Congratulations on Purchasing Your New Home! Acquiring a home is a significant step, but do you know what comes next? The procedures after buying a second-hand house are not just a formality; they are essential to ensure everything is in order and that you can fully enjoy your new property. In this article, we’ll guide you through the critical steps you need to take after signing the deed of sale. From paying the property transfer tax to updating the direct debits of your bills, we’ll explain each process so you can navigate them with ease.
What to do after buying a house in Spain?
Once you have signed the deed for your new house, the work isn’t over. Now is the time to comply with a series of legal and administrative procedures to ensure everything is in order. We’ll explain these below!
Paying the property transfer tax
Once you have completed the purchase of your second-hand home, the first step is to address the Property Transfer Tax (ITP). This tax is crucial and varies depending on the autonomous community, generally ranging between 6% and 10% of the property’s declared value. The payment of this tax must be made within a maximum of 30 business days after signing the deed of sale and is done through a self-assessment model at the Tax Agency. Remember that failure to pay or delay in this procedure can lead to penalties or surcharges.
Registering the property
The next step is to register your new home in the Property Registry. This registration is not only advisable, but it is also a requirement to protect your rights as an owner. For this, you must present the public deed of sale, duly signed and cleared of taxes. Registration in the Registry provides legal security, ensuring that the property is yours and preventing potential legal problems in the future. This process can take a few weeks, so it’s advisable to start the procedures as soon as possible.
Registering or changing ownership of utilities
Once the property is officially yours, it’s time to ensure all utilities are active and in your name. This includes water, electricity, gas, and telecommunications services. To change the ownership, you need to contact each service provider, providing your personal details, the address of the property, and in many cases, a copy of the deed of sale. If services are disconnected, you will need to request reconnection, which may require an inspection of the installations. This step is crucial to enjoy your new home with all comforts from day one.
Updating the direct debits of your bills and receipts
In addition to changing the ownership of the utilities, it’s important to update the direct debits of all your bills and receipts. This means communicating with each entity (such as service providers, subscriptions, or association fees) to inform them of your change of address and banking details if these have also changed. Keeping your direct debits up to date will prevent financial inconveniences and ensure that all payments are made in a timely and orderly manner.
Taking out home insurance
Finally, while not mandatory, it is highly recommended to take out home insurance. Good insurance can protect you against eventualities such as theft, water damage, fires, and other incidents. When choosing insurance, consider not just the cost but also the coverage it offers and the reliability of the insurance company. Investing in good insurance can save you a lot of headaches in the future and provide peace of mind in your new home.
Conclusions
Completing these procedures after buying a second-hand home is essential to ensure a smooth transition to your new home. At Ker2000, considered the best real estate agency in Valladolid, we understand that the process can be overwhelming, and we are here to help. We offer expert advice and support at every step of the buying process, ensuring that you not only find the home of your dreams but also enjoy a calm and satisfactory purchasing experience. Contact us today to discover how we can make your journey towards your dream property easier and more enjoyable.
