What to look out for when viewing property for sale in Spain

Visiting the house that could become your new home is a key moment of the buying process. After seeing the house for the first time, you may imagine yourself living in it, or you may realise that it is not the ideal house for you.

Before you go on your first visit, you should have already considered whether the house fits your budget, needs and lifestyle. If you haven't already done so, this is one of the first steps you should take in the purchasing process. We often get carried away by first impressions and don't pay enough attention to some aspects, which could make it the wrong house for you. Being prepared and knowing what to look for when viewing a property for the first time is essential to making a well-informed decision. If you want to avoid surprises when you become a homeowner, have a close look at these seven aspects of the property:

1. Orientation and lighting

Many aspects of a house can be solved by carrying out a renovation, if you don’t like them. However, orientation is not one of them. Therefore, choosing the right orientation is crucial. Always ask for a floor plan of the property to ensure that the house you are buying has the orientation you are looking for.

The brightness and temperature of the house will depend on its orientation and will directly influence your household expenses. Choosing the right orientation will depend on your needs and the city you live in.

For example, north-facing properties tend to be cooler, as the sun doesn’t shine directly on them. This may be an advantage if you live in a warmer climate but may mean higher heating costs if you live in a colder city. Meanwhile, a south-facing flat in a hot climate will have higher heat accumulation and therefore may increase the cost of air conditioning.

2. The layout and size of the property

Photos of a house can help you get an idea of the size and layout. However, a visit will help you determine whether the layout of the house works for you and whether the size of each room suits your needs.

If this is not the case, you can consider renovating to change the layout or enlarge some rooms. In this case, it’s a good idea to ask about load-bearing walls or other aspects that may prevent you from carrying out the renovation you want.

3. Insulation and possible noise pollution

If you are visiting a house where you will have neighbours, it’s important to pay attention to the insulation of the walls. Bearing in mind that there are sounds that are inevitable, listen carefully to identify any noise that may be excessive.

If possible, we recommend visiting the house on different days, at different times and with the windows open and closed. This will allow you to determine outside noise due to traffic, schools, shops or bars in the area.

Much like orientation will influence the temperature of your home, insulation will also be a determining factor. Check the condition of the doors and windows, make sure that they close properly and that they have not deteriorated with time and humidity. This will help insulate your home not only from noise, but also from cold and heat.

4. The area in which the property is located

The neighbourhood in which the property is located is also one of the most important aspects when making a decision. Like with the house, it’s a good idea to visit the neighbourhood at different times of the day. Take the opportunity to walk around the area and see if it would meet all your day-to-day needs. Consider all aspects that are important to you, such as tranquillity, security, proximity to schools, health centres, supermarkets, restaurants, public transport, etc.

5. The condition of the building and facilities

Pay attention to the general condition of the property. Bear in mind that anything that doesn’t work or is in poor condition will be an extra expense for you. Here are some of the details you should pay attention to:

• Bathrooms: check for ventilation, mould and odours
• Kitchen: pay attention to ventilation and the condition of the hobs and tiles
• Taps: open the taps to check the water pressure
• Sockets and switches: ask if any plugs don’t work and test all light switches
• Doors: check door frames to see if they’re broken or cracked
• Windows: check that they close properly and look out for damp patches
• Fireplace or radiators: ask if they work or need repairing
• Air-conditioning outlets: check which rooms have air-conditioning outlets
• Floor: what type of floor does the property have and what condition is it in?
• Walls and built-in cabinets: check for mould, buckling or other defects due to wear and tear or dampness

6. Communal areas and the façade

It’s essential to remember that when we buy a house we aren’t only buying the inside of it, but also the outside. This is why, especially in the case of a second-hand property, it’s important to check the condition of the façade and the communal areas, if any. Bear in mind that if you visit properties that are only a few years old, the condition of the façade may reflect the quality of the materials. In addition, the poor condition of these areas may lead to possible leaks in the future.

During your visit, ask to be shown all the communal areas: lift, garage, storage rooms, terraces, swimming pool, etc.

7. Check if the features match the advertisement

After having analysed the above-mentioned aspects, think for a moment whether they match the description of the advertisement. Compare your notes with the information provided by the seller and pay attention to anything that isn’t accurate. If you decide to buy the house, these small differences could help you negotiate the selling price.

Now that you know many of the things to look out for when viewing a property, it's time to start arranging viewings. If you have already chosen your new home, we recommend reading the 10 documents you should apply for before you buy a home to make sure that the property isn’t only in good condition, but also fulfils all legal criteria.