Mary facilitated the purchase of a property for my daughter – and one for me. Neither of us speak Spanish. The whole process took just one or two months from start to finish and costs were kept to an absolute minimum. Mary knows Asturias well and can unearth some amazing bargains. She took us around viewing properties until we found what we were looking for. She helped us to open bank accounts and to obtain NIE cards with potentially stubborn clerks and officials – coming with us to Oviedo and other towns when necessary.
She was present with us at the notario’s office when the sales went through (she even acted for me, with power of attorney, when I was in England for the actual sale). She travelled with us to deal with all matters concerning the transactions (planning; architects; taxes; deeds, etc.). And she has helped to make sure that we have settled in (dealing with any local issues arising: utilities; bills; phone connection; postal deliveries; keys; neighbours, etc.). The main problem we had with the purchases was with our Spanish lawyer, who turned out to be incompetent and inefficient. Our solution? We fired the lawyer and used Mary instead!
Six months later and we have had not a single significant problem arising from either sale. Mary will always try to look at ways of avoiding unnecessary costs and expenses. If you are thinking of purchasing a property in Asturias get in touch with Mary.
Chris Hodgkin June 2015
