What is the purchase process?

1. First, select a property.

2. Reserve the property. This is usually done by paying a reservation deposit around 3000-6000 Euros and ensures the property is held for you at a fixed price. This is not refundable should you later decide to pull out. Your lawyer should now carry out all the detailed searches and checks at the Land Registry ready for the next stage.

3. Private Purchase Contract. About 30 days after reserving the property you will sign this contract. Your lawyer can do this for you given Power of Attorney. At this stage you will normally be expected to pay the balance of the deposit (including IVA).

4. Completion. You or your lawyer attends the Public Notaries office to sign the Deeds, and to make the final payment to the seller. You then receive the keys to the property. The Notary then informs the Land Registry to note you as the new owner.

Should you have sold the property before completion then your lawyer will have assigned your contract to the new buyer who will have to do step 4 themselves.