You can decide to rent out your property, close a maintenance contract, furnish your property or even landscape your garden. Start in Spain will give you the right advice.

Our Mission
To provide you with our specialized knowledge of the real estate market in Spain in combination with our broad international experience so that you make the right choice for your home or investment and make your Start in Spain a successful one.

Why STARTINSPAIN.COM ?
The team of Start in Spain can advise you in English, Farsi, German and Dutch and will make sure that you are aware of all the necessary steps one needs to take. Start in Spain’s experience is unique and we will ensure that your specific needs and questions are addressed in the best professional manner.

Why the Costa Blanca area ?
Seeing is believing. The Costa Blanca is unique in and well known for its quality of living. We encourage your to see for yourself, in the meantime you can start having a look at www.comunitatvalenciana.com

What can we do for you ?
Start in Spain is happy to organize your viewing tour in your desired area. We can assist with flight bookings, rental accommodation and car rental. We believe any orientation trip should be planned carefully so that you can utilize your time to the fullest. Of course Start in Spain can assist you in the entire buying process and we are strongly committed to make your Start in Spain successful, also after your purchase or investment.

How to contact us
Please use the email address on our website and we will contact you directly or at a time indicated by yourself. Your contact details will not be provided to third parties without your approval, Start in Spain values your privacy. Of course you can also contact us by telephone.

Deposits, Deeds & Contracts

Deposit.

Having found your property, the first step is to pay a holding deposit,  this removes the property from the market. This sum is usually lodged to your solicitor's client account. Your solicitor should ensure the property has no debts attached and is correctly registered.

Contracts.

The purchase contract is the private contract between vendor and purchaser and is binding on both parties. It is usually drawn up between 2 and 3 weeks after the holding deposit has been put down. It should specify the name of the purchaser, the completion date and the terms and conditions governing the sale. At this point the balance of the deposit, usually 10% of the purchase price, has to be paid.

Signing deeds.

This is done in front of the Notary.  The Notary, a lawyer appointed by the Spanish government to ensure the change of title is properly executed. It is his job to make sure the seller is legally entitled to sell and the taxes are paid. The notary will register the change of ownership in the land registry office, this in turn is registered at the central registry of foreign investments in Madrid. The local land registry office is where all the escrituras, the freehold title deeds, relating to property transfers are recorded after the taxes have been paid. These documents are available for public inspection. For further information: http://www.notariado.org/english/index.htm

Taking possession of the property and the keys will normally take place only when the full purchase price has been paid. Connect or transfer services, electricity and water need to be in your name.

Property Taxes & Fees

Charges and taxes.

There are certain periodic payments which have to be made. Your solicitor will usually be willing to look after these matters, but you can appoint a Gestor, fiscal representative, to make the necessary payments and take care of whatever paperwork is involved. Local rates are paid to the town hall, Ayuntamiento. You need to obtain a fiscal number from the local tax administration office.

Community fees.

If you purchase a property within an apartment block or complex, you are obliged to join its residents association. The association administers the general maintenance of the areas of common ownership, such as gardens, hallways, lifts, swimming pools, exterior lighting etc. An annual budget is calculated to cover these costs. The costs are divided between all the owners according to the size of their properties. All owners have a vote to agree the budget at the annual general meeting.

Patrimonio tax.

 This is wealth tax, calculated at 0.2% of the declared value of the property and is payable each year by nonresidents.

Impuesto de la renta.

An annual tax payable by nonresidents, based on the estimated value of the property on the assumption the property is rented out, whether it is or not. The amount is approximately 0.5% of the property value.

Plusvalia tax.

AA one off tax on the sale of a property, calculated on the appreciative value of the land the property is on and varies between towns. It is common for this tax to be paid by the purchaser.

The Escritura.

TThese are the freehold title deeds, which are presented before the Notary, showing ownership of the property.

Guarantees.

 Spanish law states that all new properties must be guaranteed for 10 years, the architect and the builder being legally responsible. Most new developments also include a bank bond within the terms of their contract, guaranteeing each stage-payment and frequently a no-later-than completion date.

These buyers tips have no contractual value and are offered in good faith as a guideline only.