Don´t sign a document that you don´t understand; don´t agree a price which is less than the real price; and don´t pay money in “black” (ie.that is not backed by full documentation).
Seems obvious? But during the property boom these were all normal practices at notaries across Spain.
Now notaries are expected to provide a “public service” and give clients advice, explain documents and highlight “abusive clauses” such as the “clausula suelo” (where mortgage interest may not fall below a certain threshold), before a client signs for a mortgage etc.
Clients also have the right to choose their notary to ensure they receive this service which is currently available at 77 notaries in the region.
Prices for notaries are now set by law and should be available from the notary´s office
