Decree 218/2005, of 11 October, Andalusia is a regulation approved by the Junta de Andalucía. It is a regulation on consumer information when buying or renting property in Andalucía. For estate agents the new regulation means that we must have and be able to present more documentation relating to properties that are for sale. The regulations are intended to protect the buyer and ensure that they know exactly what they are buying. This is to avoid surprises once the purchase is finalised. This affects all parties involved in the purchase, both the seller and the real estate agent. The buyer receives all information in writing and has to sign for it. This avoids disputes arising after the sale and purchase about what information has or has not been given.

The documentation that is required nowadays is the same as before, with the only difference being that in the past this documentation was prepared when going to the notary’s office to sign the deed of sale. Nowadays it has to be presented by the seller at the moment he puts his property up for sale with a real estate agency. The documents are, for example, a certificate of debts issued by the town hall, a simple note from the land registry and details of the community of owners.

The buyer must also be clearly informed about the costs that are to be borne by the buyer when purchasing a property.

Amongst other things, for second or subsequent transfer properties the regulations state the following: “In compliance with Decree 218/2005, of 11 October, Andalusia, each property for sale has an Explanatory Note detailing the costs that will be incurred in the purchase of the property. A free copy of this Explanatory Note is given to any consumer who requests it”.

In compliance with Decree 218/2005 of 11 October, Andalucía, each property for sale has an Information Sheet which is given to any consumer who, through the intermediation of our agency, visits a property.

On receipt of these documents they must be signed by the client.