An offer to buy

Once you have a buyer and have agreed a price you will need to produce the following documents:

• A copy of your title deed (escritura)
• A receipt proving that your property tax (IBI) is paid up to date. If there are any community charges relating to the property then the same will apply.
• Proof of up to date payment of each of your utility bills - water, electricity and telephone.
• A copy of your personal identification i.e. your resident's card or passport.

Purchase contracts are generally prepared over the next week and usually 10% deposit will be paid within 10 days of the contract being signed. The completion date can be agreed between you and your buyer but about 6 to 8 weeks is normal.

When selling your house you do not have to have legal representation unless the title deed needs up dating.

Completion

The next step is the trip to the notary to complete on the sale. You will be informed of the date, place and time by your estate agent and you will need to bring the title deed for your property and your identification. You should allow a few hours for this visit as on occasion there are delays at the notary office. During the visit, the asesoria for the buyer will translate the new title deed and then you will be required to sign for the sale in front of the notary and you will receive a banker's cheque for the purchase price. Then that's it, congratulations you have sold your house!