Inspection trips

Better make an inspection trip on your own and take your time, the more the better. Look out for signs "SE VENDE" or "EN VENTA", ask the concierge or even ring at the door. Consider the price (any) as a base of negotiation. When you are asked to pay something upfront be sure you get a commitment from the counterparty, it's so easy to get trapped. Property agents will ask for a "reservation fee" - that money is gone foever. No need to hurry, as job losses go up prices for homes go down. At present some 2,5 m homes are unoccupied, nobody wants them.

About 90% of estate agents in Spain, particularly the costas, and more particularly the British run ones, are either con merchants, incompetent, or both. Believe nothing they tell you and don't assume the houses on their websites are for sale, most are not. Don't even expect the houses they offer to show you are for sale, as again most are not. When they pick you up from the airport they will inform you that the bargain house you flew over to see sold this morning but they have lots of other ones to show you, that will be more expensive and of lower quality. NEVER give them money. They will pressurise you into paying for all sorts of things and promise you the earth in return but it's all mostly lies. Estate agents in Spain have never been the most trustworthy businesses but since lockdown and the phenomenon of people buying over the phone or after a very quick one-time-only viewing, they have got a lot worse.

The other comments on here should be taken on board but there are good agents around, generally the small independents. From our own personal experience, 2 out of our 3 purchases, we have used Cathy at Valentines and would wholeheartedly recommend her. She listens to what you tell her re what you want and is just so helpful. Her number is 0034 634 19 01 52.

Hi thanks for your reply does she have a web site ? 

Thanks

Robbie

http://www.valentinepropertysales.com/home.html

We used Euro Prestige they were fantastic,  when we came over for viewing in 2014 it cost £99pp

They arranged everything. Europrestige.es 

Phone 966704216

Hi thanks for the advice I will get in touch with them 

Alegria estate agents in Torrevieja have Lady in Scotland who can arrange viewing trips.    I flew over twice 5yrs ago....paid £100 for return flts-hotel free & latter refunded when I purchased my holiday home 😁

Hi Robbie Sharon,

As things stand, you can't travel to Spain, unless for the following exceptions:

"Permitted reasons to enter Spain after 30 March 2021

"From 6pm (GMT+1) on 30 March 2021 (5pm / GMT in the Canary Islands), passenger travel between the UK and Spain will resume, however entry restrictions and testing requirements will remain in force. Only Spanish citizens, those who are legally resident in Spain or those who can demonstrate through documentary evidence an essential need to enter Spain, will be allowed to enter the country. Permitted circumstances include:

• Holders of a long-stay visa issued by a Member State or Schengen Associated State, who are travelling onto said country.
• Health professionals, including health researchers, and elderly care professionals who are going to or returning from essential work.
• Transport personnel, seafarers and aeronautical personnel.
• Diplomatic, consular, international organizations, military, civil protection and members of humanitarian organizations.
• Students who carry out their studies in the Member States or Schengen Associated States and who have the corresponding permit or visa and medical insurance, provided that they are travelling to the country where they are studying, and that entry occurs during the academic year or 15 days previous.
• Highly skilled essential workers whose work cannot be postponed or carried out remotely, including participants in high-level sports events due to take place in Spain.
• People traveling for imperative family reasons who can demonstrate an essential need to travel.

"All of the circumstances above must be justified by documentary evidence. You should be aware that you may be questioned on arrival by Spanish border authorities to ensure you meet the entry requirements. Spanish border authorities will only grant entry if they are satisfied that your journey to Spain is essential and reserve the right to deny passage."

Kind regards, 

Kim