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Use the services of a reputable local lawyer. Only a lawyer will know all the checks that should be made before parting with any money. Unless you speak fluent Spanish, always have documents translated for you into English by someone you can trust. It is worth the expense of having lengthy documents translated, e.g. Title Deeds, so that you understand fully what the original documents say and mean.
Ask your lawyer to confirm to you into writing that there is no mortgage or other charge or encumbrance registered on the property you are intending to buy, that it is registered in the name of the seller, and that there are no outstanding local taxes or capital gains tax ('PlusValia).
Make sure that all the community payments are up to date. In Spain, blocks of flats and houses form communities and pay a monthly amount which covers communal expenses, e.g. water bills, electricity in communal areas and sometimes central heating. If you buy a property which has these payments outstanding, you will be liable for them as the new owner.
Remember that you will have to use the services of a Public Notary. The Notary is not acting for you, and will not give advice. He/she is an official of the State whose job is to ensure that all transactions are in the proper form.
Remember that the parties to a sale and purchase have to appear in person before the Notary at the same time. If they do not want to appear in person, they can give Power of Attorney (in the Spanish form) to their Lawyer (or anyone else) to represent them.
Obtain an estimate of legal fees and disbursements including the fees of the Notary and the Property Registry and for the Power of Attorney, and confirm who is responsible for payment of the Notary's fees and any capital gains tax which may arise from the sale
Using an estate agent. They will be able to show you a selection of properties in the area of your choice, and have an idea of the value of the property of your choice.
When purchasing, make sure that the owner is who he say he is, and has the legal right to sell the property. To find out who is the own, you can check by looking at the property register.
Spain protects long term tenants, so check that there are no tenants, in Spain the laws are not the same as the UK and it can be difficult to ask the tenants to leave.
Check out the area especially if you are buying in what appears to be open land, as open land does not always mean open space, construction could start at any time.
Make sure the measurements you have are the correct measurements especially with regards to boundaries, many a row have been over boundaries and size.
Check that all building permits are in order water, electricity.
In the past many have been caught up in taking over a property with a mortgage, loans or outstanding debts on a property. Make sure property is clear of debt, as in Spain the owner does not take the debt, it stays with the property. Seek a lawyer to check and obtain a “nota simple” so that no debt exists.
DON'T
Think you can buy a property without taking professional advice. If you do you could end up with neither property nor money.
Part with any money unless you are absolutely sure what you are getting for it and have received professional confirmation that everything is in order.
Rush into what appears to be a bargain where you are offered considerable savings if you act quickly
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