their purchase. Find one yet?
Sorry but they're working on that one. I hope I'm wrong but I have heard that work is ongoing on tinkering with the age old fundamental concept of property ownership rights.
We bought off plan on Camposol Mazrron the villa was two years late in completion but once finished the villa has been a success. Most people have been happy with their villas but a small minority have had problems..
I am considering a home purchase in the Barcelona Province, but just looking at this point. I prefer a pre-existing house rather than a new build.
A couple who bought and thought they were very intelligent DIY lawyers found a check list for all documents to make up perfect title and complied with all requirements. They were very puzzled when the Alcaldia (local authority) sent them a notice to demolish their property. Eventually they realized that all of the sealed permits from the same Alcaldia were forgeries.
When was this video made ?
Can you make a vídeo explaining what the IBI is?
Hi thanks for the video.
How much cost a lawyer?
JUST MAKE SURE YOU GET GOOD TRANSLATORS. NO ONE NEEDS A SOLCITOR TO BUY PROPERTIES IN SPAIN. GET READY TO SPEND AROUND 10.000EUROS IF YOU HIRE ONE. AND ALL FOR NOTHING
Where is this? It doesn't look like a coastal area. No palm trees or such type of vegetation
My next home I purchase will be a flat in Madrid; at Barrio de Slamanca. 👏👏👏👏👍👍 Salutations from, USA.
vaya ricachon lol
Interesting video thanks for sharing. I've never been to Portugal but I love visiting Spain
We bought a new house (chalé) 21 years ago. There were a few things to be fixed, no problem, no extra cost. We are now best friends with the builder. Spain is a Paradise once you speak the language. I think we will buy a finca now that the prices are low.
If you have 10 years to spare to be fluent in Spanish!
@@davidcritchley3509 You learn a lot from mistakes...
What does "Buying off plan" mean?
It means the property is not yet built. You can see a floor plan, and perhaps an artist’s impression
I really want to move to Spain someday because I hate living in Ireland where it is rainy and only get a couple of weeks of sunshine in Ireland during the summer sure I know it may be hard to buy property in Spain but I’ll make sure that I get good property if I was going to buy there yet I can’t speak any Spanish I do really want to learn it tho I’m not sure which part of Spain but I’m thinking good places like Madrid, Barcelona, Salou, Valencia or Toledo
Madrid is the capital city of the country and is just in the middle of Spain, 4 hours away from Valencia, one hour away from Toledo and Avila. The weather it's very good, a lot of sun during the hole year, but to hot during the summer. The historical part of madrid is very expensive buy the
periphery is cheaper.
Barcelona has become an expensive shit hole lately
And is it possible to buy land and put a log cabin on it, thanks again
That depends. Land in Spain has a 'destination', a 'purpose'. Say the land you are interested in is registered as 'farmland', then I think no. If it's registered as 'rustico', which is 'rural', it's a problem too. If the land is registered as 'urbano', urban, you can. It might be possible to ask for a change of 'destination', but that ain't easy and is often denied. You need a lot of good arguments and maybe 'friends' to change the destination. When you are interested contact the office of cadastre (catastral).
For christ sake. Its not worth the risk. Besides that when i went to write my will my solicitor asked me 'do you have any property abroad?' I said no and he said 'because if you have, forget it'. We have all on not getting ripped off in the uk nevermind in a foreign country.
alsi what do you think of bribery of some officials to make things fly faster.
That will get you arrested.
@@plusultra6199 there are gift and good manner so you will not be doing like official bribery rather then good gesture. you know what i mean
Have been watching a place in the sun and a lot of properties seem run down and very rustic. I don’t intend to camp if we buy to retire I like to see before I hand over $ what I am getting but have to wonder how hard is it to get reliable tradespeople like electricians and plumbers. We have renoed 4 houses in different countries. Hopefully Spain will be our last one. We are looking at Valencia we don’t want a city as big as Melbourne. Do Spanish double glaze or like Aus. the houses are built for the heat and are freezing in winter.
Better Alicante or Castellon if you want a smaller city. Valencia have 2 million people in the metropolitan area ;)
Yes freezing in winter, a wood burner is a must.
