Buying Property in Spain
Although any expatriate intending to buy property in Spain would be advised to use the professional services of an estate agent and a translator and must legalise the transaction before a Public Notary, the following glossary of terms commonly used either to describe properties in Spain or during the transaction process is a useful aid for non-Spanish speakers.
Abogado – Lawyer
Actos Juridicos Documentados (AJD) – Stamp duty
Adosado – Semi-detached house
Agencia Inmobiliaria – Estate Agent
Agencia Tributaria – Tax office
A.P.I. (Agente de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria) – Officially licensed estate agent
Aire acondicionado – Air conditioning
Aparcamiento – Parking
Apartamento – Apartment
Arras – Small payment given to the seller to guarantee that the property transaction will be completed within an agreed time limit.
Asesor Fiscal – Financial Advisor
Aval – Loan underwriter
Ayuntamiento – Town hall
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