PLUSVALÍA (MUNICIPAL TAX ON PROPERTY): This tax is paid to the local administration and is based on the increase in the value of the land since it was last sold. Logically, as the beneficiary of this increase in value, the seller usually takes charge of paying the Plus Valía. However, some Sales Contracts stipulate that the buyer is responsible for meeting this expense. This is an important issue during negotiations over the terms and conditions of the Sales Contract and it is essential to consult your lawyer before making any agreement on this point. If you finally agree to pay the Plus Valía you will find that it is based on the official value of the land, which is always lower than the actual market value. The tax is charged at between 10% and 40% of the annual increase in the value of the land. The exact percentage depends on a number of factors including the location of the property and the length of time between sales. Local authorities periodically carry out valuations of land and maintain up-to-date records in order to calculate Plus Valía charges.

PRIVATE PURCHASE CONTRACT (CONTRATO PRIVADO DE COMPRAVENTA): A private purchase contract is essentially the same as contracts you will have signed as part of the transaction to buy property at home. It creates a binding agreement between you and the seller, establishes a completion date and sets out the terms and conditions of the sale. Some terms may not be explicitly mentioned in the contract because they are implied by the law governing transactions of this kind. The Private Purchase Contract is usually signed between two and four weeks after the Reservation Contract.