Rule 1 & 2... Don't make assumptions and don't pass over small details.

1. There is trouble afoot if you don't familiarize yourself with the rules and regulations of buying a property in Spain. The process is similar to that in the UK but the differences that do exist are big and important.

2. Firstly be aware that you can expect to pay around 10,000 to 12,000 Euros (Approx £7,000 - £8,000) for fees on completion of a house sale. In the UK it maybe nearer £5,000.

3. When you have agreed a price and your offer is accepted; in Spain it is standard practice to pay a 10% deposit.

4. Be aware however that this deposit is non-refundable. Don't go changing your mind otherwise the seller keeps the deposit. This may sound harsh, but it is meant to protect the seller, as no doubt you'll become a seller in the future.

5. Be aware also that you will need to convert your English money into 'euros'. It would appear that most English banking systems want to charge for this conversion. Sometimes in the UK, although we've found it to be rare, some institutions do this for free. Here in Spain it is common practice to do it for free, they earn money from the interest as they hold onto the funds for a couple of days as the currency is changed.

6. Although generally speaking the 'cost' of living is a third down on the UK, certain aspects remain at the UK level. Furniture being one of those aspects; cars, car accessories, electrical and digital equipment. We mention furniture as you may choose to plan your furnishings in advance. If you're moving to Spain to live then furnishings are expensive on a Spanish income. (Ikea... have found their way to Spain, but you may have to travel an hour to find one.

7. This may sound obvious but it is worth mentioning as a reminder. Coastal Properties are generally 30% higher than 5 miles inland. This % can increase to 50% in some areas. Go 20 miles in land and you could spend 60 - 70% less. Although it maybe worth mentioning that in Spain a 5 mile drive could take 20 minutes and a 20 mile drive could take an hour.

8. Planning laws in Spain are significantly different; and can vary from province to province. There may be ownership restrictions, these may not hinder your purchase but could have a big effect when you could come to sell.

9. Try to get a copy of any document translated into English for your own observation. This may cost you money, but could save a headache later on in the proceedings. Small print misunderstood in any document that wasn't translated could mean you want to back out of a sale; in turn losing your deposit.

10. Estate Agents are generally sound and reliable... But don't make an assumption that they're credible. Watch their service! If they're ringing you back in ten minutes and don't do it they're losing their credibility. Ask for testimonials of their professionalism and reliability. Don't entrust them with any money until you're confident with their service.

11. Before you view any property or develop an interest in one over the internet, ask the agent to make sure it has an Escritura (in English - making sure it has the 'deeds').

12. If you are struggling to make a decision about which property you want, or cannot find a property that fits your requirements, consider renting for six months. By renting for a short period you'll find the pressure is off making a decision quick and it will allow you to get a better feeling of location and price.

13. The price of Spanish Property is very attractive at the moment, but that doesn't make the decision making any easier. This now encourages wider choice, varying prices and different degrees of value. Be prepared to work harder in your search.

14. Give your Estate Agent enough information to search for the property you require. Do you a school nearby? Do you want a sea view? Do you want an infrastructure to support a family or are you prepared to travel? Don't leave these requests until later.

15. Inland Spain can be colder and wetter, particularly during the winter. You'll need to weigh up the price advantage of buying inland. Spain can have as many as 320 days of sunshine per year, but the higher in altitude you get and the further you go inland alters this statistic.

16. Every payment should be recorded and a receipt and confirmation given. Don't allow any lax behaviour by any party to the purchase.

17. Know your market. Once you've seen a property that you're considering to purchase, do some research! Check that the property is fairly priced and compares with other properties in the area. It has been known that some agents are slower to adapt their prices to market changes.

18. If you are mortgaging in Spain... be aware of interest rates. Often; and it makes sense to plan in advance, you may have bought your property ahead of any intended permanent move. Whilst this makes sense for our stress levels it could backfire if we've strangled our budget with a high interest rate.

19. If you're buying 'off plan' - a new build, get your legal representative to ensure all possibilities are covered. He can ensure that you get compensation if the build is not completed on time. He can acquire other contractual benefits should the property not be completed to the original specification.

20. Giving your legal representative (lawyer / solicitor / notary) the 'power of attorney'. If you wish to help speed up the process of purchase it may be advisable to give your legal representative the power to deal with all the ensuing matters, without having to spend time writing to you for specific authorisation. This method is called giving 'power of attorney'.

21. Your legal representative will sign the purchase contract on your behalf if you're not in Spain and upon your next visit you can complete the signature and then the land registry can be notified and the deeds (escritura) can be transferred into your name.

22. Buying a house to live in Spain or Buying a car in Spain? House Purchases for living (not needed if it's a holiday home) and Car sales here need an NIE number to allow a purchase. This is a number similar to the UK's National Insurance number. Your legal representative can organise the preliminary forms but as at this moment you'll need to present them to the local tax office. There are ways around this but it is best to start as you mean to go on.

23. Dream home and dream location! That is everybody's intention but many current residents would admit their first move wasn't, upon reflection, their intended dream home as expected. Their urgency to buy a property hampers their clarity of mind. Please... Each property you look at will not be perfect, you will eventually make compromises. However the moment you consider a compromise is the moment you're giving the whole purchase scenario more thought.

24. Taxes! Spain has a wealth tax, and that applies to property owners. If you're buying a holiday home and then selling it while still having your main residence in the UK, the wealth tax isn't applicable. But it is not common practice in Spain to buy and sell houses, whilst being a resident, without paying the wealth tax. So it is important to get the purchase right the first time.

25. If you're buying a home in Spain and intend to find work, the Spanish operate a system of tax similar to that of the UK. They have a tax similar to VAT and an 'income tax'; for low earners the income tax come social security payment is higher. Plus property does have a local rating system, it isn't the same as the UK as varying taxes are paid separately.