9 Things To Do After Buying Your Property In Spain
After buying property in Spain, you should register the property at the Land Registry, obtain your NIE, open a bank account, get home insurance, and familiarize yourself with the local area and community to ensure a successful property purchase.
9 things to do after buying your property in Spain
After buying property in Spain, there are several things you should do to ensure that your purchase goes smoothly and that you can enjoy your new home.
1. Ensure your property is protected with insurance
It is important to obtain insurance for your property to protect yourself and your belongings in case of an accident or other unforeseen event. This insurance can cover damage to the walls, furniture, and personal belongings, as well as provide civil liability protection in case of harm to others. It is recommended to obtain this insurance as soon as possible, such as after paying the first installment on the property or before signing the purchase agreement at the notary. Don’t forget to ensure that your property is properly protected.
2. Make a copy of all your purchase documents
It is advisable to keep copies of important documents related to your property, such as the purchase contract and notary act, in a safe place. These documents can be useful for proving ownership, obtaining services, and potentially for tax purposes. Additionally, some countries may require proof of where your funds originated for compliance with anti-money laundering regulations. Keeping these documents readily available can save time and hassle in the future.
3. Get local experts
If you are an overseas owner of a holiday home or investment property, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of local partners for tasks such as renovations, property management, and tax filing. Attempting to manage these tasks from a distance can be challenging and stressful. Furthermore, many services in Spain may be less expensive than in your home country, so it is worth considering using local partners to help with these tasks. This can improve your overall experience and help ensure your success as a property owner.
Futhermore, Spain offers a wide range of quality stores where you can find great offers for your home, wether it would be interior or exterior, you can be sure to find the same quality as in your home country - often to a cheaper price tag compared to what you may be used to.
4. Secure your property
As soon as you take ownership of a property, it is crucial to take steps to secure it. This can include changing the locks and upgrading the alarm system, if necessary. There are also many complete security solutions available that allow you to control access to the property, manage utility settings, and monitor the property remotely. For example, installing a webcam is an inexpensive way to keep an eye on your property. Our partner installed a comprehensive security system that allowed us to control access and monitor the property remotely using our phones.
5. Utilities
Ensuring that utilities, such as internet and phone, water, gas, and electricity, are running is essential for living comfortably on your property. It is also a good idea to explore payment options, such as automatic payments, to make managing your utilities easier. It is worth noting that utilities in Spain tend to be more expensive than in other parts of Europe, so make sure to carefully review your contracts to ensure that you are getting a good deal. Don’t assume that utilities are free or without cost.
6. Ensure water heater, gas installation, and electrical appliances are checked and in good working order
If the gas installation has been shut off for a period of time, you will need to have it certified before it can be used again. This is also a good opportunity to check the condition of any electrical appliances on the property, as outdated systems can be costly to operate. Because electricity is expensive in Spain, it may be wise to upgrade to more energy-efficient appliances, such as a new fridge with an “A” rating, to reduce your consumption. Consider the potential cost savings of upgrading all of your appliances.
7. Check aircondition
If your property in Spain has air conditioning, it is important to have it regularly inspected and maintained to ensure that it is running efficiently. This can include changing the filters and scheduling visits from experts to check for any issues. Outdated AC systems can be costly to operate, particularly because electricity is more expensive in Spain than in other parts of Europe. By taking steps to maintain your AC system, you can help reduce your energy costs and keep your property comfortable.
8. Need to spicy up your home?
If you are planning to move into a property in Spain, it may be a good idea to consider renovating or refreshing the wall paint before moving in. This can be easier to do when the property is empty of furniture. Spain has many qualified professionals who can provide renovation services at competitive prices, so it is worth exploring your options. A fresh coat of paint can make a big difference in the appearance and feel of a property.
9. A new place deserves new furnitures
As you move into a new property, it can be a good idea to consider updating some of the furniture to better fit the space. Whether you have more or less room, having furniture that is the right size and style can make a big difference in how comfortable and functional the space is. This is a good opportunity to invest in new pieces, such as a sofa or dining table, that will better suit your needs. Additionally, it may be worth considering replacing old mattresses to ensure that you have a comfortable and supportive sleeping surface. Remember that you spend a significant portion of your life in bed, so it is worth investing in a good mattress. Calculate the cost per night of a new mattress to see that it is likely less expensive than a trip to the doctor for a sleep-related issue.
