Help on purchase

Hi Jacob and welcome to the forum,

Hopefully, you're using an independent lawyer, rather than one tied to the estate agent?  Usually, your lawyer would make the necessary arrangements to transfer utility contracts from the vendor's name to your own, but I'd recommend double-checking that with them direct - it will be electricity and water, unless you also have a piped gas supply, but that's very unusual in this area.  

Also, you'll probably want a Spanish fibre optic service, with or without phone/TV package, but best to sort that out yourself - there are many companies offering such services and I´d suggest asking on here for recommendations in your locality.

As for the "tramites", I assume the estate agent means those related to your property purchase.  Payment of the IPT (i.e. property transfer tax) should be done as part of the completion process at the Notary's office, as should updating the "Cadastre" (land registry), hence the suggestion by your lawyer, as there will be a cost for both these items and the Notary is usually the cheapest way of doing it.  When we bought our property, our lawyer chose the Notary and obtained costs from them for these items, which were included in an itemised quotation from our lawyer.

As for registration at the Town Hall, I assume that's a reference to signing on to the "Padrón", but you should only do that if you're moving permanently to Spain (it's illegal for non-residents to register).  In any event, you certainly don't need someone to do this for you - you simply visit your "Ayuntamiento" (Town Hall) with your passport, proof of residency, property deeds and a recent utility bill.  It's free to register, but your Town Hall may charge you a Euro or two for a printed copy of the certificate.

If you are planning to move permanently to Spain, you'll need assistance with the residency application - if so, it would be helpful to know which Passport you hold, e.g. UK or EU, before advising.

EDIT:  Sorry, I forgot to mention potential for another cost saving.  When it comes to transferring your completion funds for the property purchase, check with your lawyer whether you can pay these direct to their Client Account, which will save you the cost of a Bankers Draft or Transfer Fee, as these can be high in Spain.  Some Spanish banks offer a reduced rate on this item, if you buy their household insurance - whilst this is usually more expensive than going to an independent insurance company, such as Liberty Seguros, it may be cost effective for the first year, but shop around for alternative quotes at your first renewal.

Kind regards,

Kim

Good advice as always from Kimmy above.

Sounds like your agent is trying to earn commissions by introducing you to their mates.

Abogado and Notary, job done ✅

Steve

Go to chat with Silvia ait Inmo Sanz on San Bartolimie - 10/15€ for 30 minutes.  +34 640 26 29 91.  You'll be pleased you did.  Alexandre.