Power Of Attorney

[morbob]

Has anyone had to appoint a Power of Attorney to complete on their property in Spain?
Did you arrange this in England and if so what was involved?
Please reply Urgently as we need to make a quick decision on what to do.

[Lizzy]

[UltimateTraveller]

morbib,
I'm in a similar boat.
Most replies to my recent query on this matter supported appointing a solicitor but opinions do vary.

For instance, my agent says its optional but because of the open and honest manner in which property purchases are handled in Spain for foreigners (can you imagine the affect a scandal would have on this huge cash cow for the Spanish govt), you may later ask yourself why did you pay someone EUROS 600!

Anyway, no personal experience in this area yet so keen to see what others think.

Good luck
UT

[spark240]

We appointed a solicitor,wasnt cheap but I think it was well worth it,they are based in Torrevieja & seemed very professional.

[katrina]

[morbob]

Thanks for your responses. After reading these and doing more research into what is required we have decided it is easier to all come out to Spain to complete.

[UltimateTraveller]

Hi,
Can anyone recommend a good local or Torre-aware UK based solictor for handling property puchase in Torrevieja?

I'm starting to think I should secure one before my completion at the end of March even though I'm still not sure what value they will add.

Thx
UT

[Doc]

UT,

A good solicitor will ensure that the relevant searches are carried out prior to purchase, they will arrange for electricity and water connection / handover, ensure that the property carries no outstanding debts / charges, attend the notary and ensure that the documentation is in order, and ensure that the deeds are registered in your name once all is complete (amongst other things). They will also be able to translate the purchase documentation for you so that you have a clear understanding of what you are signing.

I used David Fuster & Co who used to have an office in Orihuela, but I believe they now just work from San Javier - I found them to be very good but others may be able to suggest one more local. As Fuster's were based in San Javier (and I was buying in Orihuela Costa) I ended up going to the notary in San Javier, but was only there for two hours, unlike the horror stories you hear of people spending the whole day waiting to sign.

HTH,

Chris.

[UltimateTraveller]

Thanks for the tip Chris.

I've found 2 solicitors based in Torrevieja.

One charges EUROS 600 but expects payment in advance.

The second one charges EUROS 800 but expects payment on completion.

Both offer similar legal services but common sense says go for option 2.

Any views on this?

UT

[Steve]

Power of Attorney

My solicitor sent me a form giving him P of A I took it to the notary at the Spanish Embassy to sign he was horrified,I was giving him power to buy or sell any property in Spain,access to my bank account without my knowledge. He had it rewritten so he could only act for me buying the property I was interested in.

[UltimateTraveller]

JDCUK,
I certainly wouldn't recommend giving anyone that amount of authority unless they came highly recommended......and you'd established a trusting relationship. At the end of the day, if you can't be there in person, ensure no funds ever leave your account without your full consent.

Steve,
Sorry to sound naive but what is DVA?


UT

If you want a good Torrevieja based solicitor, try Westmed Consulting.

[lori]

Power of Attorney

Just read this thread. I have just been through this myself as I wished to buy the property in the joint names of me and my children. They did come to Spain butn ot at the time of completion. The builders solicitor organised the Power of Atorney for me to act on their behalf for the purchase of the property only. They did need NIE numbers and as they had not been able to get theirs they were issued with temporary ones. As a result I could go over on my own and complete matters. I have also arranged for the three of us to do Spanish wills, which I believe to be a necessity. I paid around 120 euros for the POA and each will is 140 euros.
Lori

[Doc]

UT,

DVA is Del Valle Abogados, a firm of solicitors who have allegedly been laundering money. The following article from Friday's Costa Blanca News refers.

Chris