It can be a good idea to book into the local hotel, for a few nights, and get to know the pros and cons of the area. In most parts of Spain you'll find English speaking residents in the local bars and restaurants, invite them to share a drink, and they'll be only to happy to fill you in on what's what.
It's very easy to rush in and buy the first attractive property you see at the right price, only to realize later that the location isn't quite what you thought it was.
It is important to keep in mind that a property in a resort area tough lively and with plenty to do in the summer months can become a ghost town in the winter. Likewise a home in a rural location, is beautiful in the hot summer months but during winter, could be dreary and isolated. You could feel a little cut off, so yes, it is the location that's the most important factor.
Take notes and photographs of the properties that appeal to you so they'll refresh your memory and stop all your viewings blurring into one.
View the properties as many times as you wish to make sure you're totally satisfied with all aspects of the property and keep in mind the following ten questions:
1. Am I 100% happy with the property? 2. Do I like the location? 3. Is the area too built up or isolated? 4. Are the pubs and clubs too near or too far? 5. Is the property in a good neighborhood? 6. Are there English speaking neighbors close by 7. Are there shops, hotels, restaurants etc. nearby? 8. Are there any problems with telephone and broadband connection? 9. How far am I from airports and train stations? 10. Am I getting good value for money?
Over a short space of time you'll view an extensive amount of properties. You can be very easily tempted to extend your price bit by bit (for that extra room, bigger garden or second balcony) and before you realize it you're 10,000 euro to 20,000 euro, or more, above your budget. Always keep your original budget and type of property you want and stick with it.
Hopefully before long you will have selected a property which suits your needs and budget. Before you sign any document hire an English speaking solicitor, give them the details and address of the property.
Next it's the job of the solicitor to carry out a detailed investigation of the property. There will be a full check that the property, ie. correct planning permission, that there are no outstanding debts on the property (if there are, you could end up responsible for them) and that everything is legal and above board.
When you finally select the property you wish to purchase, the first stage of the buying process is to sign a Reservation Agreement and you pay 1-2% of the purchase price, the vendor will then withdraw the property from the market.
when your solicitor has completed his searches and informs you that all's well you then pay a further 10% deposit on signing the Sale and Purchase contract, which you and the vendor sign. This contract will describe in detail the type of property, dimensions, amount of rooms and the fittings and fixtures being left in the property.
On completion day, you, the vendor and both solicitors sign the final contracts in the local Notary's office and the remainder of the purchase price and title deeds are exchanged.
The legal fees can cost you about 10% of the purchase price, for example, on a property costing 100,000 euro expect to pay the following extra fees:
1. 7000 euro Purchase Tax 2. 300 euro Land Registry 3. 500 euro Notary's Fee 4. 1000 euro solicitor's fee
I hope the above tips will help you in your search for your dream home, just remember to keep your feet firmly on the ground and not to be waylaid into buying something that could become a "Pain in Spain!"
Happy house hunting!
Spain has so many fantastic motorcycle routes that it really is a problem deciding where to go. The country is vast and huge tracts are almost deserted, but most of the roads are fabulous, especially for motorcycling. This is the most mountainous country in Europe, and offers some of the best scenery you could wish for. It also boasts the best climate too, although the difference between the north and south can be quite marked.
Before you jump on your bike and head for the ferry terminal, there are a few things you should consider. Now this may sound stupid but, is your bike in tip-top condition? It's surprising how many people go on tour without having had their motorbike checked over. Beside the routine maintenance of checking brakes, tyres and lights, it may be a good idea to have the bike serviced before you set out. Having done all that, taking out an insurance plan that covers you and your vehicle for the duration of the trip adds security.
We've already mentioned the mountains and the climate, but it's worth remembering that mountainous regions can be quite changeable weather-wise, so you're going to need a good selection of clothing to cover all possibilities. This is where a tour back-up vehicle earns its corn. You can place everything you don't immediately need, in the back-up vehicle, which leaves you free to enjoy the road without straining to see over the top of a well stacked tank bag. It can be pretty hot in July and August in Spain, so once again the back-up vehicle comes to the rescue with water or soft drinks. I once went on a tour that provided tea and coffee courtesy of a camping cooker; very nice.
Of course, you could make your own way, and many people do successfully, but unless you've been to the hotels you're going to stay in, you're taking a bit of a chance. If you go with an organised group, your tour operator will have vetted the hotels, and to be honest, by the time the tour company has negotiated with the hotels for group booking discounts, you're not really going to save a lot by going it alone. The best thing by far about going with a group is the lifelong friendships that are born during the tour, and that is priceless.
So, where to go? If you don't like the heat, I would stay away from Andalusia during July and August, but any other time of year it's an absolute treat, but it's quite a way from the ferry ports in Northern Spain, so allow enough time for the journey. Bear in mind that Spain is a big country, and you may have to cover long distances each day. Be sure that you are up to this before you commit yourself. The North-West of Spain is green and lush, which is an indication as to the weather; put simply, green equals rain, so be prepared. On the other hand, Almeria in the South-East boasts the only true desert in Europe. I once rode through this place in June and it was as if some-one had turned a hair-dryer on me.
Another think to look out for is the Spanish driver. Although the Spanish are generally decent and friendly people, some of them they tend to be a bit wild when they climb in behind the steering wheel of a car. If you keep on your toes, there won't be a problem, but it's no good waving yours arms and gesticulating, it's all grist to the mill for them. They may sound their horn at you, but without malice as is often the case in other countries.
Speed cameras are used in Spain, but at nowhere near the same level as is Britain, but if you are caught speeding by the Guardia Civil, you will be fined and often quite heavily. The speed limit on most single carriageway roads is 100 Kph, but at road junctions this decreases to 60 Kph, which catches out many foreign motorists, and these are the places that the police tend to place their traps, so be warned.
Whether you go it alone or join an organised trip, drive carefully, make sure you've got the right gear, don't forget to drive on the right and have a great time. One bitten, you'll find it hard to stay away.
Both John Keating & Alan Liptrot are contributors for EditorialToday. The above articles have been edited for relevancy and timeliness. All write-ups, reviews, tips and guides published by EditorialToday.com and its partners or affiliates are for informational purposes only. They should not be used for any legal or any other type of advice. We do not endorse any author, contributor, writer or article posted by our team.
John Keating has sinced written about articles on various topics from French Vacation, Real Estate and French Vacation. John Keating is an International Real Estate and Travel writer. For the top places to buy in Europe, USA and Worldwide visit:. John Keating's top article generates over 2400 views. to your Favourites.
Alan Liptrot has sinced written about articles on various topics from Travel and Leisure, Real Estate and Recreation and Sports. The original article, along with other motorcycle articles can be seen at The website is dedicated to motorcycle touring in Europe. Alan Liptrot's top article generates over 6120000 views. to your Favourites.