As a contrast to the sleepy white-washed villages, Alicante is one of the fastest growing cities in Spain and also a sound option for anyone interested in property for sale in Costa Blanca. It has plenty of beautiful beaches, some of which are crowded during the height of the tourist season, but there are also isolated bays and quieter beaches if you want to escape the crowds.

The huge choice of property for sale in the Costa Blanca means that buying a second home in the area is a popular option to investor and holidaymaker alike. The mild and sunny weather and beautiful beaches attract many thousands of holidaymakers from all parts of the world. In reality, the potential purchaser is indeed spoilt for choice, whether buying for pleasure, leisure or investment.

When researching property for sale in the Costa Blanca, many buyers decide to purchase accommodation close to the coast. This is not surprising, given the hundreds of miles of coastline and the excellent choice of beaches, with fine golden sands, clear waters and abundant palm trees. Families are advised to choose sheltered inlets with shallow waters, as these will be safe for children.

It’s no wonder that so many people are tempted by property for sale in Costa Blanca. The sun shines here for most of the year and the area offers among the most extensive ranges of tourist amenities in the world. It boasts the best beaches in Spain and the mountains provide a beautiful and majestic backdrop for the province. There is a wide selection of property for sale in the Costa Blanca in all of the principal tourist destinations, as well as in the smaller and quieter towns and villages.

Costa Blanca’s major resort is Benidorm and the town has proved consistently popular for over forty years with holiday makers, retirees and “second homers”, as well as with investors looking for property for sale in the Costa Blanca. Seeing Benidorm now, with its skyscraper apartments and modern precincts, it is difficult to imagine that, prior to the 1960s, this brash and lively resort was only a fishing village. However, its crowds, noise and modern entertainments are not for everybody and, for those who want to get away from it all, there is much to see in the local area. Literally a few minutes by car, you can find yourself surrounded by mountains and valleys, in which are tucked away many picturesque small towns and villages.

If you are thinking of buying an Andalucian property in Spain, it pays to do some careful forward financial planning. The first thing to consider is how you are going to finance your purchase. For most buyers, this will entail taking out a mortgage. It is recommended that you arrange your mortgage finance “in principle” before agreeing to buy an Andalucian property in Spain, or before signing any contracts or paying a deposit. This will give you peace of mind and a specified amount of purchasing power. Arranging your mortgage in good time will also reduce the risk of you losing a property you really want and avoid having to getting a mortgage in a hurry which might not suit your particular financial circumstances.

A mortgage on an Andalucian property in Spain can be arranged through a broker in Spain (many advertise on the Internet) or directly through a Spanish bank. Mortgage facilities may also be available at some British banks, or you could remortgage in the UK and purchase your Andalucian property in Spain with cash.

If you intend to purchase an Andalucian property in Spain, you will need an NIE number (Foreign Identification Number/Numero de identificacion de extranjero), which is required for all fiscal and legal matters in Spain. Although not obligatory, it is strongly recommended that you use a qualified Solicitor when purchasing your Andalucian property in Spain. If your Spanish speaking skills are poor or non-existent, make sure your Solicitor can communicate in English. It is essential that independent checks are carried out on the title deeds and also to verify that there are no outstanding debts on the property as, under Spanish law, such debts would become yours once you have purchased the property.

When searching for an Andalucian property, you will probably purchase your property through an agent. In Spain, the price is normally determined by the seller and not the agent, who will add a commission on top of that price. You will often find the same property offered for sale at a different price by different agents, so it pays to shop around. Many Spanish agents do not speak English, which can create a language barrier for British buyers. However, it is now becoming more common to find local Spanish estate agents with English-speaking staff, especially in the more popular areas. Some UK based estate agents have also started offering Spanish property for sale.

It is also common to find foreign owned estate agents, who tend to focus on buyers from their own countries. Obviously there are no language barriers in this case, but deregulation now means that no qualifications are required to set up as an agent. Many ex-pats have set themselves up in the house buying business and unfortunately some of these agencies fall below expectations. Do not, however, be put off from buying an Andalucian property in Spain, as there are also many excellent and trustworthy estate agents offering a highly professional service. Just ensure you do your homework and ask for personal recommendations.