How to plan a property viewing trip to Spain

Buying a property abroad takes careful preparation. Here are the key points to consider if you live outside Spain and are thinking about buying an apartment or a house there.

Start with a list of criteria

Before booking your tickets, set your total budget, property type, maximum distance from the beach, handover date and everyday living requirements. This will help you avoid spending the whole trip on viewings that do not match your needs.

Use these criteria to browse the new-build properties available.

Do not schedule too many viewings

It is worth viewing a few carefully selected properties and leaving time to compare their surroundings. A day of rushed appointments makes it harder to remember the differences. Assess every property using the same checklist: layout, orientation, noise, costs, access and legal status.

Explore the neighbourhood outside viewing hours

Check the distance to shops, healthcare facilities and transport. Take an evening walk to assess noise from local venues and road traffic. If you plan to visit in winter, ask about year-round services and how much sunlight the terrace receives.

Before travelling, explore the areas you are considering, too.

What should you ask during a viewing?

Does the price include parking and fittings? What are the community fees? When can the property be handed over? What documents will I receive before reserving? Are there any restrictions on renting it out? Note down the answers and confirm important agreements by email.

Leave time to decide

A viewing trip should help you rule out unsuitable locations, not pressure you into signing on the same day. Only sign a reservation agreement after checking its implications and the terms for getting your money back.

For information only: not legal or tax advice, or a guarantee of returns. Confirm the terms of your transaction with an independent professional.