There are an increasing number of buying clients around and we are finding that the clients are generally cash buyers. A couple of years ago, this was not the case as buyers were coming to Spain expecting stage payments for new build properties, or to obtain 80-90% mortgages on resale properties. Those days are long gone and this year we haven’t had one client looking for a mortgage – only cash buyers. This is good news for all (apart from the banks!).

When your house is on the market and you are trying to find that elusive buyer, remember there is a huge choice.

What makes yours stand out against the rest?
Take a critical view of your property. Take off those rose tinted specs and view your property through other people’s eyes. If you can’t do that, ask a friend to be honest and tell you what they see as they walk round your house. If they are a good friend, they will understand, be honest and point out what they see as they walk through your house or garden. Look at walls, paths, paintwork, damp areas; anything that may put viewers off. Price isn’t always the deciding point. A client may be viewing 4 or 5 of the same style house and while you cannot change the orientation of your property, you can make it look its best by just tidying up the garden, under-build, pool area and terracing. “Paint the picture”, ensure your terraces are clean, put out the sun loungers so people can imagine sitting round the pool on a sunny afternoon.

Five or six years ago, people “just came and bought”. The exchange rates were favorable and people wanted to invest their money in a property abroad. Things now are very different. Clients want value for money and they want a lot more information about the property they are thinking of buying. They want to know how the property was constructed, what the roof is made of, how old the property is. Be sure you know these things when people come round.

Something else we are experiencing is that potential buyers are asking to have independent surveys done – again something quite new, but in the UK quite normal. How many of us in the past had a survey carried out on the house we were going to buy? I’d like to bet, not even 1% of us (me included!). If you need an independent property report, then contact us.

Finally and most importantly, market your house at the right price. If you want 200,000€ for it, tell the agent. If you are “trying your luck” to obtain 200,000€, when really you would be happy with 150,000€, be honest. Agents aren’t mind readers and you could be missing out on potential viewers because the advertised price is out of their range. Always allow some negotiating room, as most buyers want “a bargain”, but don’t have an over-inflated price in your mind that you will never achieve. Be realistic and always tell your agent the real price that you would accept.