Independent

Hola Mr O Toole there is nothing to stop you changing lawyer - but be advised there is every possibility that as part of the monies you have paid already some of it has been taken as an advance on lawyer's fees. It would be most unusual for a lawyer in Spain to start acting for you without an advance even when they have been introduced to you by the developer. If completion is imminent you may find it more trouble than it is worth to change your brief at this moment but clearly if you believe there is negligence or worse then this might be something you should consider. If you do change ensure that you confirm with your new lawyer in advance in writing what their fees are and what their service includes. Many lawyers will have added fees for arranging connections of utilities etc.

Rgds  

Hi Patrick

I am been quoted 1500 euro which does not include the following: notary fees(500), land reg fee(500), water and elec charges(450)

How does this sound

Rgds

Joe

Probably OK - lawyer conveyancing fees in Spain generally range between 1 and 2% of purchase price subject to what arrangements the lawyer has with an estate agent or real estate company that introduces the client. Rule of thumb is about 1% of PP plus 16% IVA but normally subject to a minimum. If you change lawyer now be sure to send written authorisation to the old lawyer insisting they release all documents pertaining to your purchase to your new lawyer otherwise he will have the devil of a job getting the file from them. Keep on their backs until its done otherwise they might conveniently forget about particularly considering the time of year. It is probably worth notifying them direct of your wishes and sending a written authority to your new chosen lawyer making specific arrangements for him to collect the file from them. Dont want things to go missing in the post do we? What .... me cynical ....... never!

Rgds 

Probably OK - lawyer conveyancing fees in Spain generally range between 1 and 2% of purchase price subject to what arrangements the lawyer has with an estate agent or real estate company that introduces the client. Rule of thumb is about 1% of PP plus 16% IVA but normally subject to a minimum. If you change lawyer now be sure to send written authorisation to the old lawyer insisting they release all documents pertaining to your purchase to your new lawyer otherwise he will have the devil of a job getting the file from them. Keep on their backs until its done otherwise they might conveniently forget about particularly considering the time of year. It is probably worth notifying them direct of your wishes and sending a written authority to your new chosen lawyer making specific arrangements for him to collect the file from them. Dont want things to go missing in the post do we? What .... me cynical ....... never!

Rgds