Find the Right Property
When you have done the initial preparation you will be ready to start looking at different properties. Although you have decided upon a type of property and location we can still recommend to start looking at a broad range of properties to get a better understanding of the market in Spain (including what is available, difference in quality, variation in price, etc.).
We know this can be difficult and very time consuming to arrange if you are not living in Spain or have a profound knowledge of the Spanish real estate sector.
In Accom Consulting we can help you search the market for the right property. We know the real estate market in Spain from years of experience and we will be happy to help you find a suited property. (See Property Search for further information about new developments available in Spain).

When you are out visiting a property it can always be recommended to take your time and to bring your list of priorities to make sure that you don't oversee anything important. You should specially focus on the things you cannot change (or are very difficult to change) like the distribution or orientation of the property.
If you like a property then you should arrange for a second visit.
Before your second visit it is also a good idea to spend some time in the area and to try to talk to some of the neighbours about living there. At a second visit it is recommended to bring someone who can go through all the important installations (water, gas, electricity) and who can examine the structure of the building. If you still have doubts about the state of the property you can order an official inspection of the whole property by the 'Colegio Oficial de Aparejadores y Arquitectos Técnicos', which will cost about 600€.

Although there is a great demand on most properties in Spain (and in many cases a pressure from the Estate Agent) we can still recommend taking your time and thinking it over and there are also a number of legal matters, which have to be cleared out before you sign or pay anything.

If you are looking to buy a plot of land (to build your own property) or to buy a property off plan - directly from the developer the initial preparations and understanding the market is just as important. Apart from having good legal advice it is critical that you take your time to see different options, as you will not be able to see the finished product (the property) until a long time after you have signed the final contract. See the sections Off Plan Property in Spain or Building a Property in Spain for further information.

About Estate Agents
In Spain you can find a great number of real estate agents (both Spanish and foreign companies) throughout the country and it is an important sector that moves a lot of money. In all the major tourists areas and along the places where foreign people settles down you can find estate agents who principally serves foreigners who are looking for a property in Spain. The estate agents in Spain are normally serving a local area where they have their expertise but you can also find bigger national or international companies.

To be able to open and run an estate agent there are no specific qualification required in Spain so it is important to insure that the agent is member of a recognised professional body and have full insurance cover.
As in any other country there are both good and bad estate agents and as the sector in Spain is huge (and in some degree uncontrolled) it can be difficult for an inexperienced buyer to distinguish between the different companies (the 'good' and 'bad' ones).

Another thing that is important to take into consideration when getting advice from an estate agent is that the commission earned on each sale is high (in generally it ranges between 5% to 10% of the property price) and a sale is therefore very attractive to make. This can in many cases make the personal priorities of the buyers less important than making a sale.

We therefore strongly recommend to seek independent and unbiased advice and to see a number of properties from different estate agents before you take a final buying decision.

A private Villa might make a good base while you are visiting potential properties and tying up contracts.
Villas To Go are specialists in villa holidays. They have over 700 cherry-picked villas with private pools in mainland Spain, Mallorca, Menorca, the Canaries, Portugal and Crete amongst other destinations. The Villas are well-equipped and carefully chosen to be close to amenities. You can book directly online or call their knowledgeable staff on +44 845 408 1704. www.villastogo.com.

-> Financial Issues