Investing in a property in Tenerife is an exciting venture, but it’s essential to consider the additional fees and taxes that come with it. Planning for these costs is crucial for a transparent and stress-free property purchase. Here’s a breakdown of the potential extra expenses:
1. Overall Additional Costs:
- Estimate: When budgeting for your property purchase, consider adding around 10% to your purchase price. This figure provides a cushion for various fees and taxes associated with the transaction.
- Mortgage Consideration: If you’re opting for a mortgage, it’s advisable to budget around 11 or 12%. This includes the 10% for fees and taxes, plus an additional percentage to accommodate mortgage-related costs.
2. Government Taxes:
- Property Transfer Tax: Unsurprisingly, a significant portion, 6.5%, of the 10% additional cost goes directly to the government as property transfer tax. This tax is a standard requirement in property transactions.
3. Notary and Land Registry Fees:
- Notary Fees: Budget approximately €1,000 for notary fees. While the actual cost may be less, having this estimate in mind ensures you are prepared for this essential service.
- Land Registry Fees: Allocate around €1,000 for land registry fees. Similar to notary fees, the actual cost may be less, but it’s wise to have this amount in mind when planning for additional expenses.
4. Legal Representation:
- Importance of a Lawyer: It’s always advisable to engage a lawyer in your property purchase process, especially if you don’t speak Spanish. Their expertise ensures a smooth and legally sound transaction. Lawyers typically charge between €1,800 and €2,000 for their services.
- Legal Fees Estimate: When factoring in legal fees, the total cost should likely be less than 10% of the property purchase price if you’re not using a mortgage. However, considering 10% provides a reasonable buffer.
5. Summary:
- Total Estimated Costs: When adding up property transfer tax, notary and land registry fees, and legal representation fees, the total should generally be less than 10% of the property purchase price if you’re not utilizing a mortgage.
- Mortgage Consideration: If you opt for a mortgage, factor in an additional percentage (around 1 or 2%) to cover associated costs, bringing the total estimated costs to around 11 or 12%.
6. Closing Thoughts:
Investing in a property in Tenerife involves more than just the purchase price. Considering the extra fees and taxes is a crucial aspect of financial planning for a property transaction. By allocating around 10% of the purchase price for these additional costs, you ensure that you are well-prepared and can navigate the process smoothly. While actual fees may vary, having these estimates in mind provides a helpful guide for budgeting. So, as you embark on your Tenerife property purchase journey, remember that a well-prepared budget is your key to a successful and stress-free experience.