We are no longer recommending "Inspection Visits" to view properties in the Valencia region. This is because we are not dealing with new developments, where you can view a house and order a similar one, but with individual properties, each unique in its own right. Experience has shown that prospective purchasers have been coming to Spain to "have a look around" and finding a house which they really liked, only to be disappointed because by the time they have been ready to buy, the house has been sold. There is a very big demand for properties in this area, and the majority are not on the market for long.
To prevent further disappointment, we recommend the following:
That you come over to view properties when you have either sold in the U.K. or at least have exchanged contracts, and are in a position to contract to buy here. You need not worry that there won't be anything to suit, houses are coming on to the market all the time.
You need to have a deposit of 5,000 euros IN CASH available for your deposit (Estate Agents don't take credit cards!) and we will open a bank account here with you if you don't already have one (this is a legal requirement for buying in Spain).
After signing a contract you normally have 45 days in which to complete the purchase, any other arrangement you may require will be by agreement with the vendor.
Buying a property here is much simpler than in the U.K. All the legal work will be done between the Registered Agent, the Registry Office, and the office of the Notario. The latter is a specially trained solicitor who is the public official responsible for the transference of property in Spain, and acts for both parties. Unlike in the U.K., property transfer is not the province of ordinary solicitors, or 'abogados' and although some British buyers insist on using an abogado for their purchase, this is not money well spent when buying through a properly registered Spanish estate agent. NEXT>