In Spain, buying a mobile home requires less paperwork than buying a car, yet like when buying a car, the debts associated with it transfer to the new owner. People use a “Gestor” ( someone who deals with administrative bureaucracy on behalf of a client) to check things out and limit the risk when buying a car.
There is no such service for mobile homes, so a SAPA agreement (Sale Agreement by Private Arrangement) drafted by Costa Difference/Buy or Sell Mobile Homes replaces a simple bill of sale.
At Park la Posada, a residential retirement community, buyers are protected under the V1 SAPA agreement for all homes advertised on the park’s official website.
Here are some key facts built into the SAPA agreement.
- Each agreement has a unique licence number associated with it.
- Copies of Passports are required to ensure authenticity. In the case of a V1, the park holds copies.
- What is on sale and what is being purchased legally stated.
- The inventory forms part of the agreement.
- The terms of sale regarding deposits and completion are in the agreement.
- Buyers are assigned the right to carry out a home survey if required.
- Park owners have to sign and stamp to declare no debts remain.
- The seller signs a declaration of no known faults.
- A small payment secures the home until the terms are agreed.
- Agreements are in English and Spanish, and all copies are signed.
- Buyers and sellers get scanned copies of the signed agreement.
- The buyer pays a 10% deposit once the terms are binding, forming part of the purchase price.
- Transfer of ownership only takes place upon completion of all payments.
- Hard copies are stored for 12 months and are available during that period if needed should any aspect of the SAPA agreement not be honoured.
