Buying Property in Spain

A comprehensive practical guide to buying a property in Spain

2. How to find a property

As in the UK,there are many ways to find a property in Spain.You can buy a property directly from the owner,you can use the services of an estate agent or visit a Solicitors Property Shop,(a property finding service provided by solicitors).Whichever way you choose,the following recommendations should be taken into account:

1 ) Always deal with local established professionals who have knowledge
1 ) of the property market and expertise in this field.

2 ) Before entering into any commitment,always seek legal professional
2 ) advice despite what other people may suggest.

3 ) Do not rely on verbal statements,ask for any promises or descriptions
3 to be con firmed in writing and always obtain a receipt for any money
3 ) paid.

2.1 Selecting the right property

Consider whether or not this is to be your permanent residence,used for holidays,as an investment or for rental purposes.This is important as the right property may be a different one if it is for one purpose or another.

Select the areas that you would like most and then decide what type of property will suit your needs best.Do you want to be part of a community,where maintenance of the property and other amenities,are included in community fees,or would you prefer to have your own pool and garden,which are your own responsibility?Do you require amenities like shops,golf courses,the beach; easy access to the airport,major roads,hospitals and schools;do you like to visit health clubs regularly,play sport look around harbours and marinas?

2.2 Property types

Just to give you an idea,the properties in Spain roughly fall into the following types:

Villaa detached property,usually with its own garden and pool. Villas are normally independent properties but more and more villas are being built within communities which include communal gardens,pools and parking.

Townhouse normally a semi detached or terraced house with private front door and a private garden or ground-floor patio area. Townhouses are usually two or three storeys high,often with integral garages and basement areas.

Apartment a dwelling arranged on one floor within an apartment building with covered and/or open terraces (a two floor apartment is called a duplex).These properties are owned privately but share the running costs of communal areas and facilities.

Rural properties and Fincas Finca has become the general description for a property located outside the urban built-up boundaries of Spanish towns and villages. A finca can be anything from a small,one bedroom bungalow with no roof or water supply to a luxury,six bedroom farmhouse with 30,000 square meters of agricultural land.

Beware of the odd or "unique " property,which has little appeal for the market as a whole. Always bear in mind the re-sale potential of a purchase.Don 't get taken in by extravagant features.Any appliances,furniture or extras included in the price are only real incentives to buy if they are to your own taste.Ask yourself if you would get the same premium on the price if you sold in a few years time.

Your estate agent or your Solicitors Property Shop may well be able to guide you in selecting the property that meets your main requirements and needs,bringing you a realistic picture of the property scene with their local knowledge and expertise.

 

Mijas costa

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Marbella

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