05 Nov 2013 12:35 PM:

Thanks for your helpful answer. 0.5 percent is in the range of the sum I spoke of earlier that my aunt paid, and way less than a third of 1.7 percent they quoted for me. Ill ask where they got that 1.7 percent from just to be sure.

Thread: Barcelona Notary Question

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04 Nov 2013 11:24 PM:

so on top of the 10 percent, what is paid is only around 50 euros per every 100k worth of real estate? nothing else? Anyone who has recent experience there please? including registration and notario costs.

Thread: Barcelona Notary Question

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04 Nov 2013 6:32 PM:

So I will be finalizing a purchase later this month. I was told property transfer taxes increased from 8 to 10 percent in Barcelona, which I researched online and seems to be true. I also read about an exemption given to buyers under 32 (lowering the rate to 7 percent) but was later told this only applies to Spanish buyers?

Anyway my main question is: I was told the notary will also charge 1.7 percent over the 10 percent for notary expenses and registration. So a total of 11.7 percent. Are those rates normal??

I remember my aunt bought a flat last year and her notary expenses for a similar priced property (200 ish) was around 700-800 ish euros over the 10 percent which they later even returned 100 of to her. 1.7 percent would be roughly 4 times that value! So my question is does it different from notary to notary? Are those rates normal? Or should I just request a different notary?

Thank you!

Thread: Barcelona Notary Question

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03 Nov 2013 11:11 AM:

Thank you for your reply guys! I emailed the person who opened the account for me and handed me his card asking what kind of rate would I be given, because yes I'm going to be transferring around 100,000 usd (so every cent dropped on the rate will end up being the equivalent of approx 1,000 which is a lot of course).

I do however need to also ask about this 'clearance' period you guys spoke of because I need to issue a cheque to the notario and seller in two weeks, so this whole 20 days retainment period can be problematic if not addressed.

Muchas gracias!

Thread: Transferring U.S Dollars INTO Spain (La Caixa)

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03 Nov 2013 2:04 AM:

Thank you for your answer. I remember I asked La Caixa if there will be any currency coversion charges and they seemed to indicate there are charge no commission on converting for their clients. Or do you mean there are usually other hidden charges? I have not given the 'exchange rate' much thought because I just assumed it is a variable depending on what day they receive the money on and the equivelant market interest rate on that particular day (of course slightly lower because it is a euro operating bank after all). But is it common practice to try and negotiate the rate in Spain prior to the transfer?

For me it is way simpler to just transfer the dollars and have them convert it automatically instead of having to do so myself from one account to the other or even through a 3rd party (don't know how simple it is or how much of a percentage they truly save or whether it is worth it or not?). But assuming the bank doesnt use a ridiculous exchange rate, don't all the big banks in spain more or less follow a similar range? Or would I be surprised?

Once again thank you!!

Thread: Transferring U.S Dollars INTO Spain (La Caixa)

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