You are going to sign a purchase contract.

In most of the cases, the problem which worries you is not new. Your feeling of concern starts when you realise something is not right in your purchasing. However, it is much more probable the irregular matters existed since the beginning.

Dealing with sellers, developers or estate agents is not easy, none can denies it. But there are some interesting and useful issues you need to have clear before paying any amount (smaller or bigger) or signing any kind of document, although you really love that nice and stunning house you visited the other day.

Some managements are maybe too complicated and difficult to be carried out by an individual, as checking Land Registry conditions or building license brief in the Town Hall (of course, you should do it, go ahead and investigate on this questions too if you want to learn more) . Nevertheless, you will be able to read the contract or any other paper you may be invited to sign and find out whether is stated in it every essential point.

You are really interested in that house, but apart from it, you are interested in that garage on the groundfloor and in the pretty swimmingpool you saw in the common garden. Then, please, be sure that the money you pay and that document you sign establishes the object of your agreement, and EVERYTHING is included in the price. Check there is a full description of every single estate (floor, number, type, constructed and useful surface, numbers of bedrooms, number bathroom or toilets, and items including in the dwelling -air conditioning, heating system, kitchen furniture...-), apart from the Land Registry details that will help you in your investigation in that public office. Maybe the building works have already started, but maybe there is only earth and bricks in the plot. In any case, you need a copy of the building license, you have to ensure building works are legal according to the rules the Town Hall has appointed to the promoter and according to Spanish Law.

It is absolutely indispensable you be given by the seller (in the case he is a promoter or developer) the right and fair bank guarantee, a clear and concrete document showing your personal, sold estate and paying details, showing a reimbursement guarantee the bank is committed by. It will entitle you to ask for your money back (plus interest) in the case building works do not start or do not finish on the agreed date, for whatever reason, even in the terrible situation of promoter´s bankruptcy.

You do not need to have the house tomorrow night, we know, but you do need to know when you are going to received it. Hand over date can not be a long and inconcrete period of time, the developer should establish an exact hand over date.

Many other points need to be checked and solved in every purchasing, but the lack, darkness or defect on these which I have just listed means signing and payment is not recommendable, unless someday you want to realise you have a problem (instead of the lovely house you fell in love with years ago), surely a big and expensive problem...