New Build Property for sale in Costa Blanca Spain

Things to take into account when buying new build properties in Costa Blanca

In Spain, the builder retains ownership until the property is completed. It is only when the necessary certificates of building completion (fin de obra) and of first occupation (primer ocupación) have been issued, that the escritura for the sale can be finalised and the sale notarised. The buyer does not own any part of the property until the sale is finalised.

When buying a new build property in Spain, there will be a contrato de compraventa, but this will be a “promissory contract” for the purchase in the future, when the building is completed. This contract will normally provide for advance payments (pagos adelantados). This is acceptable, so long as the contract also provides the guarantee (required by Law 57/68) for the return of any money paid, which is normally through a bank guarantee backed by a bond which the builder has deposited (aval bancario), or an insurance policy (garantia de seguro).

In the event of non-completion, the buyer is entitled under Spanish consumer protection to the return of all money paid during construction plus interest. It is a legal requirement that builders / developers include such a guarantee (certificado de garantia) in their contracts which specifically provides for the return of all money paid plus interest. The builder may not charge the buyer for providing this guarantee.

Main differences between the process in the UK and Spain

The big difference compared to the system in the UK is that, as you do not own the property, you cannot arrange a mortgage to finance these advance payments.

Normally, builders in Spain obtain mortgage finance for the project from their bank. When the property sale is finalised, and the project split up into the individual parcelas, the buyer has the right to “subrogate” (i.e. take the place of) the builder in the mortgage for his particular plot. The buyer will have to complete an application similar to that for a new mortgage, and go through a similar approval process. If the buyer requires a larger loan than that available by subrogación, this would be treated by the lender as a separate second mortgage.

Pre-contract Checks you must do.

Because you are buying from a developer, it is even more important to carry out the relevant “pre-contract” checks; in particular, you still need to:

1. Prove that the developer does own the land – you need to see his escritura.
2. Check that there are no loans outstanding – you need to obtain a nota simple.
3. Ensure that the developer has paid his IBI – you need to see receipts.
4. Obtain a certificación catastral and check the plan parcial to ensure that the urbanización itself is registered and to check that the property is as described to you.
5. Check with the Urbanismo, the town planning office, to ensure that the development is in an area zoned for building and that planning permission has been granted, and that there are no other developments planned nearby that could affect your new property.
6. Check that the builder has obtained a Licencia de Obra (Building Permit).
7. Check that he has obtained a Certificado de Fin de Obra (Completion Certificate), and a Licencia de Primer Ocupación (Licence of First Occupation). If the building is not yet completed, make sure that the contract includes a warranty from the developer that he will obtain and pay for these certificates, and provides penalties if these are delivered late.

ES Property for Sale in Spain helps you buy you new build property in Costa Blanca

At ES Property for Sale in Spain our reputation means everything to us, we only ever offer the best consultative, professional advice to ensure the process of purchasing your property is simple and that you buy in confidence.

Every developer we deal with has been thoroughly checked and we can therefore ensure they are financially stable and have the appropriate build licences, making the buying process for you straightforward and smooth, leaving you to simply enjoy owning your own property in Spain.