When you are ready to complete on your Spanish property, you must sign the 'escritura pública', the official document which shows the title deeds and transfer of ownership. This is done in the presence of an official government representative known as a notario. He does not certify that the statements are true, merely that both parties have sworn to them.

At this stage you pay the remaining cost of the property and the vendor hands over the keys to your new Spanish home.

It is the buyer's responsibility to ensure all documentation is correctly registered in the land registry to avoid problems later when you come to sell. You can pay a local gestor (government official who deals with property contracts) or notary to deal with this if you prefer. This process can take up to two months.

With off-plan properties, the balance of the purchase price is paid on the day of completion. You, or more commonly your lawyer, will sign the title deeds for the property and the keys will be handed over. You should then allow 1-2 weeks before you can move in, in which time you can ask your lawyer to arrange for utility contracts with water and electricity companies.