How to get utilities reconnected and what cost?

Hi

When you buy a property it's highly advisable to use a solicitor as you would in the UK and if you use a reputable one they will check for debts on the property. Also they should be able to help you arrange to get your utilities reconnected. A good solicitor will make the phone calls for you to the utility companies.

When you appoint them it's worth getting a few recommended solicitor's first and then contacting each one to see what their communication is like. If they have a good website and say they speak English and other languages that is a good start. If you will be going back and forth to the UK it's advantageous to have good email communication and there are still a few old fashioned Spanish solicitors who may not be so good keeping touch electronically.

If a bank is selling the house try not to let them convince you that they will deal with the whole thing - An independent solicitor will be working in your interests and should make sure all is legal and the conveyance is done properly.

You can also keep a good solicitor /Abagado on after the sale to pay your Spanish taxes, as your Fiscal representative . This is peace of mind that all dues are paid. Most solicitors do this for an annual fee. 

Jan

Ps. We used Abaco for our property buying and still use them for taxes and they have a website with lots of good information that may be helpful for you to look at:

http://www.abacoadvisers.com/

When we bought our apartment in La Zenia our solicitor arranged the water and electricity supplies and helped with getting our bank account opened with the direct debits set up. After that we were able to access the websites of both utilities, register to use their Virtual Offices and handle everything easily. By the way we would highly recommend Sabadell Bank who you can also operate your account online with.

Hello,just completed on a bank reposession in Quesada 2 weeks ago, my solicitor sorted it out for me.    quote;

Qualified plumber(to adapt supply)        €97

Qualified electrician (to adapt supply and certificate)    €355

Architect expenses (habitation certificate)     €322.80

Notery and land registry fee.   €1400

Transfer tax 10% (based on property declared value)

Purchase expenses and conveyencing fees (what ever you have arranged with your solicitor)

Plus the price of the house          

unquote off my bill.    

I don't know if this is good or not first time buyer so I hope its pretty fair.