Spain is a great country in which to buy a holiday home or permanent residence. It has so much to offer: a great climate with year round sun in many regions, a cheap cost of living, beautiful scenery and a chance to escape the rat race and settle down to a more relaxed lifestyle.

But, where you do start when looking for a property?

Here are our top ten tips for how to find property in Spain:

1. Choose your area - Spain is a vast country and has twice the land area of the UK. It is important that you narrow down your search and focus on a particular area that fulfils your needs. Factors to think about when choosing your area are: budget, facilities, access – is it near to airports or main roads for travel? Climate, employment opportunities/business opportunities, whether it has an expat community and, if you need to rent it out, whether it is in a popular tourist area.
   
   
2. Visit your chosen area at different times of the year to see what it is like in different seasons.
   
   
3. Choose a type of property – There are many different types of property – apartments, townhouses, villas, fincas, cortijos, modern property, old property, ruins, rural property etc. Decide which is best for you and your circumstances.
   
   
4. Research – Find out everything you can from websites, expat forums, books, magazines etc. about moving to Spain, buying a property in Spain and living in Spain. When you visit the area, talk to other expats about the area and about the property buying process. You may pick up some valuable tips and recommendations.


5. Register with Estate Agents – There are many property search websites online and you will be able to contact estate agents through those. Use forums and discussion boards to read about people's experiences with estate agents in your chosen area and register with recommended estate agents. Estate agents are not governed or regulated in Spain so go on recommendation.
   
   
6. Choose professionals wisely – As soon as you have narrowed down you area, find an abogado. An abogado is a solicitor/lawyer who can help you with the house buying process by checking that the property is fully legal. You will have heard about illegal properties in Spain, so make sure you get good legal advice. Don't use the abogado recommended by the estate agent or builder, go on recommendation from other expats.
   
   
7. Budget – Budget carefully. Allow approximately 10% of the property cost for fees and taxes. Make a budget and stick to it. Buying a property and moving into it always costs more than you think.
   
   
8. Do not sign any contracts or part with any money unless your abogado has checked everything out. Deposits tend to be non-refundable so you need to be sure that you will definitely be buying the property.


9. Take your time – Don't rush your decisions. Take time to view lots of properties so that you can narrow down exactly what you want. Use a checklist when you view a property and take lots of photos so that you can really think it over later and compare it with others.
   
   
10. Consider renting – Renting in an area before you buy is a great idea. You can keep a base in your home country and spend time getting to know an area before you make any big decisions. You are also “on the ground” to view properties quickly.
    
    
11. Documentation – Make sure that you have all of the necessary documentation for the property purchase – NIE etc. Your abogado will be able to advise you on what you need.

Use these top tips on how to find property in Spain as a basis for your property search but make sure you also get professional advice.