Anyone considering buying a property in Spain to live in needs to do plenty of research before committing to a purchase.

This is the opinion of journalist and author Anna Nicholas, who stressed the importance of visiting the country several times and planning each trip during a different season.

She noted that potential buyers need to look at all the amenities in the area, including healthcare facilities, transport links to the UK and schools - if they have children.

Ms Nicholas advised people to be cautious, particularly if they are considering new-build or off-plan properties.

"It is critical to find a sound and impartial lawyer with good English," she added.

Buyers may be drawn to new-build homes in Spain at present after the government announced that the tax payable on such a purchase would be halved from eight per cent to four per cent until the end of 2011.

The move is an attempt to encourage more foreign investors back into the market to help shift some of the thousands of empty dwellings in the country.
 

{loadposition user38} source: http://www.propertyshowrooms.com/spain/property/news/do-your-research-before-moving-spain_311739.html