A property viewing is about much more than deciding whether you like the decoration or the view. It is your opportunity to understand how the home, its surroundings and its practical details could affect your everyday life.

This checklist will help you compare properties more consistently and identify questions for the appropriate independent professionals. It does not replace a structural survey, legal review or specialist advice.

Before the viewing: define your priorities

Write down your essential requirements and separate them from the features that would simply be nice to have. Consider location, property type, bedrooms, outdoor space, accessibility, parking and the maximum amount of renovation you would be comfortable undertaking.

If you are still comparing towns, read our Costa Blanca North area guide. You can also use our property map to understand where each home is situated.

Look carefully at the setting and access

Notice the condition of the access road, parking arrangements, gradients, steps and the distance to everyday services. Consider noise, neighbouring properties, privacy and how the orientation of the home may affect natural light at different times of day.

A quiet street during one viewing may feel different at another time. When a property is a serious possibility, consider returning to the area at a different hour before making a decision.

Review the visible condition of the property

Look for visible signs of damp, water staining, cracking or unfinished repairs. Check how doors and windows operate and ask about the age and maintenance of the roof, plumbing, electrical installation, heating, air conditioning, drainage, pool and any outbuildings.

Visible observations do not establish the cause or seriousness of a problem. If you have concerns, arrange an inspection by an appropriately qualified independent surveyor or technical professional before committing to the purchase.

Ask which documents are available

Ask whether the relevant property documents can be provided to your independent lawyer. Depending on the property and transaction, these may include current Land Registry information, cadastral information, the latest IBI receipt, an energy performance certificate, utility information and documents relating to occupation, planning permission, extensions or renovations where applicable.

Do not assume that the existence of one document proves that every part of the property is correctly registered or authorised. Your lawyer and any necessary technical professional should compare the available information and explain any discrepancy.

For apartments and shared communities

If the property forms part of a community of owners, ask about regular community fees, recent meeting minutes, community rules, current or planned major works and whether any special contributions are expected.

Your independent lawyer should verify the relevant certificates, debts and community position before you become legally committed.

Record and compare what you see

Take notes during or immediately after every viewing. With permission, photographs can help you remember the condition, room layout and details that may otherwise be forgotten after visiting several homes.

Use the same questions for every property. A simple comparison of location, condition, accessibility, ongoing costs and required work will help you make a calmer decision.

Before making an offer or paying a reservation

Make sure the proposed price, included items, timescale and any important conditions are recorded clearly in writing. Do not sign a reservation document or transfer money until you understand its terms and your independent lawyer has advised you on the specific transaction.

Every purchase is different. Our step-by-step guide to buying property in Spain explains the broader process, but your professional advisers must confirm what applies to your particular purchase.

Finding a home that truly suits you

As a family business, we want you to feel comfortable with both the property and its location. Our orientation tours help us understand your priorities, compare suitable areas and plan a sensible viewing route around the homes you have selected.

If you would like help preparing your property search, contact our family team and tell us what your dream home looks like.

This article provides general information only and is not legal, tax, financial or technical advice. Obtain independent professional advice appropriate to the property and transaction before signing documents or transferring money.