Posted: Mon Jun 27, 2022 10:46pm
Council tax is called IBI but is often referred to as SUMA after the agency which collect it and is much lower than the UK. It is usually collected in a lump sum in September.
When you find a property you are interested in ask the agent to show you the last bill, don't accept a verbal amount from them and also check out what the community fees are.
Check everything works as there are so many posts from people who have just moved in and found the air con or the water heater or the electric drive gates etc don't work. If you go for a second viewing ask the agent to get everything turned on beforehand so you can check the air con heats, cools and doesn't leak. Get them to turn the water heater on in advance and check hot water comes out everywhere you would expect it to and that it also drains away. Check the shower pressure.
A really important thing is to check that the property exactly matches what is written in the deeds which the agent should have a copy of. Pay special attention to the square meterage of the lived area, terraces and if underbuilds have been converted from storage into living accommodation. If anything doesn't match then it is down to the seller to put it right.
Never give a deposit to the agent, this needs to be done via your independent solicitor with any relevant clauses such as subject to everything being kosher.
Before buying anything, work out how you will get to and from the airport as public transport is limited and taxis and hire cars are expensive. Don't even think about flying into Murcia Corvera airport as it will be taxi only. How will you get to the beach and where will you get your shopping if you don't have a car?
You could also check how much the standing charges are for water and electricity backed up by previous bills.
Last of all you will pay Non-Resident tax based on the value of the property.