We walk hand in hand with you from the start of your journey here in Spain to helping you through the daily chores of living in a new environment.  Coin Contry Estates are conscientious, caring, effective and efficient.

Buying a property abroad can be a daunting process but we at Coin Country Estates aim to guide you through the red tape so that you understand the legalities and your rights in a foreign country.  We will be with you every step of the way and will be able to help you or point you in the right direction so that you can settle easily into your chosen area.  

Unlike the UK there will rarely be a chain involved in the purchase of your property, so having found your ideal home, it is imperative that you move quickly to secure the deal.  Many estate agents take a reservation fee at this stage to take it off the market; they keep hold of this deposit as security.  Coin  Country Estates do not agree with this policy and do not hold any of your monies.

Many now have mortgages on their properties in Spain and should you need this we can direct you to the best agents for your requirements.  Check out our links page to contact them directly.

Once an offer has been made and accepted, it is time for you to instruct your lawyer should you prefer. We have independent lawyers that have been tried and tested that we can recommend to you if you don't have one.  If you wish to go direct to a Notary then we have contacts that can arrange the paperwork for you.  The lawyer usually conducts the relevant land searches, checking that the property is free of debt, that payments of local contributions such as community charges are up to date and will provide the legal guarantees for the purchase.  Many lawyers also provide the service of registering you with the service providers after you have completed the purchase.  On completion the lawyer arranges on your behalf the payment of appropriate transfer taxes, notary and land registry fees.

Once the paperwork is complete and you are totally happy, a private contract is drawn up between the seller and the buyer, this contract sets out the details of the agreement, payment terms and completion date.  At the signing of this contract a non-refundable deposit is paid direct to the owner of the property.  The amount is usually around 10% of the purchase price.  If the owner should back out then he will have to pay you double that money back, if you back out then the owner retains the money.

Completion takes place in the presence of a Spanish Notary.  The Notary is an official of the state; it is his duty to certify that the contract has been signed and that the purchaser and seller have been advised of their tax obligations.  He makes sure that the legal requirements are in place upon signing and that all monies are paid.  Once completion is finalised, you are now the proud owner of the property and keys are handed over. The property is then registered at the Land Registry office so that you appear as the legal owner.  The Deeds are then ready for collection, from the Bank if you have a mortgage on the property, or from your Solicitor if you are a cash buyer.  This can take up to three months after signing the Deeds.

The costs involved in purchasing a property in Spain are higher than in the UK and it is advisable to allow 10% of the purchase price for all the additional costs.  Transfer tax is 7% or can be as much as 16% if you are buying a parcel of urban land.