Whether it's a holiday home, a villa to retire to, or one of the many developments springing up in the land of tapas and flamenco, the canny homebuyer can be left sunning themselves smugly while less prepared Brits might be stuck with handful of worthless deeds and contracts when buying off plan in Spain, writes Patricia Curmi.

Luckily for Brits buying off plan, Spain is a country that has been a favoured overseas destination for decades and a stable infrastructure for purchasing property has evolved. Off plan properties, however, can seem a little more daunting to the uninitiated buyer. Justin Thompson, After-sales Director of Alanda Homes, which is currently selling luxury apartments in Marbella off plan, set for completion in 2008, says, "Buying off plan can be a really good investment and may also be cheaper in the long run.  However, there are a few potential factors which you should consider when you buy off plan. It may seem obvious, but it's worth taking the time to get to know the area in which you are interested in buying. Spend a holiday there and try to look at it with fresh eyes each time you visit. Talk to local agents and residents to get a feel for the property market and the area generally."

Thompson has seen first hand how people can feel differently about a development on paper and when they're actually standing on site. He believes focusing on off plan after-care and the concept of 'snagging', where buyers give feedback and the after-sales team can fix problems before the owner takes possession, means buyers aren't left high and dry after they sign the deed. He advises caution when choosing any professional service in Spain, saying, "Sometimes developers and agents will recommend a lawyer, but do be careful about this, as their recommendations may not always be in your best interests.  At Alanda we recommend at least four or five different lawyers so that our clients can choose for themselves. "Also, use a lawyer in Spain who has trained in Spanish law but speaks good English.  Even if you are buying off plan, you should always use a lawyer." It's also worth noting that agents can work in Spain without any licenses, so choose an established agent who is registered with a trade organisation and avoid anyone who offers only vague details and gives a mobile number instead of a company with an office base. 

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Read other articles on Spain:
Discovering property in inland Spain
Working and living in Spain
Spanish 'separation' to impact on property?

Article first published on 8 June 2006