Property survey

Hi   Kieron.,

I   am   like  yourself  thinking of  purchasing    in  Alicante  area,  but  think  travelling  out  to Spain  is  looking  like  2022  in  my eyes,  but  that  is  not your question,  one  thing  I  have  gained  from this site  is  before  you purchase,  RENT in  the area,  but  maybe  you  know  your area,  I  have  Estate Agents  on to me  asking to  put down  4000  holding  Deposit  until  I  arrive  out,  so   immediately  blocked  his  number,  A  survey  is  a good  idea  and  hope  you  flow  through  with it,  I  will  be  purchasing  to live  out there,  I  find  this forum  very  helpful  and  picked  up  a few tips

I   wish  you luck going  forward  and  look forward  to seeing  replies  you recieve

                    Phil

This is not definitive advice and in some circumstances such as yours being unable to view I might be reluctant not to have one, but when we bought we were advised by many that I spoke to and trusted that a structural survey wasn't really necessary and few have one due to the differing nature of many buildings in Spain - i.e less to go wrong that might not be obvious. We did, however,  have the luxury of a quick viewing to look for obvious cracks / damp areas, etc.

Hi Keiron,

Please do not buy any property without at the very least viewing in person...

Advice already given about renting for some time in the area you think you might like to live in is now more important/ necessary than ever.   

Think long and hard about this long term commitment.   Towards the end of this year you will be able to view in person.  ( If this virus will settle down)   Research areas and properties in the meantime.   

Remember the saying “If it appears too good to be true it probably is”

Hope you will discover a good property bargain soon.   Good luck.

Maria

I  am  interested   in  Purchasing   out  in  Spain  but  realistically   it  will  be 2022  before   I  can  get  out  due  to  travel  restrictions. I  came  across   your  post  and  wonder  if  you  could   give  me  a  few  tips,  And  why  you  would  advise  against  purchasing  in Spain,  First  thing  i  noticed   no  matter what  some people  say  Apartments  get  very  cold in  winter  and  no  Solar panels  for  Heating  water, Apartments   are  very  cramped  up   That  only  from  viewing  on  net   and  using  measurements   to  set  out  on  ground   in  my  garden,

Hi; we have just spent this winter in a rented apartment (chosen in August) in Orihuela Costa - and have never been so cold (and miserable!). 

No sunny aspect to the flat meant that we were totally reliant on oil-fired and convector radiators, leading to whopping electricity bills. We were out everyday trying to get some fresh air and sunshine as it was colder inside than out. 

Wait until restrictions lift, and rent Nov - Jan first. Also check the usable square meterage. Only when you're sure it's for you should you buy.  

Good luck!

We learnt very quickly during viewings in Feb that orientation is probably the most important factor in choosing a place you intend to use in the winter. Many beautiful villas that did not face S/SW, or were in the shade of mountains, felt damp and cold after a winter being empty if they were not being lived in and explained why they appeared so much better value than others. It was a good indicator of what they would be like to live in year round.

Hi Kieron, 

Check the area you want to settle in and if possible rent for a couple of months, you must view the property and if you feel like getting a survey you can do so, it does get cold inside buildings as they are generally all concrete and tile and there is little insulation however a couple of oil fired wall heaters are usefull, Most apartment are not well soundproofed and you can hear your neighbours quite clearly. Please note electricity is expensive. Apart from that Spain is great, hope it works our for you.