Some people spend a long time looking for a property. Some are lucky enough to find a property and have the confidence to purchase on their first visit to Marbella. Others take their time and visit for several days, maybe three or four times, until they feel sure enough to make a final decision. 

What type of property are you looking for? And in which area of Marbella? Many potential purchasers think they are looking for one type and end up purchasing something totally different. Unless you are very clear about what you want, and are sure that it exists, look at different types of properties in different residential areas, with an open mind. Ask yourself what you really want and need? Doing this will help build up your knowledge of real estate values in this area. Every area in the world has its own market patterns, looking at different property will help you answer the basic question "What do I get for my money?" or " How much do I have to spend? " When you have answered this, you will certainly be able to make an offer with much more confidence. 

Choosing a reputable estate agent is certain to save time and trouble. There are many highly qualified estate agents in Marbella, and, as in any other area, there are the more opportunistic and less qualified ones as well. Open, sincere, communicative, professional and we are genuinely interested in helping you meet your needs.

ASCENSO PROPERTY GROUP MARBELLA wants to share with you our knowledge and experience in the property field; to help to explain the pros and cons of different areas and properties; to interpret your requirements and analyse your needs. We also assist you to negotiate the eventual purchase right through to completion.

7 POINTS OF ADVICE WHEN DECIDING TO BUY A PROPERTY

It is almost impossible to find exactly what you want, and if you do, it is not likely that your spouse will agree with you 100%! Finding a property with which you can both be happy will usually mean a compromise. Remember, the "perfect property" seldom exists - even when you build one yourself.

If you want to buy in a new or not fully built area, remember that empty parcels will one day be built upon, you could lose the view that made you choose that particular plot in the first place.

Be very careful when buying outside of a planned estate, or urbanisation. Anything might be built or installed around your property, and you should have enough land to protect you.

If you are buying an unfinished property, the developer is legally required to provide an insurance policy, or bank guarantee, to protect your payments in the event of the work not being completed. Developers must also provide building specifications, detailed plans and copies of proof of ownership deeds as well as planning permission. An experienced conveyancing lawyer will anticipate these contingencies when drawing up the purchase contract.

Unless you are absolutely sure your children and grandchildren will visit you; it is generally a big mistake to purchase a property with their use as the major consideration. Very quickly, "friends" get to know that you have a property in Marbella to invite themselves for a free holiday. Put your own use, taste and objectives first.

Obviously, a seller must be offering a property free of liens and encumbrances, and be up to date in the payment of all rates, community fees, electricity, water and any other normal running expenses of the property, up to the date of completion. Your agent and lawyer will ensure this.

To arrive at a market value by taking into consideration strictly a price per square meter risks is to over simplify the process of valuation. Property values are analysed in terms of area, views, quality of materials, year of construction as well as the facilities and services offered by the complex or urbanisation in question and, more than anything else, comparative recent sales of similar properties.

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