Buying a property

Hi Caz

Are you looking to buy a holiday home just for your own use or a property that you plan to relocate too (under the new rules  from January if you are a Brit)?  Where and what you buy is governed by so many things.  

The most important safeguard is to have your own independent solicitor - never use the one recommended by the estate agent as they probably work very closely together.  Secondly only ever give your money to your own solicitor, never to the estate agent, and ensure no money is paid to the vendor's until you are absolutely sure that everything is in order.  

Generally a small deposit is paid to reserve a property, usually €3000 but that isn't set in stone, but you need to ensure your solicitor holds onto that until you sign the contracts, which does not have to be done until your legal team is happy with all the paperwork .  If you pull out of the purchase before anything has been signed and before any money has been paid over to the vendor than all you will be liable for is your own solicitor's costs.  Once a contract has been signed and money exchanged with the vendors' legal team then if you pull out of the agreement you will lose what you have paid.

Buying in Spain is safe if you do it remember two things - 1. the estate works for the vendor not the buyer, their job is to sell the house.  2. your solicitor must be working just for you, independent of the estate agent and not also working for the vendor (yes, that can happen too!).

Plus, stick to your budget, buy with your head as much as with your heart, always assume things will cost a little more than you expect them too - best to have money left over than find yourself short.

If your unsure, why not rent first? 

I have a small house inla Florida that I was going to put in the market next year. If you wanted me to send you photos and the price get in touch and you could always go and stay there to see if you like it. It’s 3 bedrooms and 1 bathroom with plenty of outside space downstairs and a terrace off the upstairs bedroom.

Hi,

    I bought a property in 2017, I would not buy a property at the moment. I would look at longer term renting and see how the market goes. The advantage of renting would also be you could see which areas suit you better. 

  An additional complication at the moment, other than covid19, is Brexit. By the end of the year it should be clearer how this will affect British visitors to  Spain. That is another reason for waiting before deciding whether to purchase of not.

That's just my opinion.

Rgds,

Aitch.

Hi,

Difficult to advise you really.If your frightened of the financial costs and uncertain if your doing the right thing, then you probably need to re think your goals.

I think others have pointed out that you can rent, which may help you,but take your time..

I wouldn’t buy anything until your sure your doing the right thing for you.

Do get an independent lawyer preferably a spanish one who speaks English.

Have a look at the property programmes , like a place in the sun..

We brought recently and despite the Covid impact don’t regret it, we are looking forward to being able to holiday in our spanish home just as soon as possible...

Hope this helps

Terry

Yes please 

Lots of good advice on here making perfect sense and try renting. There may even be properties for a month at a time where you could try different areas.  What about hiring a motor home for three months?

My opinion is the same as others in such that if you are not sure don't do it,  especially it's your life savings!

Why risk it?

We was about to purchase a nice bungalow in Nueva Torrevieja last year. I was about to put down the deposit. I did  go for a second viewing and decided to check out the electric meter room. It was a DISASTER. wires all over and by passed meters. I could not see a meter for the property that I was going to buy. So this could have been conected to a different property. 

We have been thinking about it for a few years now .tbf I am born worrier thanks everyone for there advice so far