‘Barcelona’ blog category archive

In Part 1 of our Barcelona Property Buying blog we examined the initial process regarding property searches, price, and locations. Discussing how negotiation is a key factor, as transfer tax is high. We finalised with an introduction to the abogado’s role and a breakdown of their responsibilities.

In this continuation, we’ll delve more into the legal process. Examining the contracts required, the deposits to be paid and purchase fees which are payable. We’ll also give some advice about estate agent tricks, informing you who to trust and who to be wary of!

Once the price of the property has been agreed and your abogado has started the conveyance, the next stage focuses on the legalities of the property leading to the contracts. Your abogado will deal with any discrepancies and legal issues.

Some points to note :

• Be wary of any information given during the negotiation by the estate agent, seller or their legal representatives. It may be true and honest but it’s your abogado’s duty to check all the details thoroughly. A good abogado will make certain there are no binding issues.
• Never deal with the seller’s contracts or paperwork. This will naturally be biased in their favour. Your lawyer should draw up the initial relevant paperwork to protect you, and the final deed is a neutral contract overseen by a notario.
• Never transfer any money before signature. The seller can change their mind or simply not turn up to the first signing.
• Don’t feel pressured to make any irregular payments. There is always a phantom third party making another offer – according to the estate agent.

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With summer slowly and reluctantly slipping into Autumn. Barcelona is counting the success of another record-breaking tourist season. Figures show an increase in all sectors on the previous year with record numbers visiting Catalonia, and airport numbers over taking the capital Madrid in June, July and August.

Couple this with the growing exposure of optimism from the UK broadsheets regarding attractive property investment with a 30% price reduction, and Catalonia’s capital of cool will definitely have some of those tourists thinking.

So if you are one of these people who recently fell in love with this Mediterranean city (or even a long term resident who has finally decided to take the plunge). Studio P10 thought we’d shed some light on the Barcelona property buying process, uncover some of the pitfalls and maybe dispel some of the myths along the way.

With a wide choice of properties, from mountain retreats, urban pads to beach side dwellings. Barcelona has the full range to offer, all for a knock down price. It’s no wonder, therefore, that foreign demand is now surging, with ‘Spanish Property Insight’ reporting a 29pc rise in foreign purchase in Spain over the last 12 months and a staggering 49pc rise in the last quarter alone.

Location, location, location. It’s a well known phrase but one that holds weight in a compact city such as Barcelona, where crossing a street can lead you over the invisible line into the next barrio. Research therefore is the key, and there’s no better way than living and breathing the city like a local. Walking the streets and experiencing day to day life, chatting to the locals and learning secrets. Uncovering hidden gems of knowledge about areas such as the Eixample. Avoid apartments on the ‘one way streets’ going up hill. The traffic noise is considerably higher, as the motos strain their engines to climb the inclination. (Trust me, at 6am you will be thankful!) Or some parts of Poble Sec, which has a series of underground tunnels built in the civil war that has effected the foundations of some buildings.