Holiday Home Fact Finding

Sounds like you are doing everything right especially around doing your online research.

Couple of things and you won't go far wrong.

Have your own lawyer lined up ready to go. Don't use the estate agents. Get a few quotes from various sols. Lots of threads on here about that

If you find something you like make the offer after you have seen the property. Ideally by email.

Do not give the agent a penny in terms of a deposit. If your offer is accepted give the agent your Sols details and step back.

I'm sure you know to add 12% on top of your offer in terms of tax and fees.

"Own" the viewing process. Don't go in the car with the agent. Follow them or meet them at the property. That way if they take you to see something you don't like. You just say"no not for me this" and get back  in your car.

All excellent advice......many thanks.

How many people do you think put offers in/buy properties without actually viewing in person?

I don' think we could do that but it means jumping on a plane when we see something we love. Unless we see the right property when we'e out for a week.

Hi

We have just bought a new build house in La Zenia, the area has it all for us, especially the shopping Boulevard which proved invaluable as we had to furnish it all.  We are not far from the beach and bars, restaurants.  There is a lot of building going on in La Zenia so you will be spoilt for choice if you want a new build.  We looked at several areas in Spain, but La Zenia seems to have it all.

I would certainly look for an independent solicitor and this site has good information, we used one recommended by our estate agent and his fees seem extortionate but maybe it is more if you go for a new build.

Good luck with your search.

Carol

Thanks Carol, we haven't considered new builds and we don't know why.

I'll mention it to the agent and start looking online.

I would never do it. But a guy on our street did so. What you need to do when you're out is immerse yourself in all the areas you think you  like. Then if you don't see an actual property you like at least you will know your target areas. 

That way you could probably with confidence buy something remotely without physically seeing it.

I was lucky I tried the agent route but had a back up with a private sale i had seen in advertised in the UK. Two agents cancelled the viewings while I was there. 1 was really good and only showed us the one property we asked to see. The other I sent him a shortlist of 7 properties which were on his website of which only two were available. In fairness he was no pressure either.

We went with private sale in the end. He had it advertised with an agent as well. So we booked a viewing using false names. Played it cool like we weren't interested then made the guy in the UK a cash offer when we got home. Went really smoothly 

Ive bought 18 month ago in la zenia..perfect cenrral location. 5 min walk to beaches an coastal walks. In between cabo and playa flamenca, and of course 5 min walk to the boulevard. Plenty pubs restauarants and the infamous paddys point. We used a fabulous independent lawyer and prior to viewing we narrowed our choices to about 12 to view in a week. The one we really liked online was our favourite in the flesh so we offered 10k below the asking price and it was accepted....take your time and you will find the perfect one for you..its a buyers mkt

Also check out los dolses it's lovely I don't know your budget but if it stretches do look there it has everything

Thanks everyone, we arrive on Monday and will spend the week exploring areas to make a shortlist.

Hi, we are also looking for a 2 bed Apt in those areas.  Only visited a few times so would love some advice on best locations etc.