Sitges Property
Area Guide
The beautiful town and hills of Sitges offer a vibrant centre for the discerning property buyer who wishes to enjoy the traditional Portuguese way of life but with the cosmopolitan air of a city, with its bars and cafes. The area of Sitges and Sant Pere de Ribes on the Costa Dorada, about 30km southwest of Barcelona, boasts many small rustic farmhouses, traditional townhouses, modern apartments and luxury new and resale villas.
The area is the weekend playground for young Barcelonans and is also a popular gay holiday destination, ensuring the nightlife is varied and interesting. The Sitges Carnaval during February and March is a stunning sight to behold, enhanced by the large gay community.
Activities in Sitges
The 15 beautiful golden beaches attract many people to the area, but they do not become overly crowded and there are other, quieter beaches just along the coast. The three kilometre main promenade of Passeig de Ribra stretches along the seafront beside 9 beaches. Dining out means choosing from a range of international and British menus, but there is also traditional Catalan cuisine to be sampled. Other highlights are the Film Festival, Vintage Car Rally, beach rugby and volleyball and half marathon. There is also golf courses to enjoy and horse riding in the hills, as well as good MTB trails, climbing and rambling. The 3 marinas of Port Ginesta, Garraf and Aiguadolc have several yacht clubs for those with a more nautical bent. For those who like to shop, there is a wide variety of antiques shops and markets and a weekly outdoor market on Thursdays. There is also a farmer's market on Saturday mornings where fresh produce may be purchased.
Villa in Sitges For Sale
Due to its present popularity Sitges remains one of, if not THE, most expensive place to buy a villa or other property in Spain. This partly explains the difficulty in finding summer holiday accommodation in Sitges. Rental income can offset the higher prices found in the area if you plan to use your Sitges villa or apartment during the quieter months. We have many villas in Sitges and in the surrounding hills, in Sant Pere de Ribes and also in Castelldefels.
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.