urb la marina properties

H Ann,
Before you buy, why not rent for a month or two, get your bearings, find out the best areas, visit various Estate Agents, let them know your price range, they will find you a suitable property and give you advice.
It's a buyers market at the moment, don't pay the asking price, haggle a bit, it's good fun.
As for crime, just be aware, keep things secure but it's not bad here at all.

The most important thing is to get a good solicitor, all the paperwork will be checked by them.

We bought a property two years ago but had been visiting la marina for the previous ten years. We bought through barclays, and yes we paid commission for it, but they dealt with everything. The whole process was really straight forward and it was the best decision we ever made. We got a really good bargain in a great location. I would also say to rent first and look at the area in depth, check out all the big agents for service and fees and go from there.

There is unlikely to be an issue with illegal building as such, as it is a purpose built urbanisation. However, check that any extensions done to the property you're interested in have the relevant paperwork. Get a solicitor of your own, not one recommended by the agent. Check around the area of any property you're interested in and get a feel as to how well it is looked after.

I have never at any point felt unsafe, or that crime is a particular issue. Also, take anything you've seen posted on here with a HUGE pinch of salt, as this forum appears to attract all the moaners in Urb. La Marina in the one place.... Honestly, according to some of the stuff I've read on here, you'd think the place was a war zone sometimes.