There are a number of things that people intending to buy a property in Spain should be aware of, it has been claimed.
Amanda Lamb, a television presenter for A Place in the Sun, explained that by keeping a few simple rules in mind, buying a property in Spain or elsewhere abroad should be relatively straightforward.
Her first piece of advice is to hire an independent lawyer – rather than choose the one recommended by a local developer or estate agent.
She added that once you have appointed a lawyer, you should not sign any paperwork unless they have seen it.
Ms Lamb stressed that you should consider why you want to buy a Spanish property and ensure you are making the purchase for the right reasons.
"You have to make sure you are buying it because you want to use it and enjoy it," she stated.
According to figures published ahead of the A Place in the Sun Live exhibition this week, property prices in Spain have fallen by up to 40 per cent since the beginning of the economic crisis.
