Essential Buying Tips

1. Keep an eye on the exchange rate - A difference of even one percentage point can make a difference of thousands of pounds overall. Exchange rates are still shifting all the time, so if you are buying property in a foreign currency like the Euro, this can mean the price of your property will increase or decrease as the currency changes. Many specialist currency dealers offer better rates than the high street banks.

2. Learn Spanish - Even basic language skills will enhance your enjoyment of the country and its people. Donīt think you can understand certain phrases that sound like the English equivalent, because usually they mean something completely different. For example, "estoy constipado" means "I have a cold" and "estoy embarazado" does not mean "I am embarrassed" but "I am pregnant". Useful to know these things when making polite conversation!

3. Get your mortgage approved before looking at property - Whether you intend to borrow in the UK or abroad, it is good idea to get at least a preliminary confirmation that you will be able to borrow what you need before you go looking at properties. You will know how much you have to spend, and being an instant buyer can also give you a tactical advantage when bidding for, or negotiating the price of, the property.

4. Be absolutely sure that you can pay the balance on the agreed date - The contract will normally contain a penalty clause that states that if the balance outstanding is not paid by the agreed date, the purchaser will lose the amount paid and the vendor is free to offer the property for sale again.

5. Use a property finding company - Looking for property is hot and tiring work, so engage a good property finding company to do the donkey work for you. When you get to the stage of buying, they can then help you transfer money from the UK, open bank accounts, arrange mortgages and apply for NIEīs, as well as give advice on transporting animals, equipping your new home, schools, etc. Do not feel you have to do this on your own.

6. Hire a good lawyer - The relatively low cost of good legal advice could potentially save you a lot more. Your British lawyer is almost certainly not qualified to practice in Spain. Ensure your lawyer is Spanish, but speaks English.

7. Insert a penalty clause into the contract - It is a good idea to have a further penalty clause inserted in the contract stating that if for any reason the vendor does not complete on the contract and wishes to withdraw, he must pay the purchaser an indemnity of double the amount paid as a deposit for the purchase of the property.

8. Think about what you really want from your new property - If you are buying a property for your own pleasure and a rural retreat is your thing, fine. However, if investment is your main aim, you need to consider your target audience and look at whether the property has easy access to shops, bars, beaches, skiing - things that are all crucial when appealing to holiday makers. If you are re-locating to Spain, how is it going to feel in three years to be living full time on a complex with part-time residents always coming and going, and holiday makers splashing in the pool every day? Think with your head, not your heart, and donīt get carried away.

9. Look at the developers previous work - look at the quality of developments built by the same developer if possible. Has the development matured well and stood the test of time?

10. Consider downsizing - We have found over the years that clients come to Spain looking for a detached villa and in some instances, it could well be worth also looking at townhouses or low-rise apartments with gardens as these types of properties very often offer easy access to restaurants and supermarkets. While people are often looking for property similar to what they have in Britain, if you are moving to Spain on a permanent basis, this is a good time to reappraise your accommodation needs. A smaller home with lower maintenance cost and less day-to-day upkeep may actually suite you more.

11. Be aware that many debts in Spain are on the property not the person - Your lawyer should also have obtained proof that any outstanding debts and all community fees, electricity, water, telephone bills and rates are paid to date. These items are the responsibility of the vendor up until the day of the signing of the escritura by the new purchaser.

12. Be aware of additional costs - On top of any property price there will be certain costs, ranging from around 8.5 to 10.5 per cent. These charges incorporate taxes, notary fees and land registry costs, and must be paid at the time of purchase. All legal documents should be translated for you, so that you know exactly what you are paying for and what documents you are signing.

13. Find out what community costs include - Basics are pool maintenance, a five percent reserve fund for repainting or other major works that might be needed in future and buildings insurance.

14. Open a Spanish bank account - Opening a Spanish bank account as soon as possible is always a good start. You will need this account for the payments of your standing orders for electricity, telephone, community fees and so on.

15. Draw up an inventory - If the property is being sold furnished - which you will find is often the case when you buy a resale property in Spain - a complete inventory of the contents should be drawn up and signed by both parties.

16. Read the contracts - The contract should include the purchase price and conditions of payment, a complete description of the property, a section headed cargas (charges), which should read "free of charges and encumbrances", and a clause concerning vacant possession on completion, which should read "free of sitting tenants".

17. Consider the resale potential of the property - Once you are happy about all aspects of the purchase, take a good look around you and ask yourself "if I buy this property, am I sure that I can sell it again if the need should arise?" Think about it even if you do not intend to sell the property. If the answer is "yes", then it is probably okay to proceed with the transaction.

18. Make the most of the weather - When moving to sunnier climates, remember that the most used room in the house is often the covered or open terrace, which you will enable you to enjoy the beautiful weather that you have moved for!

And, most importantly, ENJOY your new home in the sun!!