INFORMATION AND ADVICE RELATING TO THE DOCUMENTATION FOR YOUR PROPERTY By Sunset Properties
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t Sunset Properties Spain we have a wealth of knowledge and experience relating to property documentation. It's essential, particularly if you want to sell your property, that any issues relating to your Escritura, Catastro, IBI and utility bills are resolved as soon as possible.
certificate from your Town Hall as part of the process to 'legalise' all country properties thereby ensuring that records kept by Town Halls match what's actually physically on the ground. Anything you've added (including pergolas) must have been in situ for more than 6 years for the certificate to be issued.
The Escritura (Title Deed) states who owns the property and gives a description of the property. If you've added anything new such as a pool, bedroom or garage your Escritura must be updated to include these.
The Catastro is a comprehensive register of all land and real estate in Spain and the information held is frequently inaccurate. The Catastro can easily be amended by having a topographic survey of your land undertaken by a surveyor. Your AsesorĂa or lawyer then needs to arrange for the Catastro office to make the relevant changes.
This is a straightforward process if you have the necessary building licences for the work. If you don't and the pool, room or building has been in situ for more than 6 years then it's possible to update your Escritura using a certificate of antiquity which requires the services of an architect and an AsesorĂa or lawyer. Additionally for rural properties you'll also have to obtain a DAFO
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IBI (Council Tax) The IBI bill must be in your name (and not that of the previous owner). Even if you've been paying the IBI directly from your bank account it doesn't matter, the bill itself must be in your name so that it can then be changed to that of the new owner.
Electricity Similarly, the electricity bill also needs to be in your name to ensure an uncomplicated transfer of the contract to the new owners. Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) All home owners who have a house for sale must obtain an EPC for their property. Energy ratings have to be displayed alongside the details advertised by your estate agent and when sold, the Notary will need the original certificate and proof of registration. The law applies to Spain in exactly the same way as it does to all other EU member states. Contact us We cannot stress enough the importance of having all documentation relating to your property both correct and up-todate. We're are here to help you and we offer a friendly, reliable and professional service so please contact Denise either by telephone 618 295 063 or email info@sunsetproperties-spain.com
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