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 we deal with frequently in the office is helping people prepare for a property search.

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

– Your maximum budget including purchase costs and taxes.

– How many bedrooms you need.

– Do you want to be in a community (apartment) or in a villa (independent housing)?

– What facilities do you need to have nearby? A hospital, an international school or an expatriate community that speaks your language?

– Do you have to travel frequently and need an airport within easy reach?

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

Location, location, location on the Costa del Sol

We know that this has become a cliché in the real estate sector, but it is unavoidable. For example, if you plan to rent your property in Spain at any time of the year, is the apartment or villa you are thinking of buying in an area popular with tourists? Is it close to the main tourist activities and is it suitable for families? If you choose the wrong location, you may have difficulty maximizing your rental potential.

Family properties on the Costa del Sol

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

Stores and services

You may not mind driving 15 minutes or more every time you need something from a store or supermarket. However, if you want to have stores within reasonable walking distance, then this is something to consider in your property search. The Costa del Sol is built in such a way that walking to bars, restaurants and cafes is not always possible, so limit yourself to areas where it is.

Community expenses and other bills

When you buy a property in a community, you are expected to pay annual community fees, although they are often paid monthly. Check the costs before making a decision, as they vary widely and can be surprisingly high in some developments. Similarly, sellers must provide information on the annual property taxes: the IBI, which is like the UK council tax, and the tax for garbage collection.

Buying a property on the Costa del Sol

Consider all the factors on our list, and add your own, before starting your property search. As your agent, he helps us to list suitable properties and keeps everyone from seeing homes that don’t fit the lifestyle you want to have.

Contact us to help you find the property on the Costa del Sol that best suits your needs.