Surely this is just common sense, unfortunately to many buyers come and leave their brains at home.
Don’t do anything unless the builders checked out and all the licenses are in place ,they give you bankers guarantee on all payments.Make sure you have an English speaking independent lawyer.Use an established reputable Agent, not one working out of the back of a car with a good looking web site but no office and probably not legal.
Yo nunca compraria un apartamento sobre planos,yo quiero ver el apartamento construido,los acabados la calidad de los materiales la colocacion de esos materiales el funcionamiento de los desagues luces grifos etc etc, cosa que sobre plano no lo vas a ver hasta que esté terminado, sin embargo tengo amigos que si lo han comprado sobre plano y estan encantados.
What I know is the proper way is you need to have your bill of payment and mortgage papers property papers to prove that you’re the owner of the house then you can go to the police the police gives the squatters. To move out I think 48 hours mainly but it’s not difficult it’s just paperwork and don’t leave your paperwork in Spain in your house but put it in a bowl’s in a bank office so you can get to it all the time.
What's the difference between off plan and normal house in Spain?
@Mr Olsen why
@Train Crash Ahead the usual rule with EU countries is the anyone from anywhere can buy, but I m not saying that the EU mandate that.
If necessary, a certificate of permission can be sought.
The main thing is to retain your own abogado.
Some years ago a friend of mine sold his villa in Spain, he said the Spanish Government kept a percentage of the money he received for his property. Is this correct?
Yes. It’s a tax due on the sale of the property.
Yes it’s to pay for the Mayor’s new car. Lol
@@joebloggs8292 😂😂😂
Happens in Mexico all the time when buying a home or condo have to be on your toes builders go bankrupt and the buyers are out their deposits. My friend lost her 25 thousand deposit
Can she recover from the bank for having released her deposit?.
Im out of legal practice now but lead a case in Spain on this ground.
Pat Aherne yes she sued and recovered part of her money, but not all of it. Although some of the buyers from what I was told lost their entire deposit
Wish uk had your space millions of empty properties there and a small amount here love to swop with spain uk has a big shortage at monster prices ,
Hi do you know if it is better to buy in France instead of Spain plz? Thanks
Then you have to deal with french people though
Could you please tell us the pros and cons of Spanish residency?
Residency is twofold - epadronamiento = you have an address Tax residency - stay more than 193 days in a tax year in Spain and you are automatically tax resident in Spain - worldwide income taxable in Spain except when dual relations exist (EU) - obliged to do a tax declaration the following year - after that only when exceeding the minimum limits - base rules but I not a tax advisor....
We liv d in Southern Spain,
Andalusia for 3 years. We are back home in the US and want to buy a vacation/ retirement home hopefully in the next few years in the town we lived in.
Employment an issue there?
Trust no professional in spain, corruption is rife and recourse via the legal system is monumentally difficult, my brother in law has been involved in a 22yr property claim case, nearly everyone involved at every level has been shown to be corrupt
Mission Dan...…….Thailand is exactly the same - and probably even worse! I have a theory that many of the low-life scum that thronged to Spain in the 1970-80's etc [creating what was euphemistically referred to as the 'Costa del Crime'] fled to Thailand when the Spanish police started cracking down on them.
As with Spain - Thailand is utterly and completely corrupt. It is paradise for criminals [which Thailand does its utmost to attract, support and protect] and everyone from government officials, Royal Thai Police, Thai Courts, Judges and so-called legal 'professionals' are all totally complicit.
But even worse than the situation in Spain is Thailand's draconian anti-defamation laws - which prevent victims from speaking out and 'naming and shaming' these evil bastards who have literally destroyed countless decent people's lives. [Google Ian Rance, Colin Vardy and Andrew Drummond if you want to know more].
Avoid Thailand like the plague!!
