Home Glossary

Our GLOSSARY is full of useful explanations of words or phrases that are often used. (In alphabetical order) If there are any more that you would like us to include or that you would like to add to, then feel free to let us know.

Abogado (El) - Lawyer/Solicitor Lawyer or solicitor. Abogada (ending in 'a') is the feminine version. Lawyers in spain operate in the same way as solicitors in the UK. Many lawyers in Spain offer a conveyancing package which may cost from €800 upwards. Include this in your 10 to 12% purchase costs. Whether buying a new or resale property, conveyancing would typically include the following services: Confirm that the seller of the spanish property is the legal owner. Check whether there are any encumbrances (debts) on the property that may adversely affect the sale. Verify that the spanish property, when built, has all the necessary licences and authorisations. Review the contract between buyer and seller in order to ensure that the rights of the buyer are fully protected. Prepare the necessary documentation for the signing of the public Title Deeds and arrange all necessary appointments. Accompany the client to the Notary and translate all legal documents. Arrange for the payment of any fees and taxes and for the Title Deeds to be inscribed in the local Land Registry. Register the buyer with the Spanish Tax Authorities and obtain the all important NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjeros). The NIE number is essential for Non-Residents and is required in the purchase of a house. Review the terms of the mortgage, if requested, and liaise with the Bank to sign the Title Deeds.

Apartments Usually with 2 bedrooms but also available with one, three or sometimes four bedrooms. One or two bathrooms, communal pool and gardens plus under ground parking and sometime storage space.  Each apartment block is different, as is each builder and so always double check what is included.   Armario (El) - Cupboard/Wardrobe Usually in new properties each of the bedrooms have built-in wardrobes. If you need to purchase wardrobes then buying furniture in 'Packs' - will always be a better deal for you. (That's not a flat packed item of furniture but a suite of furniture that would complete a whole room eg; a double bed, a wardrobe, bedside tables, lamps, dressing table, ceiling lights and pictures would commonly make up a bedroom furniture 'pack') Furniture packs are available at all furniture shops. You can buy per room or for an entire property and the packs vary from the most basic functional styles to the most ornate or modern with all the trimmings. A 2 bedroom furniture pack including kitchen white goods could be as little as €5000. Furniture Packs are sometimes included with new property and usually resales are sold furnished. Ayuntamiento (El) - Town Hall or City Hall Town Hall or City Hall. This is where you would go to register on the Empadronamiento (Padron - Local register of residents) Frequently there are Aguagest (water company) and Iberdrola (electricity provider) offices in the town hall plus a local police desk.It is quite possible that you will need to take along a translator with you. Information about Spanish lessons are also readily available. Baño (El) - toilet/bathroom This word strictly speaking means 'bathing' but it is most commonly used to mean toilets eg; in a restaurant, you will also see 'Aseos' used in the same way. Baño can also mean bathroom when seen on a house plan. Chalets A Chalet is usually a two storey semi-detached property although they can be built in Quads (see Glossary entry) Sometimes chalets are joined to the next property by just the car port and look more like a detached villa.  Usually they have two or three double bedrooms, one or two bathrooms and perhaps a slightly large plot of land than a duplex for example. Chimenea (La) - chimney/fireplace Increasingly in new properties builders are putting in fireplaces which make a lovely feature even if they are only ever used for displaying dried flowers!  Fireplaces are more common in older fincas and detached properties.  Cocina (La) - Kitchen 'Cocina integral' means fitted kitchen which you will see in all new properties. If you want to refurbish an existing kitchen, perhaps in an older 'resale' property then just as in the UK, there are plenty of stores specializing in kitchens and bathrooms. As in the UK, utility areas are popular for housing the washing machine, dryer, second sink etc... Outdoor kitchens are a feature of some detached properties with private plots. These are extended BBQ areas and will vary from simple brick built work surfaces to sinks with water supply, drainage, built in BBQ with Gas connection and permanent dining tables with bench seating. Comercials - Shop Units A term commonly used to mean units that are for commercial use only eg; shop or bar space.  