Once you have found a suitable lawyer they should tell you in advance what their fees will be. Most lawyers charge 1% of the purchase price to which 16% VAT is added.

The lawyer can open a bank account for you and  translate documents as required. They will obviously also carry out the usual checks, liaise with the sellers solicitor and also give advise on Spanish taxes payable on the your purchase.

Instruct a lawyer

It may not be possible for you to travel to Spain to complete on your chosen property. This should not cause a problem as your lawyer can complete on your behalf if you given then power of attorney. This can be done at the notary office in Ayamonte for a 60 euro fee.

I.V.A.
This is the Spanish equivalent of VAT. It is currently 7% of the sales price of your property.

The following fees must also be budgeted for:

• 1% is for Notary and land registry

• 1% Stamp duty

• 1% Solicitors fees

Don’t forget if you are arranging a mortgage that there is usually a fee of around 1.5% in addition to charges for receiving funds from the UK .

Therefore, it is advisable to add 12% to your purchase price to make sure you have comfortably budgeted for your fees.

If you intend to buy your property as an investment you may wish to consider what happens when you decide to sell.

Plus Valia (Capital gains tax) is currently 35% for non residents

If you become a resident and use the property as your main home for 3 years you will be exempt from paying the Plus Valia if you reinvest the profits in a property in Spain within 3 years

If you sell an off plan property before completion of the build you will be exempt from paying the Plus Valia.

Please note this information is only a guide. We recommend that you seek professional advise before committing to any property purchase or sale.