Choose the right property

Spain is a stunning country with many beautiful and tempting properties for sale. So it's a good idea to do your research before you make an offer. With the help of your Relationship Manager and these practical tips, finding and buying the right property should be even easier.

A few tips from the local experts

The process of buying a home in Spain is different to the UK, in particular the legal system and tax implications. We have years of experience and dedicated experts on hand to help you understand them all. We can also put you in touch with reputable lawyers and surveyors to make sure everything is covered.

Here are a few things to think about before you commit to buying a property:

• Check what amenities the property is connected to, such as electricity, water etc.
• Get an independent builder, architect or surveyor to check the structure of the building.
• Be sure that your lawyer checks ownership of the property and the person selling it has the authority to do so.
• Your lawyer should check if the property has any outstanding debt or fines associated with it. If there is money owed, it needn't be a problem so long as it's cleared before the house is signed over to you. If the debt isn't cleared on completion, it becomes yours.

Help with every step

Depending on the type of property you're buying, there may be more things to consider, such as the upkeep of an older building or guarantees for new buildings. We can offer help and advice as well as putting you in touch with professionals to get you through the official processes smoothly.

Contact us to find out more.

Tips for finding your home

• The popularity of Spain as a destination for British people has led to a rise in the number of estate agents operating there - and not all are qualified. Make sure your agent is a member of a professional association such as Agentes de la Propiedad Immobiliaria (API).
• Set yourself a budget and stick to it. We could help you work out a budget and arrange a Spanish Mortgage for you, taking into account all the Spanish Mortgage costs associated with buying in Spain.
• If you're thinking of buying in a popular tourist area, be sure to visit out of season so you can get a better idea of the year-round facilities.
• Try and talk to some of the locals about the area and get to know some of your potential neighbours.
• If you're thinking of renting your home out when you're not there, it pays to do some research on how much rent you can expect to get per week and who will look after it when you're not there. Websites like www.ownersdirect.co.uk and www.holiday-rentals.co.uk are good places to check out the competition.

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