How to Avoid Property Scams in Spain With 9 Checks
Learn how to avoid property scams in Spain with practical checks on agents, deposits, ownership, planning, contracts, and closing for a safe purchase.
20+
Years of experience
100’s
Successful Purchases
10
Your Team for Finding the Right Home
About us
Turn your Real Estate Dreams into Reality
Expert real estate advisors with a personal approach, guiding you every step of the way.”
Our Services
Purchase Road Map & Our Services
From your initial thoughts to closing we’re with you all the way.
1
Location
Discover areas that suit both your budget and preferences.
2
Property
Together, we find the best properties that match your needs, lifestyle and budget.
3
Pre Purchase Documentation
- NIE – your essential tax ID for buying a property.
- Apply for a mortgage (if required).
- Open your bank account.
- Power of Attorney (if required)
4
Appraisal
We evaluate the property and guide you on the right offer.
5
Reserve contract
We prepare the contract, taking the property off the market and reserving it exclusively for you.
6
Legal checks & surveys
Start with essential legal, planning, and survey checks.
7
Home inspection
We conduct a comprehensive survey of all key structural and functional elements of the property.
8
Arras contract
A pre-purchase deposit: lost if you cancel, get back double if seller cancels.
9
All checks clear
Set notary closing date
10
Notary closing
Make final payments, sign the documents, and get your keys.
11
Welcome to your new home
Congratulations!
12
After closing
We arrange the registration of your new home and set up utilities and taxes in your name to keep everything running smoothly.”
Watch Video
“Take a minute to learn Who we are and How we can help you.”
See what Alex, one of our senior property advisers has to say about buying a property in Spain.
Why Choose us
1. Independent
We don’t mind what you buy, who from or where what is important to us is that it is perfect for you.
2. Experienced
20+ years of experience providing unbiased advice to buyers of Spanish property.
3. Trusted
We have served hundreds of clients from all over the world.
4. On your side
Realtors work for the seller – We work for you, the buyer.
Unlock the Door to Exceptional Living
Experience elegant living across Spain’s most desired locations. Our team helps you every step of the way — from search to settlement. Message us now and begin your journey to refined living.
The team at S&SS is absolutely outstanding. Jennifer went above and beyond, tirelessly researching and curating property options until we narrowed down the perfect list to view. Alex provided honest, thoughtful advice during each showing, and Ian kept us energized and focused throughout the process.
They made buying a property far less stressful and even helped us transition it into the Spanish home we’ve always dreamed of. Their expertise in the market and the buying process was truly invaluable. We couldn’t have done it without them!
Highly recommend!
They made buying a property far less stressful and even helped us transition it into the Spanish home we’ve always dreamed of. Their expertise in the market and the buying process was truly invaluable. We couldn’t have done it without them!
Highly recommend!
Ian, Alex, and the entire team at Search and Survey provided exceptional service throughout my home buying journey. Their support didn’t stop at closing — they continued to offer valuable assistance even after the purchase was complete. Their professionalism, knowledge, and dedication make them a tremendous asset to anyone navigating the home buying process. I highly recommend them to anyone in the market for a new home
Have worked with Search and Survey to acquire two properties in Spain over the years. They have been delightful to work with, were in details, helped address lot of the local legal nuances, were transparent and fair in their pricing and are high on customer service aspects. So much so, we have built long term relationship with Manolo and Ian, socializing and meeting as families, even when our business has concluded. Will highly recommend, if you are looking to invest in Spain- Search and Survey are the right partners to go with!
Search and Survey helped us navigate through the purchase of a house in Asturias, Spain. They were very professional and helpful throughout the process. I would highly recommend anyone that is not Spanish to use them for a purchase.
During a search for properties in the Costa Blanca area, we came across Search and Survey, a company that offered a complete range of services from location of properties through closing of the purchase.
