This is a list of the professional services that may come into play during your private purchase:

Estate Agent

Hmmm, well actually do not be put off of using a GOOD agent, their skills can still be invaluable, even when buying privately.

They can make you aware of details & nuances of the area, and the asking prices of homes on the market within your ‘target range’. Use their service to make sure you are getting the best deal that you possibly can privately.

BUT, be very aware that if they introduce you to a seller or a property, then their commission will become payable and the purchase price will be much higher as a consequence.

Solicitor (Abogado)

These are the ‘legal eagles’…..the ones that you need in order to deal with the red tape and help you to ‘jump through the hoops’ that you will need to.


#1. You must, if possible use a solicitor with good English. It is not enough for a secretary to be bilingual, the company will not be held liable if they misinterpret messages or legal documents. The lawyer must converse with you directly, in your own language, to minimise the risk of any misunderstanding - which could end up being expensive.


#2. It is advisable to use a legal firm that has more than one practising lawyer on hand to deal with your purchase. The property boom here in Spain has led many lawyers previously employed by firms to set up on their own. At the moment they are all so busy that it can be days before your emails or calls are answered.

Accountant (Gestor)

In Spain, you are best advised to use a Gestoria. The same applies for these people as for lawyers.

Gestorias settle accounts, deal with residency, car taxes and imports, re-registration of number plates from UK to Spanish, and all sorts of other things you will need when you own property here in Spain.

Surveyor

Again, the rules around buying a property here are very different than in the UK. A Surveyor is not automatically involved in a purchase. If you are buying an old property, we strongly advise using the services of a local Surveyor who can explain any possible issues with the structure of the property to you, so there are no nasty surprises to upset you’re budgeting and wreck your project through ill-conceived planning at the outset.

Architect

If you are hoping to buy some land privately, with a view to building on it, then these professionals come in to their own.

Depending on where and what you are building, you may want an Architect to visit the land you are buying to advise on land slippage, depth to rock and issues regarding insurance against problems with both. The type, size and style of house allowed in your zone may need to be considered. But most importantly, you must view his work before signing up to anything, since once he has started on the plans, it will be too late for you to pull out without losing substantial amounts of money.


Do not waste 10, 20 or even 30 thousand Euros on Estate agents commissions.


All of the above can be arranged very easily by you with just a few E-mails, telephone calls and meetings.


And do not forget that the Spanish people have been buying and selling privately for a very long time. And so all of the above are very well versed in the mechanics of the process.