Your selection should be based on positive experiences or knowledge of the area i.e. you've visited it before and already feel comfortable, you know some people or you already have some idea about the availability and prices of properties. We strongly recommend that you buy in an area you're familiar with. You may wish to consider the following, when choosing an area:

· Property type and purchase price
· Accessibility (transport, travel time and travel expenses)
· Cost of living (small villages away from the coast are cheaper than coastal resorts)
· Local amenities (shops, schools, golf courses, transport etc)
· Climate (temperatures all year round)
· Cultural and social atmosphere
· Rental opportunities
· Selling opportunities - short/long term

Tip!
Before you make your decision to purchase we advise you to see the structural drawings or instruct a legal representative to do this for you. These documents can give you important information about the house and area and any plans for the future (such as plans to build more apartments, restaurants, discotheques etc). Plans/drawings are available from the local town hall.

Property Market, New and Resale properties

Mortgages
Spanish or English mortgages are available. Like England there are many types of mortgage available options available and it is therefore important to research best option for your own personal circumstances.

Legal
Houses in Spain can put you in contact with a reputable English speaking Spanish lawyer who will be able to assist you in the completion of your property purchase.

Inspection/Viewing Tours
Houses in Spain offers property inspection visits, with no obligation to buy. We believe that it is essential that you visit the areas you are interested in before you buy. Our one to one inspection trips are tailored to your specific needs and we will only show you properties that match your criteria. We will also give you a tour of the local area so that you can become more familiar with it.

You should allow approximately 2-3 days for your inspection tour. This will give you ample time to view a selection of properties and to complete any legal paperwork should you decide to make a purchase.

To Arrange an Inspection Tour
To arrange an inspection tour, please contact us using the e-mail form or telephone us directly in Spain : 00 34 699 77 52 33 Mr. Rinus van Vliet, or in the UK no. 01923 - 291036 Mrs. Lynne Jackson.

All we ask is that you arrange your own flights, and let us know the times and dates you will be in Spain so we can book your hotel for you. The cost of your flights will be refunded to you upon completion of your purchase.

Of course, if you wish to travel independently we will be happy to meet you here in the Costa Blanca 
and arrange viewings in line with your requirements.

Purchasing Procedure and Terms
The process of buying a home in Spain is fairly straightforward and is designed to protect both the buyer and seller. When you are ready to buy and have chosen a property, you will be asked to pay a holding deposit (usually 3000 Euros for resale properties or 5% for a new home) and to sign a purchase contract. As soon as this is in place the purchase price cannot be altered and the property will be removed from the market. New property purchases will require a further 25% 30 days later with the balance due on completion. For resale transactions 10% of the purchase price becomes due within 30 days and the balance paid upon completion.

Completion times will vary and are negotiable with the vendor. Average times are between 8 and 13 weeks.