The Spanish Property Doctor

The Spanish Property Doctor Column in The Sunday Times, by Mark Stucklin

+ Take the pain out of buying in Spain - 1st May 2005
How to avoid some of the major problems you encounter when buying Spanish property off-plan

+ Is your brief on the case? - 29th May 2005
When Spanish property deals go sour, British buyers often say they received poor legal advice. Our expert gives you the lowdown on how to find a good lawyer.

+ Taken for a rural ride - 3rd July 2005
Outlines the pitfalls to avoid en route to securing a Spanish country property - from inept British agents to squabbles over deeds.

+ Clever tactics keep you in full control - 7th August 2005
They have their own way of conducting property transactions in Spain -and it all hinges on the notary. Understand how the system works to keep out of trouble.

+ Your best bet: surf or turf? - 11th September 2005
Is a sea view a must? Or do you want peace, quiet and acres of space? MARK STUCKLIN weighs the pros and cons of coastal living against those of an inland idyll.

+ Beware of Señor 7.5 per cent - 16th October 2005
The cost of selling a home in Spain could be unexpectedly high - and buyers can unwittingly contribute to estate agents' commissions, too. So check you're not signing up for hefty fees.

+ Distressed sales on the Costas - 20th November 2005
It's a buyers' market on the Costas - with a glut of off-plan investors desperate to sell before having to complete. Prices are falling in some areas, so is it time to go bargain-hunting?

+ Sleeping soundly on the Costas - 26th February 2006
As reports of burglars using knock-out gas on sleeping homeowners abound, security steps are essential to combat burglaries on the coast.

+ How to nail down your developer - 26th March 2006
Buy off-plan and you risk losing your money, unless the right safeguards are in place : Bank Guarantees.

+ The safe way to avoid the property sharks in Spain - 14 May 2006
Should you buy Spanish property in your own name or through a company?

+ More sums than sun for Costa rentals - 11 June 2006
You can still buy a holiday home that pays for itself on Spain’s most popular coast ... but not without a slog

+ Take the sting out of the bills - 16 July 2006
Taxes and fees are inevitable when you buy in Spain, but do your homework and you can avoid the hidden costs that lurk at every turn.

+ A chance to snap up a bargain - 17 September 2006
With properties selling for 30% less than their asking price, it’s a boom time for buyers on the Costa del Sol

+ Licence to rip you off - 29 October 2006
Give a lawyer unlimited power over your affairs and you could be heading for serious trouble

+ Still plenty to gain from a home in Spain - 21 January 2007
With tax rates now reduced, a home in Spain makes a shrewd investment, as long as you do your homework.

+ Conmen on the Costas
Beware the unscrupulous estate agencies that are letting property on the sly and stealing the proceeds.

+ Who will be feeling the pain in Spain?
Reports of the market’s demise are exaggerated – but some British investors could still lose out.

+ Beware of buyers who flash the cash
A new breed of Costa con man is preying on gullible sellers, stealing money and even houses

+ The pain in Spain is a law that isn’t plain
Confusion reigns over whether you need a licence to let your property – make sure you get good advice

+ Keep your eye on the ball
A high-profile Spanish developer has run out of cash – but what does that mean for Britons who have invested?

+ Too close for comfort - demolishing houses in Spain built too close to the beach
Is the wrecking ball about to smash into swathes of properties built too near the beach?

+ Where to look for Spanish property bargains
With the Spanish property market in turmoil, there are good deals on the costas and inland, but do your research

+ Spanish property: why it's crunch time on the Costa del Sol
Falling prices, rising mortgage costs, lower rental yields – is it time to say hasta la vista to the holiday home in Spain?