Top tips for those seeking homes in sunnier climes

Grim January weather may be prompting some Yorkshire folk to look in to the prospects of holiday homes in the sun.If you are thinking of swapping grey skies and drizzle for warmer climes, here are Taylor Wimpey España's five top tips for consideration, when buying a property overseas.1. Choose the property type carefullyDifferent types of property come with different financial implications. For example, many buyers assume that condominium charges only apply to apartments. However, they also often apply to townhouses and villas built on private estates.As two thirds of foreign buyers in Spain opt for these types of 'community properties,' according to Just Landed, buyers should be sure to check the details as part of the viewing process.2. Arrange viewings earlyThe summer months are an incredibly busy time for the Spanish property market, so it's advisable to book viewings as far in advance as possible.Don't assume that it's possible to just turn up and have a viewing on the same day without arranging an appointment in advance. While that may well be doable over the winter months, it's unlikely to be the case during the peak summer season.3. Check the paperworkIt's important to view the nota simple (similar to a Land Registry extract) before committing to buying a home in Spain. This is available from the Colegio de Registradores in Spanish, or in English for an additional fee.For new build homes, popular with many overseas buyers, the final building certification paperwork and guarantees all need to be in order, including certification from a registered architect that the property is finished.Buying with an established housebuilder offers a comforting degree of certainty in this respect, as all its new build homes come with final building certification, plus a guarantee that they comply with all relevant planning permissions.At La Floresta Sur, Elviria, Marbella, for example, key ready apartments and penthouses, with communal gardens and pools, have all paperwork in place for an easy purchase process. 4. Check the cadastral valuePurchase tax in Spain is based on a property's cadastral value. Interestingly, this value can differ from the sale price, as it is calculated based on the council's valuation of the property, rather than on the seller's.As such, buyers should not make assumptions about the purchase tax amount, but should instead check the cadastral value at the relevant regional government's online tax agency site.5. Choose a trusted sellerPerhaps an obvious point, but one that's still worth making. Choosing a company with a long, strong track record brings considerable peace of mind.Not only does it offer assurance as to the design and build quality of the property, but also in relation to how easy the transaction is likely to be - a key consideration when buying a home in another country.