Finding the Perfect Property for Sale on the Costa del Sol

At Aqua Estates we like to help our clients approach the buying process in Spain by providing them with as much information as possible. One of the topics that we discuss frequently in the office is that of assisting people with preparing for a property search.

We always advise our clients to go through the following list and make decisions about each one of them before they even set foot on the Costa del Sol. So here is our checklist:

– Your maximum budget including buying costs and taxes.

– How many bedrooms you need.

– Do you want to be in a community (apartment) or a villa (detached living)?

– What facilities do you need to have near you? A hospital, international school, or expat community speaking your language?

– Do you need to travel frequently and need an airport within a short distance?

– Do you want the beach and golf, or countryside and golf, or are there other combinations that you definitely want?

Location, Location, Location in Costal del sol

We know that this has become a cliché in the property sector, but it is inescapable. For example, if you plan to rent your Spanish property out during any part of the year, is the apartment or villa you are considering buying in an area that is popular with tourists? Is it within easy reach of the main visitor activities, and is it family-friendly? Choose the wrong location and you may find that you struggle to maximise its rental potential.

Family properties in Costa del Sol

The same applies to families with children. It’s vital that families select a home within a reasonable distance of their preferred school or schools, and to the available leisure activities for a range of ages in the local vicinity. We’d also suggest that families look for locations with plenty of other families and children, rather than a residential area where most of the residents are retirees.

Shops and amenities

Perhaps you don’t mind driving for 15 minutes or more every time you need something from a shop or supermarket. However, if you wish to have shops within a reasonable walking distance, then that is something you must factor into your property search. The Costa del Sol is constructed in such a way that walking to bars, restaurants and cafes is not always possible; so stick to the areas where it is.

Community fees and other bills

When buying a property in a community, you will be expected to pay annual community fees, although these are often paid on a monthly basis. Do check the fees before making any decision, as they vary dramatically and can be surprisingly high in some urbanisations. Similarly, sellers must provide information about the annual property taxes: the IBI, which is like the UK’s council tax, and the tax for the rubbish collection.

Buying a property on the Costa del Sol

Please consider all the factors on our list, and add your own, before starting your property search. As your agent, it assists us in drawing up a shortlist of suitable properties and saves everyone from viewing homes that are not suited to the lifestyle you wish to have.

Please contact us for assistance with your search for the Costa del Sol property that ticks all your boxes.