FAQ / Property Law
Frequently asked property questions.
Answered by Sabrina Candela, ELG property lead. Cases vary; nothing here is legal advice for your specific situation. Some answers below are candidate drafts pending attorney verification.
01 How much does a full property purchase cost with legal representation?
Sabrina's full-conveyance service is $800 plus IVA. Due diligence (title search, encumbrances, tax status) is $250 plus IVA. Government registry and notarial fees are separate and billed at cost with receipts.
02 What is a promesa de compraventa and when do I need one?
The promesa is a binding pre-sale agreement that reserves the property while due diligence and financing are finalized. It sets the price, the timeline to close, the deposit, and the contingencies (typically: clean title, cleared encumbrances, financing). Sabrina drafts and negotiates it at $380 plus IVA, including notarial assistance and translation.
03 How much does due diligence on a property cost?
$250 plus IVA. Covers the title chain, encumbrances, municipal debt, and legal-status verification before you sign the promesa. This is the checkpoint that catches problems while you still have room to walk away.
04 How much does the escritura (deed) and title transfer cost?
Sabrina's title and name-transfer service is $120 or $300 (municipal fees included in those figures, the only line on the rate card where government fees are bundled), plus IVA. Which tier applies depends on the property and matter, and Sabrina confirms during scoping.
05 Can foreigners own property in Ecuador in their own name?
Sabrina is preparing a full answer to this. In the meantime, please send your situation through the intake form and we will reply within one business day with the specifics for your property.
06 What are the tax implications when I sell, do I owe capital gains?
Tax planning around a sale is Sabrina's tax-planning service at $450 plus IVA. Sabrina is preparing a fuller answer on the specific taxes that apply (Impuesto a las Utilidades and municipal transfer tax) and how they are calculated. Please send your situation through the intake form for a specific quote.
07 Can Sabrina handle a purchase if I'm not in Ecuador for signing?
Yes, via Power of Attorney. POAs start at $120 with ELG including legal fees and translation. Sabrina handles registering the POA with the bank when banking powers are included, and closes at the notary on your behalf.
08 What ongoing legal support is available after purchase (leases, tenants, disputes)?
Lease drafting and registry filings are on the rate card. Sabrina is preparing pricing and scope for the fuller picture (tenant disputes, evictions, HOA matters). Please send your situation through the intake form.
Answers by Sabrina Candela. Cases vary; nothing here is legal advice for your specific situation. Send your situation to talk through your case.
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