Finding the right property

Some people spend years looking for a property. Some are lucky enough to find a property and have the confidence to purchase on their first visit to the Costa del Sol. Others take their time and visit for several days, maybe three or four times, until they feel sure enough to make a final decision.

What type of property are you looking for ? And in which area of the Costa del Sol ? Many potential purchasers think they are looking for one type and end up purchasing something totally different. Unless you are very clear about what you want, and are sure that it exists, look at different types of properties in different residential areas, with an open mind. Ask yourself what you really want and need? Doing this will help build up your knowledge of real estate values in this area. Every area in the world has its own market patterns, looking at different property will help you answer the basic question "What do I get for my money?" or " How much do I have to spend? " When you have answered this, you will certainly be able to make an offer with much more confidence.

You have five basic types or property in Spain

• Apartments are usually in a purpose-built block, most commonly with two bedrooms and two bathrooms, perhaps with some communal gardens and facilities such as a swimming pool. Owners pay a community charge to cover maintenance fees for the block.
• A Townhouse (also known in Costa Blanca as a Bungalow) is usually a two or three-storey building which is part of a terrace, possibly with a small garden or outside space. They may be new-build townhouses, often painted a uniform white on a plot of land outside of a town. Or it might be an existing house in the centre of a town or village
• A Villa is a detached or semi-detached house, found both on the coast and inland, with a private garden and perhaps a swimming pool. It may also belong to a development which shares a pool and other facilities.
• A Finca Rœsticas a traditional rural house, possibly a former farmhouse, and often in need of renovation or conversion. It usually has some land or at least a garden. It may be harder to arrange for certain facilities such as a telephone line or mains gas in a rural finca.
• New Development/ Off Plan These are developments which have yet to be built or are in process, and in which buyers invest on the basis of seeing the plot of land and the architect?plans. The price and all specifications are set before building commences. This takes 18-24 months on average. Such properties are usually apartments or bungalows in complexes with good shared facilities such as large communal swimming pools, tennis courts and well-maintained gardens.