Q1. How can SPAIN HOME ASSIST help investors interested in BUYING abroad?

We know that there are many investors in Ireland who dream of purchasing a holiday home abroad. Most are aware that the investment opportunities and quality of life in Spain is, indeed, excellent but believe that the potential risks associated with buying property overseas can sometimes far outweigh the likely benefits from such an investment.

We at SPAIN HOME ASSIST will help investors overcome these fears and anxieties by providing as much information, practical help and support as is necessary in making that dream become reality.

Q2. How can SPAIN HOME ASSIST help investors interested in SELLING abroad?

For holiday home owners looking to sell up in Spain or the Canary Islands, SPAIN HOME ASSIST will work closely with you to create a professional advertisement for your property using appropriate text and photographs that you have supplied. Once approved, we will then publish the completed advertisement on our website www.spainhomeassist.ie with links to our PROPERTY RENTAL website at www.holidayrentsabroad.ie and associated AGENT website at www.myoverseasproperty.ie. Once published, your property will be included in all future promotions undertaken by SPAIN HOME ASSIST in selected industry magazines and at property exhibitions. It will also be included in all future listings on the most popular search engines on the internet. Our all inclusive one time charge for this service is only €250.

Additionally, SPAIN HOME ASSIST can offer full representation throughout the entire Spanish sales process. Services covered include, sales consultancy, property advertising & promotion, enquiry and response management, property presentations & inspections, sales negotiations, collection of required deposit payments and arrangement of appropriate legal representation in Spain. Our charges for these services are based on requirements but usually work out as an agreed percentage of the overall price received for the property plus VAT.

Q3. Will it be necessary to complete an inspection trip and who will arrange it?

Having established the type of property that best fits your requirements, we will then move to the next stage and help you plan your inspection trip to the desired overseas location. Usually, the inspection trip lasts 3 or 4 days if the location is in mainland Spain or up to 7 days if your choice is one of the beautiful Canary Islands. Either way, SPAIN HOME ASSIST will be glad to help out with all your travel and accommodation arrangements for the duration of your visit.

Once you have arrived and are comfortably settled in, our local representative will make contact with you to arrange an appointment and to confirm details for your visit to the properties you have selected. Our representatives are always made fully aware in advance about your property requirements so you will only be taken to view the property types you have selected. Throughout your stay you will be free to come and go as you please. There will be no hard sell practices deployed by SPAIN HOME ASSIST or any member of our agent network. We want you to feel free to make your own choices and not feel hindered or pressured into making any rash decisions.

Q4. Who are our agents in Spain and how reliable are they?

SPAIN HOME ASSIST has established a close working relationship with all our local representatives in Spain. They are all fluent English speakers so there will be no language barrier to contend with. These tried and trusted agents provide the link with the various property developers and owners around the area and have developed well-established relationships with the local banks and the legal profession. In addition, they have a proven track record in arranging a variety of after sale services including, property fit out’s, property management and property rentals. Working closely with our representatives, therefore, enables us to provide you with the highest level of assurance about the investment choices you have made as well as access to the full range of after sale services available.

Q5. What finance options are available?

Some clients use their own resources and therefore, do not require a mortgage. Others make their own arrangements and raise the necessary finance back home in Ireland through their local bank. Most, however, either opt for the mortgage offered by the Spanish development company that is administered through one of the local banks or negotiate a loan separately. Whatever source of funding you decide, SPAIN HOME ASSIST will be more than happy to provide any practical advice and assistance you may require to complete the financial elements of the purchase process.

Q6. What are the legal aspects and do I need to be present in Spain to complete the purchase/sales process?

Most buyers and sellers travel abroad to complete the legal formalities with their chosen legal representative and sign the title deeds in the offices of the Notary (local Government administrator). On the other hand, some prefer to complete the process back home using intermediaries. All contracts are translated into English and can be drawn up and signed back home in Ireland. Once again, SPAIN HOME ASSIST will be happy to provide any practical advice and assistance necessary to complete the legal elements of the purchase or sales process.

Q7. Does the purchaser need to pay a deposit?

Yes, usually there will be a deposit required ranging between 5% and 30% of the full purchase price of the property selected depending on location. In most cases, this deposit will comprise of an initial payment, usually around €3000, to reserve the property. The balance of the (full) deposit will be required when the contracts are signed, usually within 30 days from the date the property was first reserved. This is a legal agreement that binds both parties to the transaction and very rarely offers an escape route for the purchaser. It is important, therefore, that you read and fully understand the terms and conditions set out in the contract prior to signing.