Property Inspection Visits to Ibiza

When you think you are ready to buy it is usual to arrange for an inspection visit, so that you can view the area, developments and properties which are of interest.

You should look upon the inspection visit very much as a business trip, you will need to keep focused on the business of looking for the property and location that most closely fits your needs.

Most reputable agents will help in the arrangements for your trip, they will be able to organise flights and accommodation and will meet you at the airport. Whilst they should accompany you, they should give you time and space on your own so that you can think and talk in private about what you have seen.

Check with you agent in advance. Are they expecting you to spend all your time with them, including evenings and meals? Be very wary of this type of sales tactic. You will need time to think things through on your own.

There is no point on going on an inspection visit if you are not in a position to buy. Property moves very quickly in Spain and it is extremely unlikely that anything you see on this trip will be available if you visit again in a few months time. It’s important, therefore, to do your homework first, discuss and arrange finances and be prepared to move if you find the right property.

Before Going On An Inspection Trip

Many Brits have found their dream house in Ibiza at a moderate price by taking part in an inspection trip organised by sales organisations abroad. Some have found their Shangri-La by going south on their own and comparing urbanisations and offers. Some buyers have been defrauded by foreign sales agents organising their trip, others have fallen into the hands of sharks operating in Ibiza. So, both methods can be used, but great care should be taken in any event.

Before going on an inspection trip, you should ask for a copy of the contract or reservation document they eventually will ask you to sign. It should be in a language you fully understand, the actual contract in Spanish with a translation in your language. Make sure that the original and any translation corresponds. Always have any paper to be signed, vetted by a lawyer or by FIPE.

If you want to use a lawyer for the transaction, it is important that you are able to communicate with him in a language you dominate. On the other side the lawyer must be conversant with Spanish legislation and the real estate scene in Ibiza.

If You Go On An Inspection Trip

If you go on an inspection trip arranged by a foreign sales organisation, you should first investigate their credentials: have they been in business for a long time; are they properly registered; are the directors reputable persons and can they give references to previous buyers?

Secondly, you should ask them for documents showing their investigation of the properties and promoters they recommend: What is the name of the promoting company; their share capital; their registration in the Spanish company-register and the names of their directors?

If You Go It Alone

You must investigate in the same way if you go it alone. Do not sign any papers or part with any money before you have all the facts at hand. Also, before signing when you think that all the facts are on the table, take legal advice. A legally trained mind or a person with knowledge about the local scene can detect problems you have overlooked.

Real Estate Agents In Ibiza

Are you protected if you use a registered real estate agent in Ibiza? Some of them are very correct and conscientious; others are more interested in a fast sale than in happy clients. Always ask around in the area where you want to buy to find the "good apples". Foreign owners will know them, as they have also been buyers.