Our service to you:

We deal in properties from luxury homes and fincas to town houses requiring complete reformation. This is complemented by our sales of adosados, apartments, villas, businesses, investment properties and plots of land.

We recognise that the stakes for those buying abroad are high and that choosing a Spanish property, business or investment is not just about buying a superficially attractive property – it is about choosing the right location for the lifestyle you want, within your budget and personal constraints. It is also, vitally, about buying at the proper market price so that any investment will accrue as projected.

Costa Azahar Homes has been operating successfully for many years now and has built up a wealth of experience and contacts. We have assembled a specialist team of experts who realise that the buying of property is a serious business - requiring sound advice backed up by integrity. This is all the more important when buying in an area that is as dynamic and rapidly developing as La Safor.
At Costa Azahar Homes we are concerned to ensure that you wrap a purchase around the realities of life in Spain – a country of subtleties, contrasts and economic factors that are not always appreciated by north Europeans until long after they have committed themselves to a property or investment.
We recognise the vital importance of honest and accurate advice delivered objectively and backed up by understanding after-sales care. We pride ourselves on delivering a uniquely sympathetic, efficient, analytic and personal service.

If you are seeking to relocate, then we will do all possible to ensure that your relocation is enjoyable and will result in a safe, value for money purchase that will satisfy all your lifestyle requirements. If you are seeking to invest in a business or property then you will receive honest and pragmatic help from us - backed up by years of business and management consulting experience.

At Costa Azahar Homes, every effort is always directed at ensuring that you achieve a purchase in Spain that is enriching, fulfilling and enjoyable.
There are several steps to the purchase of a property in Spain. Our aim is to guide you through this process:
Enabling
1. We will accompany you to the offices of the Guardia Civil to assist in your application for a Numero Indentidad de Extranjeros (N.I.E) – A fiscal document that you must have prior to purchasing any property.
2. We will introduce you to an independent, English speaking lawyer who specialises in property conveyancing and who will act entirely on your behalf.
3. We can introduce you to a reputable Spanish bank with English speaking staff to enable you to open a bank account, obtain a debit/credit card and internet banking in English. This bank will also be able to arrange a mortgage should you so desire - a full range of resident and non resident mortgages are available in sterling or euros.

Property Viewing:
1. We will discuss your requirements at length to enable us to draw up a short list of suitable properties that match your budget and specification.
2. We will personally accompany you to all the properties you wish to see with a view to assessing your reactions. This enables us to be responsive to your requirements and, if need be, to advise you on other properties that may be more suitable or that offer better value for money.
3. If you see a property that is of interest to you then we will accompany you on any further visits that you feel are necessary and advise you as to the objective merits of the property.
4. Should you decide to buy a particular property then we will advise you of the process and liase with yourselves, your lawyer and the vendor to enable the purchase process to be smooth, transparent and problem free.
5. Should you need to return to the UK then we can arrange for a Power of Attorney to be signed, allowing your lawyer to continue with the purchase of the property in your absence.
6. During the purchase process we shall keep you continually advised.
7. We will personally accompany you when any deposit payment is made or a private contract is signed. Of course, we will be with you at the Notaires office for the formal signing of the Escritura and the payment of the purchase amount.
After-Care Service
1. We pride ourselves on the level of after-care that we provide. We will ensure that:
a. Services contracts (telephone, water etc.) are changed into your name.
b. The property is fully registered in your name with the local council for the purpose of local taxes.
c. You and the whole family are registered at the local town hall, and receive copies of your Certificates of Empadronamiento, which is important for buying cars and registering for local services.
2. We will assist in registering your children for schools, registering the whole family at the doctors, etc.
3. We will also assist you in arranging a Spanish will which is an important function to perform should you hold property in Spain.
4. We will continue to be available for you should you need any assistance in the future.

The Purchase Process

INITIAL COSTS
One should budget on 10% if the value of the property to cover taxes and fees relating to the legal aspects of the purchase.
The breakdown is as follows:
7% VAT on new properties or 7% transfer tax on resale properties.
2-3% legal fees.
HOLDING DEPOSIT
Having found the property you wish to purchase, the first step is to pay a holding deposit (£1,000 - £2,000) which removes the property from the market. This sum is usually lodged to your Spanish solicitor's client account and is non refundable should you subsequently chose not to purchase the property. However should the seller renege on his undertaking to sell you the property he is obligated to pay you twice the amount of the deposit.
APPOINTING YOUR SOLICITOR
It is generally advisable to engage the services of a Spanish solicitor (or a solicitor well-versed in Spanish property law) to look after your purchase. Costa Azahar Homes can recommend a number of experienced bilingual solicitors. Your solicitor will first of all ensure that the property has no debts attaching to it and that it is correctly registered.
THE PURCHASE CONTRACT
This is a private contract between the vendor and purchaser and is binding on both parties. It is usually drawn up between 2 and 3 weeks after the holding deposit has been put down. It should specify the name(s) of the purchaser(s), the completion date and the terms and conditions governing the sale. At this point the balance of the deposit (usually 10% of the purchase price) is paid.
SIGNING OF THE DEED
In Spain this is performed in front of a Notary. It can be undertaken by someone else (usually your solicitor) with power of attorney from you to sign on your behalf (this service can be provided by ourselves at no extra charge). Full payment is required before the title deed can be transferred into your name.
TAKING POSSESSION
The handing over of the property and the keys will normally take place only when the full purchase price has been paid. This normally occurs at the Notaires office at the time of the signing of the escritura.
TRANSFER OF SERVICES
Having completed the purchase, you will need to change the contract details of the existing services – which we can arrange on your behalf.
BUILDING AND CONTENTS INSURANCE
Costa Azahar Homes will provide you with a bilingual insurance agent should you so desire.
PAYMENTS OF CHARGES AND TAXES
Certain periodic charges and taxes fall due for payment during the course of the year. Your solicitor will usually be willing to look after these matters, but you can appoint a Gestor (fiscal representative) to make the necessary payments to take care of whatever paper-work is involved. For example local rates are payable to the town hall (ayuntamiento) which can be set up by direct debit.
COMMUNITY FEES
If you purchase a property within a complex or apartment block, you are legally obliged to join its residents association. The association administers the general maintenance of the common parts, such as gardens, hallways, lifts, swimming pools, exterior lighting etc. An annual budget is calculated to cover these costs, which is divided between all the owners according to the size of their properties. All owners have a vote to agree the budget at the annual general meeting.
PLUSVALIA TAX
This is a one-off tax on the sale of a property which is normally paid by the seller of the property.
THE ESCRITURA
These are the freehold title deeds, which are presented before the notary-public, showing ownership of the property.
THE NOTARY
The Notary is a highly qualified lawyer appointed by the Spanish government to ensure that the change of title deeds is properly executed. It is his/her job to make sure that the seller is legally entitled to sell and that all due taxes are paid, the Notray acts only in the interests of the state and has no remit to act on behalf of either the seller or the buyer. The Notary will register the change of ownership in the land registry office, which in turn is registered at the Central Registry of Foreign Investments in Madrid.
PROPERTY GUARANTEES
Spanish law states that all new properties must be guaranteed for 10 years.
Most new developments also include a bank bond within the terms of their contract, guaranteeing each stage-payment.
RENTAL INCOME
Since you own the Freehold on your property you may well decide to derive rental income from it. Costa Azahar homes will be happy to advise you about how best to do this and about expected rental yields.