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better financial decisions for your mortgage
Tips, steps, procedures, comparison tools... Everything you need to get to your new home.
Documents you need to understand before buying a house
Before buying. All the formalities and paperwork.
It seems you've already found a home! Congratulations. Now what? Paperwork and more paperwork? Yes, but let's go step by step. Let's start by understanding what documents you should ask for from the seller or estate agent, to understand the current situation of the property before signing an earnest money contract. Don't worry! It isn't so difficult and the list isn't that long.
- We will only tell you what you need in your specific case and no more.
- We will clarify what some of the documents are for and how to get them.
- Land registry, charges, certificates... We explain what all of these are.
- Tick them off and have everything in order before signing an earnest money contract.
- Ask the seller for what you need.
Mandatory documents
Updated land registry certificate
To find out who the owners of the property are, and its description and actual size. To know if there is a mortgage on it or any debts or charges.
The Land Registry will provide this. Or ask the seller or your estate agent.
Energy performance certificate
You must have this certificate, which must be issued by an official technician. It also enables you to assess the property's energy consumption.
Ask for it from the seller.
IBI (property tax) receipt
Impuesto de Bienes Inmuebles (IBI) is the property tax paid each year. You need to have the latest bill.
Ask for it from the seller.
Technical Building Inspection (ITE)
This assures you that the building is in good condition, or tells you whether it has any issues or needs some maintenance work.
Ask the seller to provide it.
Association of Property Owners' certificate
Use this to check that all payments are up to date, and whether there is any approved and pending expenditure.
Ask for it from the seller.
Documents of interest
Utility bills: electricity, water, gas, etc.
These will tell you about the costs and help you calculate the monthly outgoings. And they will assure you everything is in order, avoiding any surprises.
Ask for them from the seller.
Mandatory documents
Building book
Get the plans for the project and the approved modifications.
The developer should provide this.
Completion of work certificate
This will enable you to check that the work has been performed as planned. Check that it has been registered with the Land Registry.
The developer should provide this.
First occupation licence
This confirms that the building complies with the planning regulations and is fit for habitation. It is issued by the local council.
The developer should provide this.
Habitation licence
This will tell that the property complies with the requirements (electricity, water, gas, etc.) for habitation, so you can arrange the utilities.
The developer should provide this.
Energy performance certificate
You must have this certificate, which must be issued by an official technician. It also enables you to assess the property's energy consumption.
The developer should provide this.
There are a couple of other things you'll need if you buy your home off-plan:
Companies and Land Registry registration
To verify the existence of the developer and confirm that the building is in its name and that the licences have been issued by the council.
Check this in both registries.
Guarantee or insurance policy
This is essential to ensure the deposit you give to the developer to purchase the home.
Insurance company.
Have you got everything? Then go for it. You can start to buy your home.
We understand if you are nervous, because everything now starts to become real. These are the next steps you should take when you have all the documents and confirmations.
Secure your home with an earnest money contract
This is a contract where the parties agree to complete the transaction in a few months, with a sum of money as a guarantee.Talk to your bank and choose your mortgage
When the numbers are clear and the house has been reserved, you can start looking at the terms and conditions, interest rates, the security you will be asked to provide...It is time for the property appraisal
This step is very important. The appraisal determines the maximum mortgage you can apply for.
It's time to think about the mortgage: we make it easy for you.
Chin up, you're on the right track! We'll try to clear the way for you, detailing the procedures and documents you'll need when you apply for a mortgage, your mortgage
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