Before signing a purchase agreement for a house we found in Altea, we hired them to complete a physical survey and revision of the legal aspects of the title. The physical revision passed with a clean report, but the property’s registered title did not coincide with the several modifications to the infrastructures, so we canceled the purchase. This due diligence investigation saved us from being liable for a large sum of money due to fines and unpaid taxes. On top of that, we got the deposit back, along with an equal amount for the penalty clause.
I would highly recommend to anyone thinking of purchasing property in the Costa Blanca area to first contact them for being an agent for acquiring a property.
Ian, Manalo, and Alex, thank you so much for your superb efforts on saving us a bunch of funds and headaches. Also, for helping to find and secure a second property that we did purchase and are enjoying.
Before signing a purchase agreement for a house we found in Altea, we hired them to complete a physical survey and revision of the legal aspects of the title. The physical revision passed with a clean report, but the property’s registered title did not coincide with the several modifications to the infrastructures, so we canceled the purchase. This due diligence investigation saved us from being liable for a large sum of money due to fines and unpaid taxes. On top of that, we got the deposit back, along with an equal amount for the penalty clause.
I would highly recommend to anyone thinking of purchasing property in the Costa Blanca area to first contact them for being an agent for acquiring a property.
Ian, Manalo, and Alex, thank you so much for your superb efforts on saving us a bunch of funds and headaches. Also, for helping to find and secure a second property that we did purchase and are enjoying.
Just to say I am very grateful to Search and Survey for their help. Ian, Manolo and the whole team were very attentive to my needs and very nice to deal with always. I appreciated the comfort of having somebody to sound things off and give you independent advice the most. I had gone it alone initially when purchasing an apartment in Alicante and struggled a little in the finish with the purchase and the end result was not really what I wanted. I contacted Ian and he and his team worked with me to sell my original property and find a new one for me, also in Alicante, which was much more like my vision. In my opinion I made a good decision contracting Search and Survey and would highly recommended them.
I first purchased a property with Search and Survey 17 years ago. I received excellent information and care through the whole procedure right through to completion.The staff are extremely helpful and professional. Any queries that I had were dealt with efficiently and speedily.
So in 2024 I again sold my property but also bought a new one with Search and Survey. Obviously the staff had changed or some of them had, but they were still very efficient and professional and lovely people to deal with. I was very pleased that they were still in business as I trusted them and it was lovely to see some of the long-standing members of the company. I have no hesitation in recommending this company to assist you with the purchase of your home.
So in 2024 I again sold my property but also bought a new one with Search and Survey. Obviously the staff had changed or some of them had, but they were still very efficient and professional and lovely people to deal with. I was very pleased that they were still in business as I trusted them and it was lovely to see some of the long-standing members of the company. I have no hesitation in recommending this company to assist you with the purchase of your home.
We decided to work with Search & Survay to purchase a property in Calpe due the lack of centralized real estate database there - and it was a right move. Ian and his team personally know reliable local agents, so we could find a property during a short visit to Calpe from the US. They also helped us trough the whole purchase process including underwriting, opening a bank account, inspections and closing. After that S&S also handled property registration and utilities transfer. Finally Ian kindly introduced us to a good remodeling contractor.
Overall the S&S team made this complex transaction efficient and stress free. Their services are highly appreciated and recommended.
Overall the S&S team made this complex transaction efficient and stress free. Their services are highly appreciated and recommended.
Contact us
Get in Touch With Us
why us
City's
Discover Spain’s Most Popular Locations for Expats and Buyers
Blog
Latest News
Property news, legal updates, and living tips for expats in Spain
Do You Need a Bank Account for Buying in Spain
Do you need a bank account for buying in Spain? Learn when it helps, what banks require, and how to protect payments during your property purchase safely.
A guide to Spanish property purchase costs
A clear guide to Spanish property purchase costs, from transfer tax to notary and legal fees, so buyers can budget with confidence.
10 Best Areas to Buy in Spain
A clear guide to the best areas to buy in Spain, with practical insight on lifestyle, rental demand, pricing, and buyer risks to check first.