Green Spain Property
Area Guide
The Area
The regions of Galicia, Asturias, Cantabria and Vizcaya in Northern Spain are an amazing lush and verdant area. While each region has its own cultural identity, they are all blessed with magnificent beaches, lovely mountain scenery and offer a genuinely warm welcome plus the finest cuisine in Spain.
Asturias and Cantabria share a lovely coastline and the superb Picos de Europa mountains (Europe's least known and least developed range), as well as picturesque towns and villages. Galcia enjoys similar scenery but also boasts a unique Celtic culture and astonishing Santiago - the third city of Christendom. The 4 regions all largely escaped Moorish domination in the Middle Ages and you will find totally different architecture to the rest of Spain, including many of the world's finest Romanesque and pre-Romanesque buildings. The area is ideal for anyone wanting to combine beaches with mountain scenery. The weather here is not as hot as the south and although rainfall is above average, the rain rarely lasts long.
Santiago de Compostela is one of Spain's most historic and Europe's most beautiful cities. Marvellously preserved as it was in the Middle Ages the Romanesque Cathedral lies at its heart and the destination of the first ever tourists. Today it is still the third holiest site in Christendom, after only Jerusalem and Rome.
Ribadesella is an attractive town and fishing port lying at the mouth of the river Sella, in one of the most beautiful spots of the Asturian coastline. The old town boast several good restaurants and a pleasant promenade.
Activities
This is an area which lends itself to a wide range of recreational activities, the most common and popular include, walking, climbing, horse riding, 4 wheel drive off roading. A wide range of water sports including swimming, sailing, surfing and canoeing on the many rivers and estuaries. The area is also famous for its rich fishing both inland and at sea.
Don't miss the St James' Day festivities in Santiago during the second half of July - they are really spectacular.
Buying a Property in Spain
1. Putting down a Holding Deposit
On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner. This part of the process is not binding. We would recommend using an independent English speaking legal advisor. Once a purchase price has been agreed, normally a holding or reserve deposit will be required to ensure the property is removed from the market. The sum required will vary between properties and will be based on the purchase price. A time limit for the preagreement to be signed will be arranged and there will also be legal checks to be made.
2. Setting up a Pre-agreement (Contrato privado de compraventa)
The pre-agreement will set out the conditions under which the Buyer and Seller agree to complete the purchase of the property and the price they have agreed upon. Relevant details will generally be included for example the property details, purchase price and the date for completion. A deposit will be required at this point, this will vary, but will generally be 10% of the agreed price. This agreement will include a penal clause if the sale does not go through. If the seller pulls out of the sale your compensation will be double the deposit you have paid, but if you decide not to go through with the sale then your deposit will be lost. Certain checks will need to be made before signing the contract, checks should be made against the title of the property, mortgage status and if the property has any debts held against it. The planning status should also be looked into. These conditions can be varied by the seller and the buyer and other types of agreement can be made.
3. The Contract (Escritura de compraventa)
Before a non-Spanish purchaser can buy a Spanish property they will need to have set up a Spanish bank account and obtained a Spanish tax number (NIE). The completion will take place in the presence of a Notary Public. This is a Spanish public official, by law the deed of sale must be witnessed by a Notary Public. You will also need your own independent, expert legal advisor to act on your behalf. On Completion the buyer must pay the balance, that is the price agreed after the deposit has been deducted, plus any other fees on the completion date. Both buyer and seller must sign the Escritura de compraventa contract, (this is the Spanish equivalent of the title deeds). The title deeds (escritura) will be given to the buyer, this will be done in the presence of a Notary Public, they will certify that the transfer has taken place. The tax office will be sent a copy and the property registry will be informed of the transfer.