TheSoulTwins i cant speak about thailand, never been, but im not talking about ex pats or criminals being corrupt, im talking about legal and trained spanish professionals in spain
@@missionDan ……..Yes, I got that Dan - and if you would kindly re-read my response you will see that I alluded to the equivalent Thai 'professionals' in my comment. From my own experiences, the vast majority of Thai lawyers, Judges, police officers etc are utterly corrupt or totally incompetent - or both! [there is a very telling euphemism about Thai law - 'Cash for Justice'. Meaning you can commit ANY crime imaginable - even mass murder - and get away with it as long as you have enough money to bribe people.
Just google Vorayuth Yoovidhaya heir to the Red Bull fortune, model/actress Anna Hamblaouris / Reese or the Srivaddhanaprabha family - King Power and Leicester City Football club owners. [the former are murderers and the latter were found guilty of defrauding the Thai government out of more than US$250M!] Yet they have all bribed their way out of prosecution!
By the way, consider yourself lucky to have never been to Thailand - it is an absolute shithole and attracts and is 'home' to the dregs of every country on the planet.
One of the issues I have is the "non-refundable" 3,000 euros deposit a lot ask for. Yet there are often problems that drag the sales on sometimes.
Yes, a very important point that gets very little mention. I recently put a deposit down on an apartment just before the Corona virus outbreak. Lawyer is pressuring me to close on the deal. I explained I wanted to hold off because of the current situation and he then informs me that I could lose my deposit if I don't close on the agreed date. That's a serious chunk of change to get flushed down the toilet :(
@@Lee-xw7pn you were unlucky.
You could try to renegotiate the final purchase price for at least that amount.
With the way things are going now the seller might find it hard to get another buyer..
This is unlucky because you have been badly informed. The way it works here in Spain is that when you want to buy a property, you have to do what they call a "reserva", that is a reservation for the property. And what this really means is that you pay a sum of money, usually between 3,000 and 5,000 EUR, to reserve the option to buy that property. In the contract of pre-sales that you sign, it stipulates that you have a period of time with a date (usually 3 months) to buy this property in front of a notary. It means that during that period of time, the seller has the obligation to sell you the property at the agreed price. If you decide not to purchase that property during that time after signing that pre-agreement, you´ll lose this sum of money. On the other hand, if you go ahead and purchase it, the amount of money you paid will be deduced from the real estate price that was agreed. Hope this helps!
Yes buyer beware. Could recommend PSI Consultants in Orihuela Costa as we used for buying and selling as they were English speaking and very professional. They had power of attorney as we were not in Spain full time.
But you were a buyer to them. Did you beware?
Point.... You are going to have to trust someone. You trusted a"consultant"..... whatever that is?.
What does "professional" mean anyway?
Man, every time I watch your videos, I just want to move to Spain! By the way, good advice, keep up the great job!👍🏻 Does one has to be a Spaniard resident to buy property in Spain?
No, you don't need to be a resident. But having a property won't give you the right to live there, beware of this
And he usually is in the least attactive parts in Spain.
Even if you do everything by the book it can still go pear-shaped. My sister bought a maisonette off plan. Her lawyer who spoke good English said there were no problems. She checked everything. Some months later in the local government offices she saw a map on the wall with a huge motorway on it due to be constructed a couple of hundred metres or so from her property. Fortunately the motorway was bulit in a deep cutting so it did not affect her too much. You can do everything right but corruption or inadequate notification of local planning can screw you badly.
"she" checked everything. Obviously she didn't know what and was checking.
The whole point is that she got a local lawyer to check as you are supposed to to avoid problems. The lawyer failed and there is no redress in Spain. Knowing that professional help was necessary she tried to do the right thing. Even if you do that things can still go seriously pear-shaped. Buying property in Spain is risky.@@wolfthequarrelsome504
@@jaycee6996 immediately there is negligence there.
A planning check is a standard procedure for pre purchase for a solicitor in the Anglo legal system. in Spain the owner's title is inferior to the needs of the community. But that's no excuse I feel..
Even so, a professional would have advised her of this before she paid her deposit.
If she gets no satisfaction she can apply to the collegio de Abogados. But going that route she will need representation.
Tell her to talk to the collegio to see if they recommend someone.
