When buying abroad, they often have different tax laws, rules that apply specifically to foreigners, and lots of things that may not be familiar with buying property in the UK. There’s also the joys of having a language barrier! So are you looking at buying apartments but don’t know where to start? Here are the basics:
Get a translator
Unless you are fluent in Spanish, when you are looking into buying apartments in Calpe, we highly recommend hiring a translator. There is so much that can get lost in translation, that the last thing you want to do is get yourself in a sticky situation because you weren’t versed in Spanish. Hiring a translator will come in handy particularly when it comes to documentation. You can find a trusted translator on the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs website.
Hire an independent lawyer
One of the very best things you can do when looking at apartments in Calpe is to hire a lawyer that specialises in land law that is not suggested by a developer or the person trying to sell you a property. Hire a trusted lawyer who is bilingual and can take you through the details of the legal process. Make sure they go over all the contracts and are confident that everything is in order so that you don’t get yourself in any legal messes.
Research your mortgage options
When you are looking at apartments in Calpe, you want to do as much research as possible into your options for mortgages. Check out a range of different offerings, and if there is anything that is unclear, get it explained to you carefully. Also, you want to check if they are legal, registered lenders with the Bank of Spain. Keep in mind that if you can’t keep up with you payments, they can repossess the property, and even go after your UK assets, so you want to make sure you can do so, and are going for the right mortgage for you. If you are looking for more information, you can take a look at The Spanish Mortgage Association.
Avoid scams
With a huge rise in international buyers, there has also been a rise in illegal properties and scams. You can easily avoid these by going through a reputable and trusted estate agent. These can come in many forms, from developments where they have not acquired the proper rights to build there, or plans for the development don’t exist at all, or they will create something of very poor quality. Try to avoid these at all costs.
Stay away from debt-transfer properties
In Spain, if there are any outstanding debts on a property, they transfer to the new owner when the property is sold. You want to make sure that you are not taking on anyone else’s debts when buying a new place in the sun. These debts include outstanding mortgages, property tax and a tenant's payments.
Fees and charges
Like in most places, when looking at apartments in Calpe, the fees and charges incurred are usually paid by the buyer. These fees can range from 8 - 14% of the property price. They include things such as legal costs, VAT and property transfers to name some of the major ones.
Taxes
When you are looking at buying apartments in Calpe, you need to consider how taxes work, Taxes in Spain work in a very similar way to those in the UK and the good news is that a Double Taxation Convention has been set up so people who own property in the UK and Spain are not taxed twice. This Living in Spain Guide. Will give you more in-depth information about tax and all the details of life in Spain.
Image credit:entrepreneur.comIf you are looking to buy property in Calpe to add to your portfolio, the best thing you can do is go through a trusted estate agency. We at Grupo Esmeralda have been making people’s property dreams come true since 1979, and we can do the same for you.