| Factors which attract expatriates to Spain include its | | | | - Mortgages - how much will a bank lend you? |
| warm climate, high standard of living at relatively low | | | | Investigate and stick to that, focus on properties within |
| cost, relatively low house prices, good infrastructure | | | | your means. Don't make any hasty decisions and |
| and stable economy. Many expats have opened bars, | | | | negotiate yourself a bargain. |
| cafes and other businesses there, especially in the | | | | - If your home currency is not the Euro, watch the |
| main tourist areas. Expatriates report that the locals | | | | exchange rate as you will be buying your Spanish |
| make them feel very welcome in Spain and that they | | | | home in Euros. |
| enjoy the relaxed approach to life and the | | | | - Arrange to view several properties, make notes on |
| family-oriented culture. | | | | them to review at home. |
| However, buying a home in Spain is a big decision, | | | | - Appoint a lawyer and a notary ("notario") when |
| requiring much preparation before making a purchase. | | | | buying your home - lawyers carry out essential |
| Try to utilize the many information sources now | | | | checks, including the small print of contracts, whereas |
| available - books, magazines, television, the Internet, | | | | the notario witnesses signatures and ensures taxes |
| experiences of friends already living in Spain, etc. | | | | are paid. Notarios are impartial and collect fees from |
| Some useful ideas and points to bear in mind: | | | | both buyer and seller. |
| - Select the region you feel will suit your needs, book a | | | | - Take a Spanish language course, there are lots of |
| holiday home there for 2 or more weeks to look | | | | unfamiliar legal terms which it would benefit you to |
| around and experience the good and bad points about | | | | know when buying property in Spain. |
| living there. | | | | - IMPORTANT - unpaid debts on Spanish property are |
| - Make friends with local people, always a good | | | | inherited by the buyer! Check again for these before |
| source of advice on day-to-day matters. | | | | signing the final contract ("escrita"). |