Viewing Tips:

Bidders should arrange any viewings and or survey reports deemed necessary before making a bid which could commit them to a sale, whether buying property overseas, or buying property in the UK.  Viewings will be arranged by the buyer contacting the owners direct via the appropriate button on the chosen property on the On-line auction website.

Points to consider when viewing properties:

Please Note that some points are more applicable when buying property abroad as opposed to buying Property in the UK.

When viewing make sure you are clear as to exactly where the boundaries are relative to the deeds.

If the build size or plot size is different to the Deeds you need to be aware that any differences may not be legal or legally owned.  This is not always a problem, an extension to a detached property in it’s own grounds is probably a mere formality, but an extra level on a town house in a Spanish urbanisation may not be.

• Make notes of any work required so that you can calculate your costs.
• Check the proximity to local amenities you may require
• Enquire as to neighbours, permanent living, holiday homes, family type, any problems etc.
• Ensure you note all that is included in the price, especially expensive items and garden items like hot tubs etc.
• If a car or any other licensed items are included check that ownership is legal
• Please note that taxes may be charged by the government of that country when buying overseas.

When viewing your chosen properties for sale, should you feel that you would like to make an offer at that time, in an attempt to buy ahead of auction, the owner may be prepared to forego other bids on a one in the hand is better than 2 in the bush view.

Ask to see copies of documents

Again this varies according to the country you are buying property in.  When buying property in the UK there are now HIP packs, whereas when buying overseas properties, documents are more geared to ascertain legal ownership, Legal Building and that there are no debts against the property.

Searches are still required as with a normal property purchase on properties registered as "Standard Sale Completion, whereas Properties marked "Rapid Sale Completion" have already had searches conducted.

The main point is to use a Solicitor whether buying property in the UK or buying property overseas, whether buying through auction or conventional methods.

When buying property overseas, ask to see copies of the following:

• Proof  that all water, electricity, Local taxes and any urbanisation community charges are paid up to date.
• Passport to prove who is the person on the deeds.
• Copy of deeds, or in Spain, a copy of a nota simple which the owners solicitor can get for a very small cost.  This shows any changes since the writing of the deeds.

You do not need to worry about any of this if you speak with your solicitor first. 

Name and contact details of your solicitors should be passed to the owners when you make a bid, and you should request their solicitor contact details.  Bids without solicitor details will not be accepted.