Moving In

The new property is ready. After a long wait and some inevitable building delays notification has been received from the agent that ‘the property can now be occupied’. There is a lot of work to be done. Moving house at the best of times is stressful, moving to Spain – either to a holiday home or permanent one – conjures up emotions of excitement and hard work.

In practical terms there is a need to carry out a series of tasks in a focused, planned and methodical way. The majority of agents offer some assistance at this difficult moving-in stage. This can be very helpful. The first few days in a foreign country, making a number of decisions with differing customs and procedures, can be disconcerting. A knowledgeable hand is very welcome at speeding up the process by going to the correct place, in the correct sequence, at the correct time.

• If need be, organise furniture removal from home, book air tickets, hotel and car rental.
• Look at the new house to ensure there are no faults.
• Visit the abogado to ask him to arrange an appointment with the notary for the signing of the escritura and for the final payment to the builder.
• Visit the bank to collect a banker’s draft for the final payment on the house (plus the inevitable black money) and another draft for payment to the abogado.
• Complete the payment and signing procedures at the notary. Obtain the keys and a copia simple.
• If required purchase kitchen equipment, bathroom fittings, lights and furniture.

Viewing The New Property For The First Time

Having seen a show house, some brochures, a plan and location diagram, the viewing of your own completely new house for the first time is approached with considerable enthusiasm and excitement.

‘It is there where it should be. The white walls with ochre coloured window frames are set against a clear blue sky. Inside the walls too are white, contrasting with the dark orange bathroom tiles. A bidet too! The bedrooms are large, spacious with fitted wardrobes. Yes, it’s exactly what we specified.’

On the down side the roads may not be finished, the water and electric still to be supplied by the builder through pipes and cables, the garden non-existent and the house probably needs a good clean.

The emotion and pleasure of seeing a new home for the first time needs to be quickly replaced with a more logical approach. In a new home, even with a ten-year guarantee, some faults are inevitable. At this point inspect the property thoroughly, recording all faults.

Major Faults

If any major faults exist, immediately stop the purchasing process until they are rectified. Go back home if need be, but on no account make the final payment. This of course is an unlikely scenario, after all the building has been inspected by the architect. But to be realistic major faults can and do happen.

Time for talking it may be, but time for action is more important and this is best achieved on the part of the purchaser by refusing to make the final payment.

Minor Faults