My sister looked at the possibility but she was told it could cost money, time and effort. As it transpired she suffered no financial loss when she sold the property. The motorway was in a deep cutting and so not that intrusive and damaging to the value. Looking at the history of local corruption and chicanery she did not feel it was worth the hassle. There were arrests and conviction of local politicians, builders etc. and so she thought that it was unlikely that Spanish authorities would provide any sort of redress. @@wolfthequarrelsome504
When are people comming to Tenerife, I have one appartment for sale. 1 bed with big balkon and garden
How much?
@@fallendemonangel1 Sold for 165,000 euro.
In Tenerife?
You know how the laws are?
When people do not know much they get surprises. Also in Tenerife with all the problems they have.
I allways wonder why people even sell their houses in Spain. I allways think...what is behind it, the seller does not tell you.
Talk also about selling the house again and moving back to your Country. Thats When the Goverment ask you a surten amount of tax That can be very high.
Lydia Veldhuizen
They tax you both when buying and selling. They don’t even wear a mask!
From a Portuguese bloke: you were lucky on your Portuguese deal. Lots of dodgy businesses around here too. And property in Portugal has an inferior price quality relatiobship when compared to spanish property construction quality, project and materials
And Portugal is closer to seismic activity, more powerful earthquakes.
how many people have fallen into the old we love it here let's look fo a house trap? i know i have from almost everywhere ive been,starting with towyn north wales when i was a kid, just think, a diet of fish and chips, toffee apples and candy floss every day with almost endless rides on the fair at rhyl. the old adage is true, you do become wiser the older to are, thats not to say we can't dream is it? your advice is sound stuart, you should think before committing, will i fit in with the locals?,are there jobs to be found? is life after the holiday going to be ok? if your answer is yes then you will do ok, now it's time to do the real work, looking for a house, looking at the legals, asking for a good deal. i wish i could commit myself and i really say good luck to all those that have a go.
thanks again for your time stuart.
We are thinking to buy property in the Canarias and relocate. We are from Romania and my wife works for a Spanish company. We speak Spanish very well.
This is from 2019?
(Hoy April 9)
Hi if I buy a house in spain or portugal will I receive a visa or a special id or what.
If you buy or invest in any economic sector more than 500.000€ you have a visa. And in a long term you can have the spanish passport.
I bought off-plan in 2005...Builder went bust, Lawyers went bust ! (Aldea Assesores) after 12 years the interest on the 50k was nearly as much as the debt..took it through Court were Banco Popular pushed me as far and as long as the could (you pay your own costs in Spain) after over 12 years I was given my deposit back - my Lawyer kept the interest in charges (37,000€) nice !
Assessores are lawyers? While they might work with lawyers they are agents... In other words middlemen.
You used to have a right to have the bill costed in Spain.
A lawyer cannot legally " overcharge".
Thank you for the deailed account! I have postponed a possible move to Portugal, but last year I researched small habitable Houses (I'm single and solitary. That's my style.) Found one small House that had been completely renovated the year before. In the hills around Coimbra. Would have been perfect, but time wasn't right. This was offered through a UK real estate firm and I think they would be above board on everything.
Still dream of the Garden full of Fruit Trees and outdoor Bread Oven!
Hi Suzanne I hate to be a negative force on people's dreams and Portugal is a lot cooler place than Spain, but please dont just buy something. Rent for a year. Get immersed in what's going on locally. Coimbra is a lovely place, but it is so different from the UK in many many ways.
Hi Zosimos! You're right, and I can't afford to just buy something quickly. I'm in the US. Coimbra is my choice for the University and the Agriculture. It will be a process, though.
@@suzannederringer1607 Suzanne I gew up in Coimbra, we are waiting for you....! Lots of fantastic little houses with gardens and land around here.
@@MOZAMUSIC2011 Thank you! I am interested in the University and the Farmland all around. This will take time, but I think Coimbra is the right area for me. I am studying Portuguese...It is so similar to Italian, it's not difficult.
Older property V new property I agree with you! as a lot of the problems in the economy crash previously were caused by "off plan" developers.
That was just the backdrop. There is nothing wrong with buying off plan from a security point of view.
The real problem was the banks not observing the law on deposits.
