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.
The SAPA agreement comes in two versions. V1 SAPA, where the park agent works with the park management to oversee the sale, and V2, where the home is sold by the owner without involving a park agent.
In Park la Posada, a residential retirement community, buyers are protected by using the V1 SAPA agreement.
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.
