Granada4Sale

Your guide to buying property in Granada, Andalucia, Spain

Information from a local estate agent in Granada province

• Do plenty of research on the best type of area, and property, for you. Decide which are the most important aspects, eg the convenience of shops and jobs in a town, or the solitude and quiet of a country house.
• Visit your chosen area several times and ensure you know about the availability of conveniences such as shops, banks, public transport, etc.
• Think about renting a house in your chosen area, before buying, in order to see the area at all times of day and night, and in different seasons.
• Look at as many estate agents' listings, and view as many houses, as possible, to gain a clearer idea of what you will get for your money.
• Think carefully before putting down a deposit on a property, and make sure you are absolutely certain that this is the house for you, as if you then change your mind you will lose your deposit.
• Ensure you clearly understand everything you sign, and use a solicitor to protect yourself. They will also be able to check any future plans for your chosen area that may affect your decision, eg a new motorway nearby.
• Think about having a survey done on your chosen house. Many people don't bother or think it is a waste of money, but it is worth it for peace of mind that the house isn't unsafe or about to fall down, or requires expensive work done to it.

Your guide to selling property in Granada, Andalucia, Spain

Information from a local estate agent in Granada province

• Ask a realistic price for your property. Compare the prices of other similar homes in your area, use an estate agent to provide a free appraisal of your home, or use a professional valuer (a tasador).
• Decide if it might be worthwhile to include the furnishings in your home, in the sale of the property. This will obviously be affected by your future plans, ie if moving to another country it may be more cost-effective to sell your furniture than to pay for transportation.
• Present your home in the best way possible. Ensure it is clean and tidy at all times in readiness for a viewing, and clutter is hidden. If there is a garden ensure it is well-kept and tidy. Make sure that all little jobs around the house are completed, such as the shower curtain fixed properly, cupboard handles on securely, etc.
• Include little touches, like fresh flowers or new cushions, to make your home more appealing. If your home has too much individuality it may put off some buyers, so consider repainting it in more neutral shades.
• If your home requires fairly major work doing to it, think about getting a few quotations for the work to provide the buyer with more information and to maybe reduce their doubts, and to show that you have knocked the price for this work off the sale price.
• Think about the most effective method to advertise your home, eg if it would more appeal to Spanish people then advertise in the Spanish press, but if it would mainly appeal to foreign buyers as a holiday home, then advertise on the internet to target these people.
• Make sure you clearly understand all contracts that you sign, including the estate agents' that you may use, as well as when you have agreed a sale, and consider using a solicitor in order to protect yourself.