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After you have bought your new Spanish property there are still some things to consider, some will depend on whether you are going to be living in the property:
Wills (Testamentos)
We recommend that all named parties to the deeds take out a Will in Spain and this involves a visit to the notary. Your solicitor will be happy to discuss any inheritance issues and will have the relevant forms for completion at their office.
Direct Debits
Electricity, gas, water, SUMA (Rates, Basura/Rubbish Collection). These will be set up by your solicitor as part of the house purchasing service. It is a good idea to keep an eye out for the first bills to ensure the direct debit is working correctly. Bills are not normally received before direct debits are taken so please try to ensure that there are always sufficient funds in your bank account.
SUMA
The first (IBI) rates bill for your property may be paid by the previous owner, depending upon when you sign the deeds. For this reason, it is not possible to set up a direct debit for the first year and you will need to look out for this bill but once the first year has been paid, your solicitor will set up the direct debit facility for you. If you are purchasing a new build property, it can take several years before receiving the first rates bill, which will then be back-dated to the date of your purchase.
Post
As not many homes in Spain are lucky enough to have its post delivered right to the door you will either have a mailbox located at the bottom of the road along with all other residents, or on some urbanisations you may have a manned office, so you may want to consider asking a friend living in the area or maybe a neighbour who you could trust with a key to keep an eye on the property and your post when you are not there.
Residencia
If you decide to make Spain your permanent place of residence, you should apply for residencia and this is now a fairly easy process, very similar to applying for the NIE. The application is taken to the police station, you will need to pay a fee of 6.80€ at a local bank and then go back to the police station to collect a certificate stating your residence in Spain. Again, it is necessary to make an appointment at the police station.
Credit to:
Sra. Marta Colechá Smiles
Abogados Colecha & Monserrat
C/Calderón, 10 - 3º - 11
03700 Dénia (Alicante)
Tel & Fax: 0034 96 642 4431 |
