This article will assume that you know the general geographic location in Spain you would like to live in. So what else should you think about? It's so easy to fall in love with a property and sign the dotted line before you've thought it through sufficiently. I strongly advise you to make yourself a check-list. Buying property in Spain and potentially organising your removals to Spain will be less of a headache if you consider some of these points:

Pool, Beach or Inland

The further inland you go, the cheaper the property. Even if you can't afford your own pool, most villages have a public one and many apartment blocks share a communal pool.

Property Age

Older properties will be cheaper, but bear in mind how much money you will need to spend to make it into your dream home. Naturally, older property will need more care and attention when it comes to maintenance which could become costly. New properties are usually covered by a 10 year insurance, but may lack the character you are looking for.

The View

If you want a first-line sea view, you'll pay extra for it. If you want rolling mountain views, make sure your house is not too exposed or isolated. Although when we think of Spain we think of sun, its Winters can be surprisingly cold, wet and windy.

Facing The Sun

This may seem like a trivial factor but many people base their decision to move to Spain on the sunny weather and climate. If you want to lap up the sunshines throughout the year make sure that your open space faces south.

Shops

In larger towns, this isn't a problem. However you might be in for a culture shock if you move to a small village as you find your weekly shop consisting of buying from the local white van bearing bread, meats, fruit and other essentials. Mobile shops will often make daily trips to villages. You can look forward to their hooting when they arrive in the area.

Healthcare

Find out how close the nearest hospital is, and whether there is a doctor's surgery close by. In small villages, a doctor may visit once a week, or not at all.

Internet

Many villages are too remote to enjoy broadband. A telephone landline means that you will at the very least have dial-up internet. There are alternatives that you can consider, such as satellite, but do not expect them to reach the speeds you can expect in the UK.

Phone Signal

Signal varies from location to location and can often be lacking. Do not arrive in Spain assuming you will still be able to use your mobile phone as well.

Spanish neighbours or ex-pats

Choose carefully. Authenticity will likely come at the price of losing fellow ex-pats but on the plus side you will get to experience a truly spanish lifestyle. However, if you choose a tiny, remote village, there may be no other foreign residents, and nobody will speak English. For most people, a balance is best.

Try Before You Buy

Consider renting a house in your chosen location first. From here you can explore the area at greater length and find the perfect home for you. Over time you will familiarise yourself with the surrounding area, putting you in a much better bargaining position when it comes to the nitty gritty.

Once you have decided on a place you will have to organise your furniture courier service and also motorbike delivery (if you're lucky to have one, it's fun riding a motorcycle around in Spain)