Possible dream move

Hi there,

Just a couple of things you should consider.

Firstly, looks like you are lucky in that your Irish citizenship will enable you  visit your property under the rules for EU citizens. You only become a fiscal resident if you reside here for 183 or more days per year. You can buy a car here without any problem, although used cars are expensive. Many people now buy and leave a car here due to hire car prices being costly. 

Is this property built on the Rambla de Los Aznares? (The Rambla runs across the entire length of the streets just above the length of Calle Nogales/ Calle Piteras on D sector. Banks have refused mortgages on some of the 450 houses built on the Rambla. This may not affect you when buying but sellers have lost their sale as their purchasers needed a mortgage. There are plans to reroute the Rambla but nothing confirmed yet).

Is the property registered as Touristico? (Many properties were listed as touristico meaning they can only be rented not lived in permanently. Most of these have been resolved).

Is the property on a public or private road? (The council said about 3 years ago that they will not and cannot legally carry out works on private roads. The two main issues are lighting and road surfacing. So if it is a private road, your lights will not be maintained. If turned off, the council will not turn them on. Several streets have got together and bought their own solar lights.) NB: Tejos is a public road and a small number will be built on the Rambla, so just check with the lawyer.

Your lawyer should ensure that all permissions for work carried out are registered, they normally arrange for your utilities, electricity and water to be continued and will, if you ask set up direct debits for these and your annual IBI (council tax), which will be taken from your account around 6th October each year. The lawyer usually keeps a retention from the vendor to deal with any issues, such as unpaid utility bills. Discuss this with them.

You may also like to ask them if the property has a fin de obra or a habitation certificate. It is unlikely as it is on D sector. Worth discussing with the lawyer what the effect of this is, for future reference.

I am sure others will give you more answers, based on their personal experience, have you had or considered a survey in the property? Should be about €400.

Many people now use online banks such as Wise or Revolut these days, as these are easier to manage when you are not here. You can set up all your direct debits and manage them online.

Finally, finally, many people recommend using a lawyer that is not recommended by the estate agent.

Your lawyer can arrange your NIE, which you will need to make your purchase. You will pay non residents tax all the time you own here. Your lawyer can arrange to deal with this for you. A Power of Attorney(POA) is a good idea to let the lawyer deal with things when you are absent and during the purchase process.  Make sure you get an estimate of costs from your lawyer before you buy. You should allow 11 - 13% on top of your purchase price. 

Good luck with your purchase and welcome to Camposol😇

You will need an NIE number but when you buy a house you will need a solicitor, who will sort all out including a bank account and even set up your direct debits ie water and electric I pay my solicitor 140 euros a year and he sorts out our taxes ect, but you can get it done a bit cheaper in the town there's a few people who will do it for you but I have had no problems using my solicitor so happy to pay as you are Irish you will have no restrictions.