It is usual within the larger developments for the builder to make shop units available creating a small shopping centre or square that will provide a hub of activity for residents. These units when sold by the builder are nearly always freehold. They can sometimes be rented and typically there is no restriction on their use. The commercial units on a development are not usually completed until the residential properties are quite advanced. Indeed it is more often the case that the commercial area is the last stage to be completed once there are plenty of residents. This makes sense for the new businesses who need regular business from resident clients. Communidad de Propietarios - Community of Owners When you buy a property in Spain you will either become a member of an existing community (eg; if you have bought a resale) or you will see a brand new community set up along with other new residents. Communities are more than just an area or group of residents. In Spain a community is a legally recognised body made up of property owners who are responsible for the maintenance of their communal living areas. Also referred to as a Residents Association, there is an elected President, an Administrator, annual budgets, meetings, agendas and minutes. There will be a monthly charge established that will pay for the upkeep of the community areas, think of it as part of your rates except you are directly in charge of how the money is spent. Through a process of regular meetings and by vote, residents decide what needs to be maintained and what new features should be added eg; seating areas, parasols around the pool area, boundary fences etc... Contrato de Electricidad/Agua/Gas - Utility Contract Electricity, Water and Gas contracts are put in place prior to connection just as they are in the UK. If you are buying a new property the builder will usually liaise with all of the utility companies so that the contracts are in place before you take on the property. There is usually an initial connection charge and then payments can be made by direct debit every two or three months. (Iberdrola- Electric, Aguagest - Water, Repsol - Gas) Dormitorio (El) - Bedroom Two bed and three bed properties are abundant, four or more are available but less common.  One bedroom properties are usually 'studio' apartments that have one living space ie; not a separate bedroom. Ducha (La) - Shower Virtually all bathrooms have shower facilities in Spain. It is common for second bathrooms to not have baths but be shower rooms with wc and pedestal. If refurbishing; the choice of shower fittings, tiling, flooring, lighting etc... is vast. Duplex (Town House) A Duplex is a two storey terraced house although sometimes they are arranged in Quads (see Glossary entry) Normally with two or three double bedrooms, one or two bathrooms and a sunroof plus an extra terrace from one of the bedrooms.    Extras These are additional items or work that you request for your new property. Extras means additional cost to you. Extras can be anything from having a swimming pool built, extra Air-conditioning units installed to having different handles on your kitchen cupboards. Different builders offer different things as standard and therefore what may be included in one property may be an 'Extra' in another property.  Bear in mind that what you see in a pilot house may not be standard - always ask. Finca A rural property commonly a detached house with some land. Traditionally a small-holding rather than a true farm house. Nowadays the term finca doesn't really indicate plot size (eg; 500sq metres upwards) or indeed the state of the property. Fincas can range from needing a total rebuild to being brand new. Grills, Window & Door (Rejas) Are extremely common in fact if you don't have them you'd be in the minority. In virtually all Spanish towns they have traditionally been installed on windows that open on to the street allowing the dwellers to have air flowing through and stopping passers-by from having full access to your house. As well as being traditional, they do work as a deterrent to burglars and even though they may not be your preference, they are soon forgotten. Commonly black or white and there are different decorative patterns. They are not automatically included in a new house purchase even though they may be installed on the show house. Always ask. I.T.V. - MOT Inspección Téchnica de Vehículos - is the compulsory road worthiness test that cars are put through in Spain, equivalent to the UK's MOT. All cars over four years old must be tested every two years and then over ten years old must be tested annually. Motorbikes are first tested after five years and from then on have to pass an ITV every two years.  Failing the ITV means you have 15 days to have the work done and then resubmit the car for another test. Test Centres are found in the larger towns and are usually pretty well sign-posted.    I.V.A. - VAT Impuesto sobre el Valor Añadido is virtually the same tax as VAT in the UK.  IVA is 7% when applied to a NEW property purchase (Sales Tax) Include this in your 10 to 12% purchase costs. It is worth noting that related items such as swimming pools, house fittings, air conditioning units etc... if bought as 'extras' may be subject to an IVA of 16%.  As a general guide 16% is applied to most purchases other than books at 4% and food at 7%. Go to Finance articles IBAN Banking Codes International Bank Account Number – Transferring funds to Europe has been made simpler with the introduction of the IBAN. It was developed by the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO) and adopted by the European Committee for Banking Standards in order to encourage hassle free cross-border transfers throughout Europe. The IBAN makes it possible to identify an account held at a bank anywhere in the world. Go to Finance articles  Jardín (El) - Garden The weather on the Costa Blanca has quite an effect on 'gardens'. Plants do grow beautifully as the soil in most areas is rich, however the lack of rain means that things like grass tend to be brown for most of the year unless you keep it well watered and in this sunshine and heat that could make for a rather large water bill. Tiled or Paved gardens are by far the norm, they are neat and tidy, practical and don't need watering.  For keen gardeners, we'd say, concentrate on the borders and forget a lawn. Also in the almost all-year-round heat - low maintenance gardens are there to be enjoyed from a sun lounger with a Gin & Tonic and a slice of lemon from your own lemon tree.  