Faqs - The Legal Process
Can I get a Mortgage?
Yes, they are readily available in the UK and Spain. We have agreements with a few banks and the interest rate is currently lower than in the UK. We are now in a position to offer mortgages for Turkey through two UK mortgage brokers.
Should I use a solicitor from my own country?
The choice is yours, however the majority of buyers prefer to deal with a local solicitor as they are well versed with local laws and processes. All communications from your Spanish lawyer will be in your own language. We recommend a reputable english speaking solicitor.
Do I have to be in my chosen country for each stage of the legal process?
No. You can instruct your lawyer to act on your behalf, even for the final completion. Our recommended lawyer will gladly have power of attorney, however he will always ask before moving onto the next stage.
In whose name should you purchase the property?
There are a number of ways to purchase property:- In your own name, in joint names of you and your partner, in your children's names, in the name of a limited company.
Each method has it's own advantages and everything depends on your personal circumstances. Your legal representative will be pleased to discuss the various ways of buying and advise you on the most advantageous method, taking into account your personal situation.
What happens if I want to live in Abroad?
In Spain, you are required by law to obtain an NIE number which is your tax identification numbers as a foreign resident. Your Spanish Lawyer can assist you with "Residencias", work permits (If required) and licences. They will also advise you on the importation of cars, National Insurance and other related matters.
In turkey, to get residence permission, those who enter on a typical 3 month tourism visa need to go as soon as possible after entry into Turkey to the foreigner’s section of the local police headquarters. In the main cities and resorts it’s easy to find the offices – in rural Turkey it’s wise to travel the nearest city to make your application for residency. You will need copies of all important documentation and if you own a property, take proof of purchase as well. Expect to wait a few weeks to have your permissions grated by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and if you’re getting close to the end of your tourism visa consider leaving the country for 24 hours and reentering and then applying. This is because if you go over the number of days allowable on your current visa you could be fined daily – even if it’s the ‘fault’ of the Ministry of Internal Affairs for not returning your permission to become resident quickly enough!
If you’re planning on living and working in Turkey you need to bear in mind that despite the fact it now has a thriving economy, the economy is only thriving in the metropolises and main residential areas – there are swathes of the nation that have high unemployment and many Turkish nationals travel from rural areas to live in the main towns and cities to take up any job available. This means it can be hard to find work. But – if you have a professional skill, you want to start a business or you’re prepared to work as a waiter or bar person in the holiday resorts or as a teacher of English as a foreign language for not much money but the chance to live life under the Mediterranean sun in Turkey then you’ll get a job.
What happens about utilities like water and electricity?
You will need to have the utilities transferred into your name, register for local rates and notify the town hall that you own the property. You may have to register as the owner with the community of owners if you live in an apartment or urbanisation with shared facilities.
What about community fees?
Community fees apply for properties that have the benefit of communal areas or services such as a swimming pool, security, gardens and general maintenance. The charges are relatively low for the year and vary depending on what a community wishes to spend money on.
Also in this section
- A Guide to buying in Spain
- How to run a successful holiday home abroad
- Legal Advice
- Property
- The Legal Process
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