Hi

Hi

I live and work in the UK and intend to do so for a few more years.

However, I have recently found a property in Almeria and made an offer since returning to the UK, which has been accepted. I have arranged a Lawyer and gather it is wise to arrange Power of Attorney, although I have read that I could give verbal representation. Can anyone clarify what is the best course of action. I have sent the reservation fee to my lawyer, but will I need to sign the reservation contract, can I do this from the UK and send back or will this have to wait until my lawyer has Power of Attorney. The Lawyers speak English, but I am not sure they always understand my questions and would like a separate opinion to the estate agent.

Any assistance/guidance would be appreciated.

Thank you

Hi,

Firstly I hope the lawyer are independent and not recommended by the agent.  If not you may wish to appoint someone else, it sounds like you need one who speaks good English, there are plenty.

I would be very wary of giving a POA to anyone, particularly if the solicitor is not completely independent.

But you can arrange a POA through a UK solicitor or Notary Public who is empowered as a Commissioner of Oaths.

If I were you I would download the Law Society Conveyancing Protocol - it gives you a checklist of the items you should be looking to verify - don't rely on your solicitor, particularly if they were not recommended from a totally reliable source. 

Without being intentionally unkind if they don't speak English and cannot advise regarding a POA why did you appoint them?  You may regret not sacking them immediately, but good luck.

I would have an independent lawyer of your trust checking every detail from deposit contract. Of course, grant a precise POA to him.

https://blog.costaluzlawyers.es/blog/2017/03/20/deposit-contract-can-ruin-your-purchase/

It's vitally important that you get this right - hopefully without sounding too patronising I reckon Maria's firm would a good choice.   They are independent, so their role is to protect your interests and of course they are very well experienced in conveyancing in Spain.