Key-in-Hand Is a brand new completed property not previously lived in although it may have been a show home or pilot house (piloto). Depending on how a building company organises its development, key in hand properties arise for different reasons. A builder may go ahead and build all planned properties regardless of whether they are sold or not. This may result in finished properties that are for sale. A Key in Hand property is a finished property available now. Search for Key-In-Hand Properties  Land Grab - LRAU Ley Reguladora de la Actividad Urbaniste (LRAU) has become very well known in the Valencia area as it is a law that has caused some property owners considerable anxiety and financial penalty.  The law was put in place to allow tracts of 'Rural' land to be reclassified as 'Urban'  land and therefore able to be developed. Unfortunately some private landowners were caught up by this granted development as their houses and plots were within the reclassified areas. The developers had the right to compulsorily purchase the property in order to develop the whole area, or at least to purchase square metres of 'garden' which may be in the way of, for instance, a new road. To add insult to injury, some developers then also demanded payment towards the cost of the new infrastructure - internal roads, street lighting, etc. We guarantee that none of the properties we sell are on land that can be effected by the Land Grab Laws. Maisonettes A Maisonette is a self-contained property which may be on the ground or first floor. These are sometimes called 'bungalows' even if they are on the first floor. Very different meaning than in the UK. Maisonettes will usually have two or three double bedrooms and one or two bathrooms and have a communal swimming pool.   NIE - Foreigners ID Number Número de Identificación de Extranjeros. Everyone who owns or is buying property in Spain must get an NIE number. Once you own a property there are taxes which must be paid and your NIE number acts as your identification as far as your financial responsibilities go.  It is relatively easy to obtain an NIE number - any lawyer would be able to get one for you for a fee. If your lawyer is conveyancing for you then make sure that obtaining an NIE number is one of the services included.     Notario (El) - Notary The Notary's role in property deals is to guarantee the legality of the sale, to certify the presence of all the papers and people required by law to be present in any property deal, to ensure that the property buyers or sellers, who may not speak Spanish, have a representative with them to translate proceedings and generally to preside over the signing of the property sales contract and to register the new deeds. The completion of a sale takes place in the notary's office. Both the property buyer and vendor (or their legal representatives) must attend the signing of the contract. If a Spanish bank is involved in the property purchase, then the bank representative also attends the meeting to confirm the mortgage which is also signed in front of the notary. The practice of paying a small proportion of the sale price in cash, known as Black or Invisible Money, although illegal, was very common and the Notary would turn a blind eye. It does still go on but to a much lesser degree and is certainly becoming less accepted by lawyers and notaries. Off Plan (Buying Off Plan) To buy a property that is not yet built, a property that currently may only exist on a development plan. Typically buying off plan has been a way of signing up to buy a property when the prices are low, usually at the beginning of the life of a development. Builders commonly release their developments for sale in 'Phases' and buying on an early phase means paying a lower price than buying on a later phase. As phases are released for sale their prices invariably go up.  The common concern raised when buying off plan is "What am I getting for my money?" or "I cannot visualise this - what will everything look like?" Here are some things that you can do to answer your concerns:- Visit the pilot house more than once to really get a sense of proportion and layout. Note the finish qualities in the pilot house and take some pictures ! Confirm what is included and what is an 'Extra' Visit another development by the same builder which is more advanced or which the builder has already finished. Remember that once you put down a deposit, the price of the property is fixed which means that whilst the property is being built its market value is increasing and your investment is growing. Search for Off-Plan Properties Padron (Empadronamiento) The Padron refers to the process of registering with the Town Hall as a resident of your municipality. The process is simple and free and it is vital that the local government receives the proper amount of funds necessary to run the municipality and both maintain and improve services and infrastructures - this money is granted according to the head-count on the padron.  It is important to register both for your community and for yourself. Your name on a padron document is essential for registering cars, getting a doctor, enrolling children in local schools etc...   