Essential Questions to Ask Before Buying a Property

Purchasing a property is a significant decision, and knowing what questions to ask is crucial. From understanding its history to evaluating its condition and location, we discuss the key considerations that will help you make an informed choice before investing in property in Marbella, Benahavís, Estepona, or anywhere really.

Purchasing a property is a significant investment, so asking the right questions early can save you much time and effort. To ensure you have all the information you need, we’ve outlined the most critical queries to help you understand the property’s condition, the motivations behind the sale, and the surrounding area. These insights will help you negotiate effectively and avoid any costly mistakes.

1. Why is the vendor selling?

Understanding the seller’s motivation can offer insight into their flexibility on price or timing. If the vendor needs to sell quickly for work or other reasons, they may be more open to negotiation. On the other hand, long-term owners may have cared for the property but could be less inclined to make a quick sale.

2. How Long Has the Property Been on the Market?

A property listed for an extended period may indicate issues such as overpricing or hidden complications. Conversely, a short market duration with a competitive price might suggest a competitive environment where swift decisions may be necessary. Understanding the timeline can provide helpful leverage in price negotiations.

3. What Offers Have Been Made on the Property?

Knowing whether the property has attracted previous offers and the vendor’s response, or if there is current interest, can give you a clearer picture of the competition. This information allows you to tailor your approach accordingly.

4. What is the Condition of the Roof, Electricity, Pipes, Swimming Pool and Boiler?

While you usually think to ask about air conditioning and heating systems and whether they are centrally or individually run, you may sometimes not think to ask the age and condition. Major home repairs can be expensive, particularly regarding roofs, electricity, central climate control, plumbing, electricity, and heating systems. Similarly, swimming pool upgrades can be very costly.  So it can be wise to ask about the age and condition of these things as replacements or repairs could run into thousands of euros. Knowing this in advance allows you to budget for future maintenance or factor these costs into your offer.

5. Are There Any Ongoing or Pending Legal Issues?

Checking for any legal disputes involving the property is essential. Unresolved boundary issues, planning permission or outstanding problems could delay your purchase or affect the property’s resale value. Always request full disclosure on any legal matters before making an offer.

6. What is the Local Area Like?

From amenities to neighbours, getting a sense of the local area is crucial to ensuring the property fits your lifestyle. Speak to your estate agent about the neighbourhood’s character, nearby schools, restaurants, parks and transport links, and local commercial centres and supermarkets to see where you will likely run daily errands. Take note of the neighbours and feel of surrounding houses, and ask questions if you can speak to someone who lives in the street about who lives and owns in the surrounding area. Understanding these details will affect your day-to-day life, the long-term value of your investment and ease of resale.

Families will be particularly be interested in local parks, schools and extracurricular activities such as sporting teams or classes, as well as ease of access to public transport, which is also important if you plan to commute to work. Research nearby sporting clubs, green areas, transport networks and major roads to ensure the property is conveniently located for your needs. Even if you do not plan to use them, these kind of amenities can make your home more appealing to future buyers.

7. Are There Any Upcoming Developments in the Area?

Future developments can significantly impact property values—both positively and negatively. While new amenities like schools, parks and shops might boost appeal, large-scale construction projects could lead to noise or congestion, and zoning changes or proposed roads could affect the neighbourhood in the long term. Research any planned developments in the area to gauge how they might affect your future enjoyment or value of the property.

8. What is Included in the Sale?

Understanding what is included in the sale can help avoid misunderstandings on settling or moving day. Clarify whether fittings like kitchen appliances, light fixtures, and furnishings are part of the deal. If the home is partially furnished, ask for an itemised list of what will stay so you can factor in any additional purchases you may need to make when furnishing your new property, or negotiate any particular items you would like to keep.

9. Are There Any Environmental Concerns?

Check whether the property is in a flood-prone area or near any potential sources of pollution. These factors could impact your quality of life and affect insurance premiums and resale potential.  Especially in less developed areas, it is wise to investigate environmental risks before committing to a purchase.

10. How is the Parking and Traffic Situation?

Parking availability and traffic congestion vary widely depending on the location, especially in urban areas and peak times. Make sure to ask whether the property has a private parking space and how many and enquire about street parking availability and restrictions in the area.  Here in Marbella, beachside areas can get very congested in the summer months, so you should also consider whether you have a Vado Permanente to prevent people from parking in front of your home and blocking your access. Sometimes, resident parking permits may be required to park on streets in urban areas.

Similarly, given that Marbella’s main distributor road is a crucial passageway to the whole area, your options of A7 access in both directions, how congested that specific exit/entry gets at peak times, and access to the toll road are all worth considering when purchasing a property. It is wise to check the access and exit points in both directions to see how the drive feels and enquire about traffic.

Final Thoughts

Buying a property is a significant financial decision, so gathering as much information as possible is essential. By asking these key questions, you’ll ensure you are well-prepared to negotiate the best deal and avoid any unpleasant surprises later. For more local insights, check out our local area guides for specific area information and our buyer’s guide, among other resources, on the luxury property market in Marbella.

It’s always wise to consult with a reliable real estate professional to help you navigate the process. This is particularly true in dynamic or complex real estate markets like those of Marbella, Benahavís or Estepona, or if you are purchasing in a foreign country that may have intricacies such as Spain. We would love to hear from you if you are considering buying properties in these popular areas on the Costa del Sol, as our committed team of seasonal professionals can find you the right property and navigate you every step of the way.