The prices are crazy .more than UK for a new build house no land over a million at least cheap kitchens etc total rip off
Buying in Spain is easy selling is a different matter
Selling is not an art, if the price is right you will sell. Sadly for many they owned a villa that was worth 40% more than it is today and become rightly disappointed when they cant sell for the figure they think the home is worth. If the price is inline with the market you will sell.
@@missionDan what if the title has hidden defects?
Pat Aherne please elaborate, i dont understand
@@missionDan listen to the video again. He deals with that.
Like a sect easy to get in difficult to get out
I would love to have my own house in Spain.
Immigration is much more difficult now, after brexit.
"If you're going to buy a property in Spain, do your homework". Damn true. That involves learning the language.
@People Hater at least 2, not like you Britons that only speak damn English
@@ammarabbasi3230 I think People Hater was asking Pedro.
@People Hater I speak two (English and Spanish), can understand and speak a bit of Portuguese and, if you stretch it, a bit of Italian and French.
Correct. If your going to be serious, be serious
@@ammarabbasi3230 At least in the UK there are more laws to protect the purchaser.
I have 2 apartments in Costa Blanca, I rent one out long term and one short term. Spanish are heavy on tax demands. Buy cheap in best area you can afford. I have a brilliant solicitor in Spain which saved me a lot of time. I trust her to the extent that she has power of attorney. Would I do it again? Not sure really, had the properties about 3 years now. But what does that sort of money I paid get you in UK? Go over, stay in rental for a month and Take your time! Consider the costs, higher than here, such as electricity, water, food, taxes. 😉 Good luck, just remember the fabulous weather.
Good advice
NEVER PAY A PENNY IN ADVANCE. NEVER. EVEN LESS IF YOU HAVEN'T BEEN TO THE PLACE AND SEEN IT WITH YOUR OWN EYES. STAY AWAY FROM LAWYERS AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE AS WELL. THEY ARE IN THE BUSINESS. GET A CERTIFICATE FROM THE CHAMBER OF PROPERTY OF THE PLACE YOU WANTTO BUY WHERE IT SAYS DEFINITELY WHETHER THE HOUSE IS FREE OF MORTGAGES AND IS DEFINITELY OWNED BY THE PERSON WHO WILL BE SELLING THE PROPERTY. BE VEEEEERY CAREFUL TOO MUCH CRAP WITH BANKS AND NOTARIES, SOLICITORS AND ESTATE BUSINESSES ALL INVOLVED
my experience the worst living nightmare, remember buying in Spain it s a Russian roulette no matter what even solicitors and notarios are a disaster, Dont bring money into Spain
You are right . Its disgraceful in here. You have to be veeeeeeeeery careful
Pues contratando un abogado que te costaria menos de 500 euros tenias el problema solucionado, porque no lo hiciste ? yo soy local y siempre haria mirar lo que quiero comrar por un abogado o iria al Ayuntamiento para informarme si lo que quiero comrar esta legal,si tiene cargas o limitaciones etc etc, tambien se puede mirar la pagina del catastro por internet, etc etc.todos esos problemas que oigo no se en que regiones deben ser, aqui en Catalunya no he escuchado casi nunca esos problemas excepto esos que compran sobre plano y luego la empresa cae en bancarrota por algun motivo, por eso no compraria NUNCA ninguna propiedad sobre plano.
Particular cases...
It is necessary STATISTICS. Particular cases do not define an experience. It is not good information.
I totally agree with you but these stories are rarely collected in statistics...
Always do your homework, research, find a lawyer to check the agreement before signing it.
Buying a property in Spain “on plan “ is not for the faint hearted ,even the locals get ripped off . Second hand much easier as long as you work closely with a competent lawyer or “ gestor “ and that has NO connection with the builder / promoter / estate agent . Beware of the taxes you have to pay when buying and selling .
You forgot to tell where this area is
I was thinking of buying a property simply for the pure reason that property in Sydney is ridiculously expensive. I’m glad I didn’t buy anything because my family want to have an “executive” say in what I do with my money over here. As well,I don’t work and have 0.00 friends here,I just don’t see how it could work out for me. And yes,those dodgy builders and lawyers. It’s a potential nightmare waiting to happen if you’re not careful. Property in Portugal must be cheap and foreign ownership doesn’t seem much of a hurdle from what you said.
