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Is the property location really that important?YES. Location is the most important factor in your final decision on property. You need to check that the property suits your specific needs, whether it be for work, education, nearness to shops, beaches or the airport etc. In the same way that location is key in the UK, the choice of area in Spain has a direct affect on the property price, future costs and the occupier's quality of life. Its always advisable to draw up a viewing checklist that you can mark and score each property you visit against. In the first instance it keeps you focussed on what is important to you during the viewing and in the second, the notes help you when reviewing the days experiences over dinner when you get back to hotel. Print out our viewing checklist (PDF) What to look for in quality propertyBuild quality is an obvious one, but check the materials used for durability and soundproofing. Properties old and new in Spain will suffer the extremes of summer heat and winter rainstorms. Damp proofing has proved a bit of an enigma to the Spanish and you'll see plenty of dark green patches on the walls of properties, where they haven't quite got it right yet. If you are looking at apartments and linked properties consider the effectiveness of the floors and walls in keeping the noise down. Look around the exterior All year round comfort requires adequate heating in the winter as well as air-con in the summer. Quality materials in any property, new or old, is generally a good sign ; check the flooring, internal and external woodwork, bathroom suites, plumbing, doors, cupboards, windows etc., especially in pre-owned properties. Tip: Plumbing; check that you can turn on all the taps at the same time without losing pressure and also that the water heating system works correctly. |