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Before we explain how to buy, click here to find out how NOT to buy!

There are a number of different ways to buy a property in Spain and different people have different opinions regarding what level of risk they are happy with. The different ways to buy attract varying levels of risk!

The Gambler - high risk

At one end of the scale there is the out & out gambler that sees something on TV, hears something `down the pub` or reads an article in a magazine whilst browsing round WH Smiths, and this is seemingly enough information to go forth and make an off plan purchase with the intention of "selling before completion and banking the profit" - this is not how it works in reality and is definitely not recommended.

One project that has been brought to our attention is being sold as `the best investment in Spain`. It is on the beach and close to a marina & golf course - allegedly. In reality it is in the centre of an area dedicated to agriculture and is surrounded by greenhouses, the nearest golf course is 20 mins drive away through the myriad of greenhouses and the beach is nowhere to be seen. This development is currently being successfully sold by a well known international property agent to vulnerable buyers and risk takers.

I have personally visited this development and i have also visited one of the agents exhibitions to witness first hand what is being said about these apartments in order to sell them. Sadly, this practice is not uncommon.

Analysis paralysis - low risk

At the other end of the scale we have Analysis paralysis, where no acquisition will ever take place because there is too much research going on.

The internet is a wonderful research tool, but it can only be described as a `supplement` to the other equally important aspects of property acquisition. Another recurring problem connected with over reliance on internet research, especially with overseas property, is that much of the information is either out of date or even obsolete. This is due to the vast number of on line `lets have a go at selling Spanish property` websites not being regularly maintained or updated.

With this method of property purchase, there is NO risk, because no purchase will ever occur !

Somewhere in-between

The reality of property acquisition is that `no risk` does not exist, but with the correct and appropriate research, risk can be reduced to `calculated risk`. This is what professional property investors do, and whether you are in fact purchasing for investment or simply for holiday or retirement, you need to eliminate as much risk as possible. You certainly do not want to become a statistic on the `miss-sold` list. ( see our article `Fancy a cheap 2 day trip to Spain?` )

Top Tips for buying property in Spain

Research is king. It has to be varied, appropriate, comprehensive and from an unbiassed or independent source.

Spread the net – over as much varied information as possible.

Too often now, people rely exclusively on the internet for information. This is an extremely useful tool, but there are other just as important sources of very useful information. The more varied the source of information, the more varied the opinions will be and from this you will get the full picture - not just what somebody wants to tell you in order to make a sale.

This may be stating the obvious, but consider all of the following mediums –

Take information from all of the above and create your own appraisal.

Consider this – you could quite easily find what you consider to be an excellent opportunity, just right for you, on the internet and then bump into somebody at the supermarket that tells you exactly the opposite! The reason – the internet agent has not been there, the person at the supermarket owns there. I have personally proved this point time and time again by `mystery shopping` certain agents and exhibitions.

Although you should try and enjoy the process of your Spanish property acquisition ( after all, you have worked hard to get to this position ) this is not a game. Relocating, investing or acquiring a property for holiday use, just like in the UK, requires the help of professionals. The World of Spain offer a very unique, personal & comprehensive service with a team extending from the UK and through Spain - we know what we are talking about. Please refer to the `about us` section for more information regarding our services and take a look at our recent acquisitions and case studies to see just what we do & how we do it.

If for whatever reason you choose not to take advantage of our free service, at least take note of the above information and then take 4 or 5 research trips - not with a company, but of your own accord. Then you will be able to make an informed decision.

WARNING - There is no such thing as a free meal ! The cheap inspection trips are heavily subsidised for one reason and one reason only - not because you are wonderful people, but because the sales people that await you in Spain are extremely good at there job and know every twist, turn & trick in the book - most people will return to the UK having been committed to a purchase. This limited and very blinkered glimpse of Spain is not the best way to go about investing tens or even hundreds of thousands of pounds. Please see our article `Fancy a cheap 2 day trip to Spain?`.