Thinking of buying a holiday home in Spain, any hints, tips, recommendations or advice?

[HolidayHomeinSpain]

I am a regular MNetter, I just want to keep my normal user name under wraps just now as this is something DH and I are only thinking about.

DH wants to buy a home abroad as a pension. We have never been to mainland Spain but it seems to make most sense in terms of cheap flights, reasonable priced property (at least what we have seen on the net) and nice climate.

As we have never been there I don't have a clue what areas we would be interested in, key points should be near to the beach, not too far from the airport, not too far from a big town (an hour's drive maybe) and good local amenities, somewhere that will rent well when we are not there, property not too expensive.

Where would you suggest and any hints/tips about buying in Spain.

Obviously if we go ahead with this a trip will be planned to have a look at the place, we won't buy anything without seeing it.

My Mum lives in Spain, about an hours drive from Malaga and the rental market in that area between Malaga and Nerja is completely saturated (according to my Mum who rents out her finca).
Also, my Mum purchased her land some time ago when it was much cheaper but property prices are not that cheap. Sorry to not be more positive.

My brother is buying a couple of properties in Bulagia as he believes this to be a better investment due to the country joining the EU soon.

Thanks WestCountryLass. Bulgaria is out for us as we feel the cheap flights are key, we live in Scotland and are pretty limited when it comes to cheap flights. Not too bothered about renting it every week but wouldn't mind a few weeks of the year to take the edge off the mortgage. Bearing in mind that DH is doing this instead of a pension, trying not to think of it too much as another mortgage because then it becomes scary!!!

Whereabouts can you fly cheaply?

My brot$ehr has also bought a house to live in near Jimena (other side of Malaga).

Good luck!

Javea, Denia or Moraira are all 1 hour's drive from Alicante. Lots of stuff for sale, but prices rising. Senorapostrophe or Lucycinco live in Spain.

Spain and France seem to be the easiest for the cheap flights, I like the idea of the French culture but prefer the Spanish weather and think the kids will prefer Spain. I would love Italy but we have tried to get cheap flights to Italy in the past and it is ver near impossible. Oh and Italy is probably too expensive.

Is Spain a vast country? I am wondering whether it would be feesable to buy inland a little, would help keep the cost down and perhaps the place will have a more cultural feel to it, rather than holiday resort but still be within an easy commute to the beach?

Also wondered whether we should be using an agent over here or just take the plunge and go over there and try to do it ourselves?

Have holiday-ed in Denia and Javea. Both lovely places. Oliva is more 'Spanish' IYSWIM, but a lovely place just north of Denia

Have a look what is on offer at holiday-rentals.com to get a feel for places in Spain.

Thanks Gingerbear, having a look at those areas just now, they look really nice, really don't want to end up in a Club 18-30 type place, the places you recommend look great.

You can always go to Benidorm for a day trip, cos it is close and

LOL!

bump for any Spanish MNetters about.

Properties are v expensive in the Javea area (I know because DP has got one for sale!) - I was shocked. I think inland is a better bet, and nicer as well (in terms of less "Brits Abroad" syndrome)