Should I Give Power of Attorney to My Lawyer When Buying Property in Spain?
In today’s Two-Minute Tuesday, Keith and Sophia from Target Property Spain address a common question for foreign buyers: Should I give power of attorney to my lawyer?
The answer is simple: Yes, you should.
Here’s why:
- Convenience: By giving your lawyer power of attorney, they can handle everything on your behalf, saving you time and hassle.
- NIE Number: Your lawyer will arrange your NIE (Spanish tax identification number), which you’ll need for everything—buying property, setting up utilities, even purchasing a car.
- Mortgage Assistance: If you need financing, your lawyer can liaise with banks and handle the mortgage process for you.
- Utility and Tax Payments: They can set up and manage your utility bills, community payments, and local taxes (IBI).
- Title Deed Signing: Your lawyer can sign the purchase deed for you, meaning you don’t need to travel back to Spain to complete the sale.
Cost and Timing:
- If you’re in Spain, it takes less than an hour and costs around 100 euros.
- If you’re abroad, it can take longer and cost up to £500–£600.
In short, granting power of attorney to your lawyer simplifies the process of buying property in Spain.