Questions to Ask when Buying a Resale Home

Buying a resale home is an important decision that requires good planning and knowledge of the process. Unlike a new-build home, there are several legal, economic, and structural aspects that you should consider to ensure that the purchase is safe and without unforeseen events.

In this post, we explain what to check before buying a resale home, the steps to follow, and the associated costs, so that you can make an informed purchase with all the guarantees.

What should You Check before Buying a Resale Home?

When acquiring a resale home, it is essential to carry out a thorough review to avoid problems in the future. Therefore, what should you check before buying a resale home?

• Legal situation of the property: Verify that the property is free of encumbrances and has no outstanding mortgages in the Land Registry.
• Structural condition and installations: Inspect for possible dampness, cracks, or problems with the electricity and plumbing. If in doubt, it is advisable to hire a specialized technician.
• Community fees and IBI: Ask if there are outstanding debts in community payments or unpaid municipal taxes.
• Energy certification: It is mandatory for the home to have the energy efficiency certificate to know its consumption and emissions.
• Urban compliance: Make sure that the construction complies with the regulations and has no sanctioning proceedings or irregularities.

Expenses when Buying a Resale Home

In addition to the price of the property, there are a series of expenses when buying a resale home that you should take into account:

• Taxes: The Property Transfer Tax (ITP) is the main fiscal cost and varies according to the autonomous community, ranging between 6% and 10% of the purchase price.
• Notary and registry: The costs of the public deed and registration in the Land Registry can range between €600 and €1,500, depending on the value of the property.
• Management and professional fees: If you hire a management company or specialized lawyer, this may involve an additional cost of between €300 and €1,000.
• Valuation of the property: In the case of mortgage financing, the bank will require an official valuation, the approximate cost of which is between €250 and €600.

Tax when Buying a Resale Home

The most relevant tax when buying a resale home, as we mentioned before, is the Property Transfer Tax (ITP). This is calculated according to the price of the property and the percentage varies according to the autonomous community.

It is also necessary to consider the municipal capital gains tax, a tax that is usually paid by the seller, although in some cases it can be negotiated for the buyer to assume it.

Procedures after Buying a Resale Home

Once purchased, there are still some procedures after buying a resale home to complete to formalize the transaction:

• Register the deed in the Land Registry.
• Change the ownership of the supplies (water, electricity, gas, etc.).
• Pay the ITP and other corresponding taxes.
• Register at the new residence.
• If there is a mortgage, formalize the registration of the loan in the registry.

Buying a Resale Home with Guarantees

If you want to buy a resale home, it is essential to have good professional advice. At Espígul, we accompany you throughout the purchase process so that you can make the best decision with safety and peace of mind and resolve all those questions when buying a resale home that may arise.

Contact us and we will help you find the perfect home!