Buying property abroad

[Im a BusyBee]

Not sure where to put this one....we have decided we are going to buy a house in either spain or south of france but know absolutely nothing about it, need to do alot of research i know but have no idea where to start. Is there anybody that has done this that can offer some adivice.

[SteveD]

You could have a look here:

http://www.channel4.com/community/help.html

In the "Homes" section of the forums, there is a section on buying abroad.

[mata hati]

Speaking for someone who has already done it - learn at least a bit of the language first! Don't go expecting everyone to speak english. A lot can be misunderstood in translation!

[fayelc123]

try www.placeinthesun.co.uk
they have some good advice

[Im a BusyBee]

Thanks its all useful. would like to ask mata hati a question please....how did you go about finding a property - on your own or through an agent??? Not sure of best way to go about it.

[ali_alic]

You could always try going with a company that does inspection trips. We are booked on an inspection trip to Florida next week. There was an article in the Sunday Mirrors "Home and Holiday" pullout which was all about inspection trips and they featured the company we are going with. My heart was in my mouth in case we'd done a "wrong un" then I read the article and they weren't slating IT's at all but recommending them as a good way to see before you buy. Try their website www.macanthonyrealty.com. They take details of what you are basically interested in then show you a selection whilst you are over there. They will also deal with all the paperwork, solicitors, mortgages etc if you want. We already have a lot of that in place but its nice to know its there if you need it!!

[ali_alic]

P.s - the IT's (Inspection Trips) aren't costly. We are going on wednesday and getting back on the monday, flights and accomodation are costing us �299 each and they drive you around in an airconditioned car to see the sights. Cool Huh? . I think its only something like �130 - �190 for Spain.

[thanks1]

I think you need to visit quite a few times to decide if you like a certain area,and go from there,we went on an inspection trip for three daysit was very cheap and we were well looked after,the problem was we were out of the hotel at 9am driven around all day looking at properties,but they were all off plan we were then taken and shown where that property would be built,some had great views but could not guarantee that more buildings could spoil that view,we would get back to the hotel at 6pm shower and out for dinner at 7pm get back to hotel at 11am .thay gave us no time to discuss things between ourselves needless to say we never bought,still looking but going back to the same place for the fourth time now to make sure we like the place,hope this will help you , but please dont rush it take your time.

[Im a BusyBee]

may i ask which company you go with? mayb its the same one preciously mentioned (i have been lookin at their web site) you must be impressed with them to be going back for a fourth time? Thanks everyone for your answers.

[thanks1]

we did nt go with a company again,we booked an appartment off the internet out of season may cost 200 for two weeks then we booked a flight to alicante, the owner of the apartment will arange for you to be picked up at the airport and give you a quick insite of the area, we go to torrivieja which is a nice place,not to tourist,plenty of english speaking estate agents they will show you propertise and make all arrangements if you wish to buy you will see a lot of appartments with se vende on arrange a viewing, all at your liesure we have done this four times and with no problems at all and looking forward to october,you can go back to your appartment and discuss what you have seen that day and still enjoy your stay