The Area
Although smaller than Mallorca and Menorca, Ibiza is no less impressive with a wealth of history and truly stunning scenery. The landscape constantly changes with rolling, densely wooded hills sweeping gloriously down spectacular green valleys to rich agricultural plains.
The island is steeped in history, having been invaded by many different civilisations, each leaving their own indelible mark. Nowadays it attracts more discerning visitors including film stars, artists, writers and musicians all drawn by Ibiza's natural beauty, the laid back attitude of the Ibicenans and of course the style and splendour of the island's capital, Ibiza Town.
Apart from the many pretty little beach resorts, all along Ibiza's rugged coast are tiny inlets, sandy coves and superb beaches backed by craggy cliffs and often almost devoid of other people. Ibiza has long been a favourite of tourists and has gained a reputation and its popularity due mainly to the boisterous yet fun, tailor-made resort of Sant Antoni which many people wrongly think is representative of the whole island. On Ibiza, Sant Antoni is definitely a 'one off' and away from there, an island paradise waits to be explored.
Ibiza Town is the island's capital and one of the most beautiful towns in the Mediterranean. The Old City entirely encircled by its medieval walls and dominated by the Cathedral, towers over the lower town, port and marina, where there are hundreds of restaurants, bars and incredibly fashionable shops. In the evening the whole town comes alive.
Activities
In the late sixties, the hippies came to Ibizia, many of them settling here and they now provide one of the island's most popular attractions with the open-air "Hippy" craft market at Es Cana.
Boasting such mild air and water temperatures, Ibiza is a great place for water-sports enthusiasts, divers, tennis players, aspiring golfers, mountain bikers, etc. There are even facilities for riding, paragliding and go-kart racing.
Guide to the Spanish Buying Process
1. Putting down a Holding Deposit
On finding a property you wish to purchase you will need to negotiate the terms, price and conditions of the sale with the owner. This part of the process is not binding. We would recommend using an independent English speaking legal advisor. Once a purchase price has been agreed, normally a holding or reserve deposit will be required to ensure the property is removed from the market. The sum required will vary between properties and will be based on the purchase price. A time limit for the preagreement to be signed will be arranged and there will also be legal checks to be made.
2. Setting up a Pre-agreement (Contrato privado de compraventa)
The pre-agreement will set out the conditions under which the Buyer and Seller agree to complete the purchase of the property and the price they have agreed upon. Relevant details will generally be included for example the property details, purchase price and the date for completion. A deposit will be required at this point, this will vary, but will generally be 10% of the agreed price. This agreement will include a penal clause if the sale does not go through. If the seller pulls out of the sale your compensation will be double the deposit you have paid, but if you decide not to go through with the sale then your deposit will be lost. Certain checks will need to be made before signing the contract, checks should be made against the title of the property, mortgage status and if the property has any debts held against it. The planning status should also be looked into. These conditions can be varied by the seller and the buyer and other types of agreement can be made.
3. The Contract (Escritura de compraventa)
Before a non-Spanish purchaser can buy a Spanish property they will need to have set up a Spanish bank account and obtained a Spanish tax number (NIE). The completion will take place in the presence of a Notary Public. This is a Spanish public official, by law the deed of sale must be witnessed by a Notary Public. You will also need your own independent, expert legal advisor to act on your behalf. On Completion the buyer must pay the balance, that is the price agreed after the deposit has been deducted, plus any other fees on the completion date. Both buyer and seller must sign the Escritura de compraventa contract, (this is the Spanish equivalent of the title deeds). The title deeds (escritura) will be given to the buyer, this will be done in the presence of a Notary Public, they will certify that the transfer has taken place. The tax office will be sent a copy and the property registry will be informed of the transfer.
IMPORTANT - Disclaimer :
All information provided is believed to be current and provided free of charge. No liability can be accepted for the reliability of the information and statements made as this is obtained from 3rd parties. We always recommend you take legal advice from a fully qualified Lawyer or Notary before buying a property overseas.
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