Be a smart buyer

IF you are thinking of purchasing a property either as a forever home or as a holiday paradise, take time and make in formed decisions, especially with a second-hand prop erty, to consider all of the pros and cons.

You need to be certain that there is a proper title to the land so that there is no unwelcome surprise further down the line if it was built without permission.

Generally, this has not been a major problem in the Costa Cálida but has caused significant heartache in some other parts of the coun try. Always research the market, it will help you to determine if it is the right time to buy and what you can ex pect in terms of value appreciation.

If it’s part of an urbanisation, find out early what your monthly or annual community charge is going to be and whether it’s managed by fellow residents or outsourced to a professional company.

In the UK we tend to have properties surveyed either to obtain a mortgage or to ensure that the property we have fallen in love with is generally considered sound. There are good surveyors around so make sure to carry out a thorough inspection on the property and work with a reputable real estate agent who can offer invaluable insights. Another good idea is to seek legal advice from a Spanish lawyer, they can protect your interests throughout the buying process.

Next think about glazing, air conditioning, and heating as some properties can get very hot in the summer and chilly in the winter and you want to ensure that you are comfortable.

Nowadays so many of us are environmentally conscious so perhaps look into the possible cost of solar panels to save electricity charges. Contact any of the top agents advertising in this supplement for advice.