There might be a property boom there but in the Galician town of Carballo,there’s f#ck all construction works here(By the way,I don’t want it buy property here. My mum lives in Carballo). Anyway,good advice for the potential buyers out there. Keep up the good work.
Portugal is not so cheap In nice areas and well constructed buildings.
that's the trick though isn't it, finding a competent lawyer. I know this is an old thread but relevant to me know as we are actively looking. Any advice on how to find a competent/trustworthy lawyer in southern Spain?
I agree so much please do not buy land or homes in Spain. We don't need anymore foreign. We are already invaded. Stay home stay safe. Stay in your home land
Gladly friend.
I will.
Stuart buying off plan in Portugal may be better than Spain ... I don’t doubt that.
It still needs great care.
Here in Portugal people have bought off plan. The house was delivered as promised ... but the dream golf course was never built. The houses surrounding the unfinished golf course are worth a third of what people were expecting.
ive literally zero idea why people go to spain with all that massive empty beautiful countryside and buy a place wedged into a million other people. the whole point of buying there is its massive and theyre all crowded into the towns. a mate of mine just bought a 9 room farmhouse for 150k..... and its got a fucking orchard man! why you would want to live in one of those tiny hovels ive no idea.
That sounds magic mate, where did he buy?
@@kebabtank theyre everywhere just go outside the cities and look. go and knock on doors and ask. its teeming with places. they cant sell them, ive seen places for 4 and 5 grand that need work doing on them. you can buy land for next to nothing and grow stuff on it.....
Takes all sorts i guess but i live in the campo
@@bunnyunicorn5209 thats the dream for me to. get land a grow stuff in spain.
If you read all the posts of people, you should know by now, that buying property, like land and finca's, you can not easy live on them. You can not put a house for living in.
Farmland is not land to build a tiny house.
In the forrest, it is mostly not allowed to live either.
People see a lot of land for cheap prizes and think they can live there also.
They see a house in the country side with beautiful vieuws and buy it to live there and after a while they realize the cat in the sack.
If you build something you can really get surprises. So you have to pay fines up to 1000's of euros each day or month, until you break the house down. It's a nightmare.
You need to go to the CADASTRO and ask if you can do what you are dreaming of on that land.
Also, some empty villages, houses...are empty for a good reason.
They have build a dam, so this villages have no water. Or there are other problems.
I know of a Belgian woman with her sons, who convinced people to go to an abandoned village and start a new life. This people sold their houses and went there. Until they realized there was no water. This woman went over there with a horse and a wagon. Together with all this people they had to return to Belgium.
Lost their houses and where defeited.
Big dreams and no knowledge of scammers, thieves, corruption, stupidity, false agencies, lawjers, notaries, immo...
Cheap...When it is to good to be truth, it mostly is.
Jezus christ...
Please people, watch out for heaven sake and go allways to the cadastro first, when you see land, or a house for sale.
I could write a book about the things you need to know. Also...there are areas where there is flooding and the houses and land is under water regularly. Or houses are being sold, because of reasons...
Ask spanish neighbours. Go to the local pub and ask questions. See if other heritages and the family.
If you buy a house and some family members have an ownership too, well the shit is...you need to buy them of too. But when they do not want to sell their piece?
Also, some properties are sold, by scumbags, they sell a house and when you live there, the real owner will be surprized you living in his house!!!!
Fake lawjer, notaries and sellsmen. Gone with the wind, when you tdy to find them and emty offices!!! I know...the wild west.
And remember...all depth that is connected with the house is on you, when you buy a house, land and so on...
So if the previous owner did not pay taxes, construction workers, water, electricity, trash removal, internet, telephone, fines, tresspassing building regulations and the fines and so forth are on you. Even if the previous owner had a loan on the house, without telling you. The buyer is allways the responsable and has to pay.
Adios a todos.
You friend was lucky