Frequently asked questions by property owners on Lanzarote

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Here are some of the questions which you ask and the answers which have been found to be proven. There are of course many many more questions, the answers to which may vary according to personal circumstances. If you have a question, why not give us a chance to offer you an answer?

Email : by clicking here or phone us during office hours, we guarantee a quick response EVERY time.




I only use my place in Lanzarote for myself and family, why do I need to pay someone to care for it?

Things are not the same here as in England, Norway, Germany etc.. For instance, water doesn't come directly to the house from the mains except in one or two areas on the island. It comes firstly to a holding tank and then to the house by electric pump. These systems need to be checked regularly. This is just one example, but we have heard of so many owners who repeatedly arrive after some months away from their property and a long flight, only to find no electricity connected, or no water and a burned out pump. Payments for utilities need to be checked. Our worst case took us nearly fifteen months to get the customer's bank to pay the direct debits for electrcity and until then, WE had to pay them manually rather than the supply being suspended. [Top of Page]

Why should I choose Laprima S.L.?

If you read some of the letters from our longstanding customers, you will find the answer. We have the know how, language, background and experience to deal with your affairs here efficiently, leaving you to enjoy your property and your time here to the full. All these letters are written from real customers of Laprima S.L. and we like to think that so many of our valued owners are correct to have us in the background, making their time here what they expected when they bought their property. [Top of Page]

When I buy a property on Lanzarote, what should the selling agent do for me?

The estate agent should advise you of all the usual details about the property, location, uses, restrictions and any potential problems, just as you would expect back home. In addition, after the sale, they should see that the 'escritura' or deed, is properly registered in the new name\s at the local land registry office, making you aware of the relevant charges before you buy. There is also a tax levied by the local government on the increase of the value of the land since it last changed hands. This is extremely un-predictable and it can be years before you are required to pay. The agent should ensure that the payments for the services to your property are changed into your name and bank details (see next question though). After all this, you must see that the local authorities are informed that you are the new owner so that all the correspondence regarding the property and the bills, come in your own name. This is done on a form 901 and may not be something which the agent takes on board. We can. [Top of Page]

We spend quite a lot of time on the island, is there any advantage, or disadvantage in getting residence permits?

Before you apply for a residence permit here, you should consult your local accountant or advisor in your home country. That done, there is no real reason why you shouldn't take up a residence permit. Once granted, it will entitle you to a lower rate for fresh water (provided that you are connected to the mains supply) to buy a car here and to buy flights or ferry tickets to Gran Canaria (Las Palmas) or the mainland of Spain, at a discounted rate. Also consider becoming 'empandronado' which means a listing on the electoral role. This requires less paperwork and will enable to to achieve much of the same as a residence permit. Before asking can we help, yes, we can. [Top of Page]

Is it easy to change my bank account to a bank which is closer to my property?

Yes, but there are potential problems you need to be aware of. Opening a new account at a bank requires just your passport and of course some money. Then you will need to set up the account to pay your direct debits such as electricity, water etc.. This will have to be done with the 'new' bank but there is unfortunately no guarantee that this will work first time as in your home country. Sometimes it can take a few attempts and we have seen supplies cut off because of non-payment, even though customers thought that they had set up the d.d.'s properly. The solution is to leave BOTH accounts open until ALL of the direct debits can be seen to be paid from the new account. Then and only then should you close the 'old' account.
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Can you help in changing bank accounts, direct debits and such matters?

Yes, we can go with you to the bank\s, set up all that is necessary and then, with an authorisation from you, monitor the two accounts until everything is working properly. Then you close the old account. We can help with all of your worries over banking, electricity, telephone, water and insurance payments, as well as any other matters you might need assistanmce with. [Top of Page]

Can I pay money into my account in Lanzarote by means of a cheque from my bank account back home?

You can, but you shouldn't, It can take up to six weeks to clear and your bank here will make severe charges for collecting the cheque. [Top of Page]

What is the best way to get funds into my account on Lanzarote?

The most efficient way nowadays is by bank telex transfer. You do it in your own country and we can check your account here after a few days to confirm that the money has arrived. At most banks you can pay in money from your debit or credit card with your passport. [Top of Page]
Laprima S.L. Calle El Puente 10, Haria, Lanzarote 35520. ISLAS CANARIAS.
Tel and Fax +34 928 835525 - mobile +34 646 479284 or +34 646 479285

Email : by clicking here or phone us during office hours, we guarantee a quick response EVERY time.


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