It is always important to consider the location of your prospective property purchase. If you were buying a property in your home country it would be easier because you would be familiar with your culture, your people and even the area. But in Spain however it is very likely that you are unfamiliar with all the above aspects. Whether you are a regular visitor to Spain or not it is vitally important that you are very clear in your mind what you looking for. Many property ventures have ended in tears because people have not thought carefully about ‘Location’ from the very beginning.

My friends Jean and Peter decided to retire to glorious España. Their plan was to rent a beautiful villa with a pool, next to a holiday resort that they have visited many times before. They were extremely happy with the villa they have purchased. Initially the couple used the villa for short two week holidays with friends and family.

Very soon the couple decided that the time is right to move in permanently. This would prove to be a mistake.

As a fulltime living space; they soon discovered there was no room to keep anything in storage. The villa was always ok as a short term stay but in the long term people need storage space and this became an enormous problem. They had no shed, not enough cupboards, no garage space... they had to sell or give away precious belongings simply because there was no where to put them. They also complained that although the villa was a perfect haven in the summer, in the winter it was chilly and windy. The thin walls and cold tiled floors offered little comfort. The area were it was located was spookily deserted during the winter months as the holiday season had ended. That resulted in leaving then feeling isolated and alone. Even the local shops and bars were closed.

Eventually they sold up and bought a lovely home in a residential area which is populated all year round and where all bars and shops 12 months of the year. Best of all there are round fellow ex-pats to talk and socialise with. The moral of this story is that you must think hard about the location of your intended purchase and what you would like to use the property for.