Erfenis in Spanje voor Belgen – Advocaat nalatenschap en successie

Let us walk you through a typical case to show exactly how we help American clients purchase property in Spain.

De situatie

John and Sarah, a couple from California, found their dream apartment in Jávea through a real estate website. The property was listed at €285,000 and they wanted to buy it as a vacation home for their family. They had never purchased property outside the US and were concerned about the process, especially since they could only travel to Spain once.

De uitdaging

The couple faced several challenges. They did not speak Spanish, did not understand the Spanish legal system, and could not take multiple trips to Spain for viewings, contract signing, and the final notary appointment. They also worried about hidden problems with the property and whether their money would be safe.

Hoe wij hielpen

Jan en Sophie namen contact op met ons kantoor nadat ze ons online hadden gevonden. Zo begeleidden wij hen door het proces:

Step 1 – Initial Consultation: We had a video call to understand their situation and explain the Spanish buying process. We provided a clear quote for our services with no hidden fees.

Step 2 – Property Verification: Before they committed any money, we conducted a full legal check on the property. We verified the seller was the legal owner, checked for any debts or charges registered against the property, confirmed the property had all required licenses, reviewed the community of owners situation, and checked for any planning issues or illegal construction.

Step 3 – Reservation Contract: Once we confirmed the property was legally clean, we reviewed and negotiated the reservation contract. We ensured the €10,000 deposit would be protected and the terms were fair to our clients.

Step 4 – Power of Attorney: Since John and Sarah could only visit Spain once, we prepared a Power of Attorney document. They signed it at the Spanish Consulate in Los Angeles, authorizing us to complete the purchase on their behalf.

Step 5 – Private Purchase Contract: We reviewed the main purchase contract, negotiated several clauses that were unfavorable to buyers, and signed it on their behalf using the Power of Attorney. A deposit of €57,000 was paid into a secure account.

Step 6 – Final Completion: On the completion date, our lawyer attended the notary appointment representing John and Sarah. We verified the final deed was correct, ensured all payments were properly made, collected the keys, and registered the property in their names at the Land Registry.

Step 7 – After Completion: We set up their utility contracts, arranged property insurance, and registered them with the local tax office. We also helped them open a Spanish bank account for ongoing expenses.

Het resultaat

John and Sarah completed their entire purchase with just one trip to Spain, which they used to view properties and enjoy a vacation. By the time they returned six months later, the apartment was legally theirs, fully registered, and ready to use. They saved thousands of dollars in travel costs and avoided the stress of navigating a foreign legal system alone.

Wat zij zeiden

“We were nervous about buying property in another country, but the team at Tomas Ballestero Lawyers made it simple. They explained everything clearly, handled all the paperwork, and we never felt lost. We could not have done this without them.”

This is how we work with all our American clients. Whether your purchase is simple or complex, whether you can travel to Spain multiple times or not at all, we adapt to your needs and protect your investment every step of the way.