Buying A Property Spain

by Rider, Nick

• ISBN13: 9781860111792
• ISBN10: 1860111793
• Edition: 2nd
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-02-01
• Publisher: Globe Pequot Pr

Summary

An innovative guide that gives readers all the information they need to buy a property in Spain. Every step of the process, from organizing visas to drawing up contracts, is covered, and there is essential background on the economy, climate and facilities. A full-color photograph section gives them a taste of Spain's different regions, aiding their decision of where in Spain to buy. Peppered with anecdotes and case studies, this guide also gives a unique, personal insight into moving to Spain.

Table of Contents

01 Introduction	1	(2)
02 First Steps and Reasons for Buying	3	(26)
Why Spain?	4	(1)
City, Town, Coast or Country?	5	(4)
Buying as a Second Home	9	(1)
Buying as a First Home	10	(1)
Buying as an Investment	10	(1)
Getting There and Around	11	(2)
Living in Spain	13	(1)
Working in Spain	13	(4)
Learning Spanish	17	(3)
Educating and Bringing Up Children	20	(2)
Health Services	22	(1)
Retirement and Pensions	23	(1)
Permits, Visas and Other Bureaucracy	24	(5)
03 Profiles of the Regions	29	(34)
The Spanish Background	30	(1)
A Global Power	31	(1)
The Road to Modernity	32	(1)
The Franco Years	32	(1)
The New Spain	33	(3)
Which Spain?	36	(1)
Urban Spain	37	(1)
Inland Spain	38	(1)
Spain Region by Region	39	(1)
Andalucia and its Costas	39	(8)
Almeria and Murcia	47	(1)
Valencia and Alicante	48	(3)
Catalonia	51	(3)
The Balearic Islands	54	(3)
The North Atlantic Coast	57	(2)
The Canary Islands	59	(4)
04 Selecting a Property	63	(84)
Getting to Spain	65	(17)
Getting Around Spain	82	(11)
Climate	93	(3)
Selecting a Property	96	(7)
Spanish Homes: Property Types	103	(12)
Types of Ownership	115	(6)
Guide Prices	121	(6)
Research and Information	127	(1)
Sources	127	(4)
Lawyers and How to Use Them	131	(1)
Estate Agents and How to Use Them	132	(8)
Building from Scratch or Renovation	140	(2)
Renting Before, or Instead of, Buying	142	(2)
Where to Stay While You House-hunt: Temporary Accommodation	144	(1)
What If It Doesn't Work Out?	145	(2)
05 Making the Purchase	147	(42)
Planning to Buy a Property in Spain	148	(3)
Property Inspection	151	(2)
Raising Finance to Buy a Property	153	(1)
Mortgaging your UK Property	154	(1)
Spanish Mortgages	155	(6)
Foreign Currency Mortgages	161	(1)
Who Should Own the Property?	161	(4)
The Process of Buying a Property	165	(2)
Choosing a Lawyer	167	(1)
The Price	168	(1)
General Enquiries and Special Enquiries	169	(1)
Your Civil State and Other Personal Details	170	(1)
The Community of Owners	171	(1)
Initial Contracts	172	(5)
Steps Between Signing the Contract and Signing the Deed of Sale	177	(4)
The Deed of Sale	181	(1)
The Cost of Buying a Property	182	(2)
Property Insurance	184	(1)
Key Points	185	(4)
06 Financial Implications	189	(24)
Taxation	190	(1)
Are You Resident or Non-resident for Tax Purposes?	191	(3)
Taxes Payable in the UK	194	(2)
Should You Pay Tax in Spain?	196	(1)
Local Spanish Taxes	196	(1)
Other Taxes Payable in Spain –Non-residents	197	(5)
Other Taxes Payable in Spain –Residents	202	(4)
The Double Taxation Treaty	206	(1)
Tax Planning Generally	206	(1)
Inheritance	207	(1)
Investments	208	(3)
Conclusion	211	(2)
07 Settling In	213	(78)
Making the Move	214	(2)
Dealing with Bureaucracy–Using a Gestor	216	(1)
Retirement	217	(2)
Working in Spain	219	(10)
Money and Banks	229	(3)
Buying, Selling or Importing Cars	232	(3)
Insurance	235	(3)
Utilities	238	(5)
Communications	243	(8)
Education	251	(3)
Health, Emergencies and Welfare	254	(3)
Security, Crime and the Police	257	(3)
Pets	260	(1)
Food and Drink	261	(8)
Shopping	269	(5)
Media	274	(5)
Learning the Language	279	(3)
Sports and Recreation	282	(4)
Politics and Religion	286	(5)
08 Letting Your Property	291	(16)
Location, Choice of Property and Rental Potential	293	(1)
The Right Area	293	(2)
The Right Property	295	(1)
The Right Price	296	(1)
Equipping the Property	297	(2)
Marketing the Property	299	(3)
Management Agencies	302	(2)
Formalising the Letting	304	(3)
09 References	307	(30)
Dictionary of Useful and Technical Terms	308	(12)
Internet Vocabulary	320	(1)
Directory of Contacts	321	(1)
Major Resources in Britain and the Irish Republic	321	(3)
Foreign Embassies in Spain	324	(1)
Removal Companies	325	(1)
Resources and Reference	326	(3)
Spanish Holidays and Celebrations	329	(2)
Further Reading	331	(1)
Climate Chart	332	(1)
Regional Calling Codes	333	(1)
Post Codes	334	(3)
10 Appendices	337	(7)
Appendix 1: Checklist – Do-it-yourself Inspection of Property	338	(5)
Appendix 2: Checklist –What Are You Worth?	343	(1)
Index	344