- This is signed at the office of a Spanish Notary Public —the Notario, who ensures that the sale-purchase is carried out in accordance with Spanish law.
- The Notary acts primarily in the interests of the State, and strictly speaking represents neither buyer nor seller. We have generally found Spanish notaries to be very helpful, providing detailed information and advice to both buyer and seller.
- Before preparing the Escritura, the Notary will have checked that the property is registered at the Land Registry in the seller’s name, and if there are mortgages or other charges that must be cleared before completing the sale.
- Payment is via a bank cheque drawn on a non-residents’ account, given to the seller in the presence of the Notary. Any keys are then handed over, and ownership of the property is transferred to the buyer.
- You will usually get a draft copy (copia simple) of the Escritura before you leave the Notary’s office. This is sufficient to get electricity, water, rates etc put in your name.
- Where possible we always use an English-speaking notary.
- If you are unable to travel to Spain, we can help organise Power of Attorney, enabling someone else to act on your behalf.
