Buying a new or second home in a different country, with unfamiliar laws and customs can be a daunting experience. This is exactly where I can help. I am a UK Chartered Surveyor (MRICS) with over 20 years experience in all types of property. I have lived in Alcalali, in the Jalon Valley, for three years, and my family have owned property in Spain for over 25 years. I offer a range of services from a RICS Housebuyer Report on your new home to guiding you through the entire process of buying and owning a property in Spain, including:
• Finding your ideal home within a realistic budget.
• Providing a Housebuyer or Building Survey.*
• Negotiating the purchase and financing.
• Guidance through the legal process, coordinating your advisors (legal, financial etc) to ensure a swift transaction, thoroughly executed.
• Advice on alterations and improvements you may wish to make to your new property.
• Ongoing maintenance and management of your house, from gardening and pool cleaning to full time holiday letting.
”Your house is likely to be one of the most expensive purchases you ever make – you need to know as much as you can about the property before you buy it, so having a survey makes good sense – and could save you thousands of pounds in costly repair bills." The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
Which? and The Council of Mortgage Lenders advise you to get a survey before you buy, and not just to rely on a valuation.
"Using the services of an RICS surveyor offers real peace of mind because:
• They give you clear, impartial expert advice
• They act in your interest.
• They are tightly regulated and have strict codes of conduct to protect you – including proper insurance.
• RICS members have to update their skills and knowledge throughout their careers, so you can rely on their expertise.
• You are further protected by their complaints service.”
The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
*Housebuyer or Building Survey
A survey will highlight existing and potential defects of a building, giving you, the potential purchaser, a firm basis on which to make what could be one of the most important decisions of your life. If you have specific worries about the building you are going to buy, I would be happy to discus your concerns in detail. A survey can also be used to negotiate a realistic price for your new house, given the nature of any defects or problems and the likely cost of rectification, or of any improvements or alterations you may intend to make. The table below provides an ‘Easy Reference Chart’ of the difference between a Housebuyers Survey and a Building Survey and is taken from “Understanding property surveys” produced by the RICS which is available free of charge on request.
| Lender's Valuation | Housebuyers Report | Building Survey | |
| Type of Property | A valuation is needed by most mortgage lenders. | Conventional properties built within the last 150 years and in reasonable condition. | Suitable for all properties but particularly for: • Listed buildings • Older properties • Unusually constructed buildings • Renovated buildings or one you are planning to alter/renovate. |
| Type of Service | Limited inspection just for the lender. | A mid price mid range service using a standard form to focus on only urgent or major problems. | A detailed and comprehensive report that can be tailored to suit your needs. |
| Reason for Service | To work out the property’s value and to pinpoint major faults or factors that may affect your mortgage. | • To help you make an informed judgement on whether to buy the property. • To work out if the property is a reasonable price. • To be clear on the decision and actions taken before contracts are exchanged. |
• To provide a report detailing the condition and construction of the property. • To highlight faults and advise on the repairs needed. |
| Other features | None | Focuses on urgent and major problems. | Details the property’s construction, materials used and major and minor faults. |
| Valuation Included | Yes | Not normally, but available on request. | Not normally, but available on request. |
| Report Format | Lenders will generally use their own standard forms. |
Standard format as defined by RICS. | Detailed report in surveyor’s own format or one that suits you. |
Contact me:
Email: nicola@cloves.com
Tel: (0034) 966482449
Other contacts:
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors - In the UK
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Bar Restaurant La Torre - Business for sale in Alcalali
Centre Hipic Marina Alta - Riding Stables in Calpe
Pickwell Manor Farm - Holiday Cottages in Devon, UK
Costa Blanca Directory - The Local Business Directory and Website Search.