Persianas - Shutters These are the shutters that you see on virtually every window of newer properties. They are used primarily for keeping the light and heat out. They have a winding mechanism that is housed above and to the side. To wind the shutter up there will either be a cord or band that needs to be pulled out and down while the posher systems have a winding handle. If you're really posh you may go for electronically controlled shutters that wind up or down at the flick of a switch although the manual ones tend to be less troublesome. Pets, Taking them to Spain It's relatively easy to take your pets to Spain. In March 2000, the EU introduced a pet travel scheme (appropriately called PETS) to replace the  need to quarantine. Pets must be micro-chipped, vaccinated against rabies and undergo a blood test, 6 months after which they can be issued with a 'health certificate' or  'Pet Passport'.  Phase This word is used most often to describe a collection of properties released for sale by the builder at the same time. The properties within the 'Phase' would usually be situated close to each other, perhaps all sharing one of the communal pools. During the life of a development it is common for the area to be divided into phases and their release for sale is staggered. This tends to keep the whole building process more contained and organised as each building process once completed moves on to the next phase.  Releasing a new phase invariably is a time when the builder increases prices. This means that earlier phases can be considerably cheaper than the later phases when the whole development is nearing completion including commercial areas, garden landscaping etc...  To realise capital growth, buying on a development in the earlier phases tends to mean better investment prospects.   Piloto - Pilot House Means Show Home. Or in spanish 'Piloto' which is where the direct translation comes from - 'pilot' house. These are usually fully furnished and available during office hours for viewing. A member of the building company's staff may be in the show home to answer questions although this is not always the case. Sometimes keys are given to agents who can then 'show' the property or some builders prefer to have you escorted to the pilot house by one of their staff who can then present the property and all its features. Piscina (La) - Swimming Pool Despite the Costa Blanca having so many beautiful clean sandy beaches, there are also an abundance of swimming pools.  Communal pools are shared by local residents, their community charge pays for the maintenance of the pool. Private pools come in all shapes and sizes. Pools are usually built with reinforced concrete, membrane and tiled, there are fibre glass pools available too although these are less common.  Planta Baja/Primera/Segundo - Ground/First/Second In apartment buildings the floors are numbered as they would be in the UK; ground, first, second, third etc... The top floor in an apartment building is often called Attico. When there are two properties on two floors they are called Planta Alta (upstairs) and Planta Baja (downstairs or ground floor)   Pre-Installation The clearest way to explain this is to use an example: Pre-Installation of air-conditioning means the builder has created the channels or ducting so that air-conditioning units can be fitted at a later date.  Pre-Installation does NOT usually mean that the apparatus is included, ie; the air-con wall units and the external fans would need to be purchased separately. Bear in mind that sometimes translations can be a little misleading, some builders do include air-conditioning units with their properties, so importantly ALWAYS check what is included. Property Management If you own a property and you do not live in it or near to it, you will need that property to be looked after and maintained. A property management company will provide, usually for an annual fee, a service that will include regular checks on the property, utility checks, watering of plants, sourcing and overseeing extra works, gardening for example. It is common for empty properties to be 'managed' as neglected properties are easy to spot, targets for burglars, an annoyance to other residents and worth less than a well maintained property. Quads This word is used to describe any property that is built in a foursome. The four properties are built sharing their back and one side meaning that each property is a corner plot. Quads can be Chalets, Duplexes or Bungalows. Resale A previously owned property that can be of any age. Any type of property can be a resale including commercial properties. Simply, it means on sale again. The property could also be one that has never been lived in - bought from a builder and then being sold on by the owner. Search for a Resale Property  Residencia March 28 2007 saw the enforcement of Royal Decree 240/2007, which rules residencias are now  unnecessary for EU expats living in Spain. The central government’s highest representative on the Costa Blanca, government delegate Etelvina Andreu has stated that “Residencias are now completely unnecessary for EU citizens. All that will be required as formal ID from any official body or officers of the law will be a passport.” WowFactorSpain's advice to residents is to make sure you are on the Padron (register at your Town Hall) and to carry your passport with you. (FYI: A laminated double sided copy of the photo page from your passport is not always recognised as legal ID.) Solarium Sought after area at the top of a property - Solariums can be private or if on an apartment building are usually communal.  Solariums offer all day sunshine where as terraces and balconys are less exposed to the sun. They quite often have a water supply and a power point and are favoured for drying washing ! Villas Usually a detached property with private plot large enough for a private pool. Villas can be one or two storeys where sometimes the top storey is a solarium. Two or three double bedrooms, one or two bathrooms and available in many different styles.

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