Buying a property whilst on your summer holiday – be fully prepared in 5 steps
Relaxing walks on the beach, balmy summer evenings on the terrace and views across the turquoise-blue sea:
For many people, a summer holiday is the moment when a vague idea becomes a concrete dream. Why not lay the foundations for your own holiday home or an investment property right here?
To ensure that holiday inspiration doesn’t turn into a hasty, spontaneous purchase, you need the right strategy.
Here at FALC Real Estate, we’ll show you in five steps how to find your dream holiday home in a relaxed, secure and well-prepared manner – including exclusive insider tips from our local experts.
Step 1: Set your budget – before you even start packing your suitcases
Before you fall in love with a property listing, you should realistically assess your financial situation. Depending on the country or region, the purchase price will be accompanied by additional costs for the solicitor, land registry fees, taxes and any estate agent’s fees.
Insider tip from FALC: Obtain a provisional confirmation of financing from your bank or an independent adviser before you set off. When it comes to attractive properties in sought-after holiday regions, speed is often of the essence – having a confirmation to hand gives you a real edge over other prospective buyers.
Step 2: Check out the location and micro-location whilst on holiday
A place feels very different in July under bright sunshine than it does in chilly November. Make the most of your holiday to check out the local facilities and atmosphere.
How noisy is it around the property in the evenings?
How easy is it to get to local amenities, doctors and the airport?
How does the region fare outside the peak season?
Insider tip from FALC: Hire a car for a few days and drive around the area at different times of day. Our local estate agents know the typical summer and winter conditions there inside out and will give you honest advice on which locations are set to increase in value in the long term.
Step 3: Check the documentation and legal framework
Buying a property – particularly abroad – is subject to its own legal and tax rules. In countries such as Spain, for example, you will need a tax identification number (N.I.E.) and a local bank account before the appointment with the notary.
Is the title in the land register free of encumbrances?
Is there a valid planning permission or a certificate of occupancy?
Can the property be let out as holiday accommodation?
Insider tip from FALC: Don’t rely on translation tools. At FALC Real Estate, we check all documents for completeness and legal compliance and guide you through the entire process with multilingual contacts.
Step 4: The viewing – Keep a cool head despite the holiday buzz
Summer, sunshine and relaxation can tempt you to overlook flaws. During the viewing, don’t just focus on the magnificent view, but also on the property’s structure and the finer details: build quality, insulation, the condition of the pipework and damp-proofing.
Insider tip from FALC: Take plenty of photos and videos of the details during the viewing (window frames, meter boxes, sanitary facilities). Sleep on it for a night before making an offer. An experienced estate agent will protect you from impulse buys and negotiate the purchase price based on a professional market value analysis.
Step 5: Having the right partner by your side
Buying a holiday home doesn’t have to be stressful if you have local experts who speak the language and know the regional conditions inside out.
Insider tip from FALC: Our full-service support doesn’t end when we hand over the keys. Whether it’s recommendations for reliable tradespeople, key management or assistance with letting – a good network of estate agents will continue to take the pressure off you even after the purchase.
Conclusion: Make sure you’re on the right track – with experts by your side
Buying a property whilst on your summer holiday can mark the start of a wonderful new chapter in your life. Taking a structured approach to factors such as financing, location and legal structure will save you time, stress and money.
Are you planning your next holiday and have already set your sights on a particular region?
Get in touch with us before you set off! The team at FALC Real Estate will arrange suitable viewings for you, so that you can enjoy your holiday whilst finding your dream property at your leisure.