Buying property on the Costa Blanca is easy, if......

...you prepare, do your home work, employ appropriate professional advisors and above all apply the same common sense you would if you were buying any where else!

We have all heard the nightmare stories about buying property in Spain, not getting what you thought you were; illegalities in the property being purchased; charges left on the property; title not being transferred; structural problems; or just plain being gazumped, to name just a few. In reality all of these are preventable if you approach the buying of any property in a sensible way and don't get bullied into taking short cuts!

Set out below is a simple check list. It is not intended to be exhaustive but applying these principles should see you safely navigate through the property buying maze and  enjoy your new investment rather than ruefully regret the day you ever thought of buying abroad....

• 1. Prepare a Brief - Really think about what you want, the characteristics of the property, its location etc In other words establish a tight brief for yourself and to discuss with your estate agent or property finder. You need to be flexible but the general rule is don't get carried away with a property that doesn't meet the criteria you have set. It is easy to get seduced by a stunning view, the charm of a rural "finca" and the smooth talking of the selling agent, when in reality the property really doesn't measure up to what you want and need!
• 2. Establish your budget and arrange any loan finance before you start seriously searching and viewing property. Too many people waste time looking without really getting to the bottom of what their budget is and what loan finance will be available. Establish from the outset how much money you have to put down and how much, if any, mortgage you will need. If you need a mortgage get this arranged immediately so when you are viewing and eventually negotiating a purchase you are doing so with the comfort of a formal mortgage offer in your back pocket.
• 3. N.I.E. (Numero Identificacion Extranjero) - Via your solicitor or "gestor" apply for your NIE number(s) - tax registration number. This can take up to 6 - 8 weeks and need to be in place before the taxes associated with your property purchase can be paid. Any delays could result in a fine, adding unnecessary costs to an all ready expensive process.
• 4. Use a competent and independent lawyer or legal advisor. Paying more doesn't always mean a better service, but equally you "pay for what you get"! The rule of thumb is don't go with someone recommended by the estate agent unless you are 100% sure about the agents standing and the "values" under which they operate. If you do go with a recommended lawyer always ask the solicitor whether they pay commission to the instructing agent. It might just suggest an overly cosy relationship and questionable "independence". Decide who you will be using early on so there is no rushed decision once an offer has been made and the sale agreed.
• 5. Contracts - Don't sign anything until you are 100% sure about your decision, your solicitor has done the appropriate "due diligence" (checks on title, charges etc) and you are certain your finances can be in place to meet the timetable agreed between you and the vendor. Remember deposit monies are nearly always non refundable and will be lost if you do not eventually proceed with the purchase, unless the contract has been well drafted and clearly sets out specific conditions that must be met.
• 6. Surveys - Seriously consider whether you need a survey done by a qualified professional (Chartered Surveyor or Architect) and that they have appropriate professional indemnity insurance. Not every purchase will need a full survey but if there any tell tale signs of problems - cracks, damp etc, or where there has been recent building work, it might just be sensible.
• 7. Lastly and certainly not least just use your common sense!

Good luck and happy house hunting!

www.thecostablancapropertyguide.com