Greensleeves

Hi all, we are new members, we are due to visit the Costa Blanca South area, to view property, areas etc, as we don't really know the region apart from Internet searching, can anyone recommend a reliable English speaking estate agent who could show us any available properties.
Thanks.

mikelincs

It really depends on the area of the CBS, it's a very big area. Best idea is to pick an area, look on line, then ask the agent to see it. Remember that, unlike the UK, many properties will be for sale with several agents, and in many cases at differing prices, so look around the internet, don't go on an agent sponsored trip, they will only show you the properties they want to get rid of. Make sure that, if the property is on an urbanisation, that there are a lot of inhabited properties, being only one of a few houses inhabited might well mean there is a lack of infrastructure maintenance as there will be fewer places paying. Do not, if you do find a place, use the solicitor recommended by the agent, get independent advice from a different solicitor.

Greensleeves

Thanks Mikelincs, much appreciated.

101wvd

We did as suggested. We first looked at A Place in the Sun website. They list various homes in different places with different agents. We chose an agent who we spoke with extensively and told him we would not be pestered and wanted to travel independently. We said if the Agent in Spain was pushy we would walk away. Since then the actual Agent in Spain who is also English has contacted us and will be picking us up from a villa we have hired and showing us around on 3/4th of July. We have then got a different agent who will be showing us around 6/7 July. We will not rush into buying (we normally are instant decision type people) as we want to look at various areas down from Torrevieca to Mar Menor and we may well start off renting before we make a decision. There is also a lot of information on this site if you scroll down the various pages of posts made by different people who are looking or already in Spain. I can post about how we got on after our visit if you would like to hear about our experience. Good luck.

rspltd

"don't go on an agent sponsored trip, they will only show you the properties they want to get rid of"

Most agents seem to do this! You need to make sure that the agent is aware of your requirements otherwise you will find yourselves spending a day rejecting properties.

Greensleeves

Hi, thanks for the replies, some good pointers to consider, we first need to familiarise ourselves with areas, we realise the only way is to visit the places we feel could suit our needs, we will be over at the end of the month, we will have a look then.
Thank you.

mikelincs

I would say, always do this, spend about 6 months, especially the winter ones, beofre deciding the area is right. An area that seems OK on a weeks stay may feel totally different over 6 months.