About Catalunya property services

Catalonia estate agents and Catalunya property services

We moved from England to Southern Catalunya in April 2002 after purchasing a finca in 2001 and immediately started working in the estate agency business in the Catalonia region. Our business and professional background includes almost twenty five years in the financial service sector, mortgage advising and completion and personal finance services including personal loans, secured loans and all forms of insurance for national and international household names such as the Prudential, Citibank, Legal and General and then from 2000 as Independent Financial Advisors. This gives us an in depth knowledge of subjects such as property purchases, investment, both fiscal and property wise, mortgages, remortgages and retirement issues both in the United Kingdom and in Spain.

Using our professional business background, coupled with several years experience of both living and trading in Spain, selling land and properties to English and European clients enables us to pride ourselves in being one of the leading, internationally recognised independent estate agents in Catalunya, Spain.

Throughout our time of trading we have built up one of the largest property portfolios in the Catalonia, together with a solid back office team to provide clients with a whole range of packages and services. This team includes a group of solicitors to assist with client requirements while living and working in Spain on a permanent basis, or for temporary periods throughout the year. We also have a solicitor dedicated to ensuring that the Title Deed and all official paperwork pertaining to the purchase of a property, not matter what style of residence, is correct before our clients sign at the Notary. We also provide an official translator, (now required at the Notary for the purchase of a property.) 2 private surveyors, several English speaking Notaries, preferential banking services and 2 Spanish building companies with architects and architectural services.

Viewing properties in Catalonia

Viewing is strictly by appointment only. Although we are living in the Catalunya region, viewing can only be by specified pre-arranged dates and pre-confirmed appointment only. If you want us to arrange accommodation, hotel, bed and breakfast or self catering, we are only to happy to book on your behalf. Arrangements can then be made for you to view at your leisure. We do strongly suggest that you give yourself at least one or two days to explore the area on your own so you can enjoy the "Real Spain".

Most of the properties on offer are country, rural or rustic farms with land all in a strictly rural situation. The local villages are usually close by with the nearest towns between a 20 and 25 minute drive. We do not have any apartments or houses on a complex or any property for sale that is remotely similar to the usual property associated with the tourist industry.

Our properties are strictly for the lovers of Real Spain. There are no all night bars, discos or anything of a similar nature that would destroy the peace and tranquillity of this delightful area. However, nearly all of the farms are not remote and these facilities, if required, are just a short distance away. Also in the nearby villages will be found a superb selection of restaurants to suit all tastes and pockets, or for something a little simpler, try the local "tapas" (recommended). This consists of a variety of small snacks, usually on display so you can point if necessary, and it is available in most bars.

Property Purchase in Catalunya

We have had access to, or are in possession of, copies of the title deeds to all the properties we are offering for sale. Full documentation is readily available to all purchasers and copies can be organised for your viewing for their inspection prior to the sale. All properties have been thoroughly researched to ensure that there are no outstanding charges and that all taxes and duties are fully paid up to date. In some cases we have already commenced the purchase procedure with the vendor and would therefore have a draft of the new deed available in our name.

This would also be accompanied by a "Nota Simple" (statement) from the local Land Registry. This shows that there are no charges or mortgages upon the property in question. In most cases the parcel number of the property is entered upon the deeds and can easily be identified on the definitive map of the area. These maps are available for each of the properties and can readily be identified in conjunction with the deeds. Unlike England, when you purchase a property in Spain, the sale is completed there and then in the office of the Notary. The Notary represents the Government in, and of Spain and is therefore completely impartial. An official translator is provided by our office for the transaction of the property sale.

Based on the old title deeds a new title deed is drawn up with the buyers and vendors details already entered. This is then read out to all parties, section by section. A banker's draft or certified cheque for the declared selling price is handed to the Notary who then passes it to the vendor. The new title deed is passed to the vendor for signing, and then to the purchaser, and finally the Notary signs, which concludes the sale. You are now the owner of the property, and will be handed a copy of the deed, and the original starts its tour of the various Ministries. If you require a copy of the title deed in English this will cost around €150 euros. Around two months later your deeds will be available for collection. The Notary's fees are usually about 1.5% for disbursements, (although there is a minimum charge depending on the purchase price) Government taxes are 7% and land registry is about 1.5%

In addition to providing viewing and purchase services we provide assistance in obtaining your N.I.E number which is required when owning a property in Spain.

We accompany you to view any of our properties and will provide additional information during your stay on any properties, deeds and formalities in purchasing your dream Catalunya property.

If you require further information from us, just call us or send an email.