Volker Horch: The NIE is a personal, unique and exclusive number assigned to foreigners that allows the Spanish Ministry of Finance (Hacienda) to access all required tax procedures… [read more]
What is a NIE? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: In Spain, the public document through which ownership of a property is transferred and registered is known as the property deed (escritura). Alternatively, this process can also be carried out by… [read more]
What is an "escritura"? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: A common mistake in property deeds is not including all structures built on the property… [read more]
How does the Land Registry work? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: In most cases, there are two steps to follow to purchase a property. First, a private option-to-purchase contract is drawn up… [read more]
How do I buy a house in La Palma? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: Almost all legal transactions, such as the purchase and sale of real estate, can be carried out in Spain by means of a power of attorney… [read more]
When is a power of attorney required? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: An apostille is an international form of authentication which certifies the validity of a signature or official body… [read more]
What is an apostille? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: In some cases, one of the parties is unable to be present at completion, and the process of drafting a power of attorney has not been initiated in time… [read more]
What is ratification? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: There are several ways to pay the purchase price. In many cases, where the buyer is not resident in Spain or does not already have a Spanish bank account, they will… [read more]
How is payment made when buying a property? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: Property buyers should expect several additional expenses. First, there is the Property Transfer Tax… [read more]
What additional costs are involved when buying a property? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: For a property in La Palma, there are essentially two options for the supply of drinking water… [read more]
How is a water connection arranged for a property? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: If the property already has an electricity connection, transferring the electricity contract to the new owner is relatively straightforward. By presenting the deed of sale and… [read more]
How do I register the electricity supply in La Palma? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: Nowadays, landline telephony has largely fallen out of use. However, if it is required, it is important to note that in many areas of La Palma it is not possible… [read more]
How do I obtain a telephone line or internet connection for my property? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: The only requirement is to have an address where the vehicle can be registered. This can be… [read more]
How can I get a car in La Palma? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: In order to connect a property to public utilities (water, electricity and telephone), what is known as a Certificate of Habitation or First Occupancy Licence is required… [read more]
What is a Certificate of Habitation or First Occupancy Licence? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: The Cadastre falls under the jurisdiction of the Spanish Ministry of Finance (Hacienda) and is used to collect the annual municipal property taxes… [read more]
How does the Cadastre work? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: Anyone who does not reside in Spain and owns a property is legally required to appoint a local fiscal representative… [read more]
What is a fiscal representative? Find out in this article!
Volker Horch: Residents in Spain are subject to Property Tax (IBI), which is levied by the local municipality… [read more]
What taxes and fees apply in La Palma? Find out in this article!
