Read Angela and Darren’s experience about buying a property

20. July 2022

First time buyers in Lanzarote, Angela and Darren give an insight of the real experience with buying their first holiday home

Angela and Darren first approached our company back in September 2020 with the plan to buy their dream holiday home on the island of Lanzarote.

They considered the area of Playa Blanca, almost purchased in Puerto Calero and finally settled on their beautiful apartment in the popular area of Puerto del Carmen with Abbie Mulloy. They purchased in a residential, gated complex in the heart of the resort named Princesa Apartments. A lovely complex centred around the immaculate communal pool and gardens. After spending time adjusting the property, decorating, furnishing to their own taste and standard – and now spending lots of time on the island, they can now give a true and first-hand experience of purchasing abroad with Lanzarote Investments.

We spent time with them at the 1st anniversary of their purchase to ask some questions and check how they are getting on in their very own little slice of Lanzarote luxury.

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Q: Tell us how you have been finding the first year in your very own apartment here in Puerto del Carmen?

A: Wonderful! We have already enjoyed many months in the sun in our own comforts and feel more settled each time we visit.

D: It’s been really good! It has been a real learning curve purchasing and holidaying here for the last year.

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Q: So, why did you choose Lanzarote as the place you would purchase?

A: We have visited for family holidays with our 2 children for many years and are very familiar with the island itself and the climate. So, when it came to purchasing, we knew it would be a great spot to invest.

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Q: How many properties did you view before you made the final decision to purchase in your current spot?

A: We viewed more than a handful of different properties. We were initially looking a different location altogether in Puerto Calero, after lots of deliberation we chose to purchase here in Puerto del Carmen.

D: Viewing lots of different properties made us realise that sometimes what you think you value in a property abroad is not necessarily what will be the right property for you upon a viewing. It’s a learning process and not a quick decision!

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Q: Tell us why you chose this apartment and complex?

D: The complex felt different to any other we had viewed previously. It was inviting, clean, had a lovely feel as we entered.

A: We were immediately taken with the complex and although not completely familiar with the location, we knew it felt nicer than others we had seen.

D: The apartment was good inside; it had the essentials for what we were looking for and didn’t need any major renovations. Abbie, our agent, had narrowed down our taste and requirements and showed us something that ticked our boxes.

A: It was entirely different to a property we had previously been interested in, and we definitely didn’t intend on refurbishing, but knew it needed to feel more like ‘ours’.

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Q: How did you find the purchasing process overall? Was it harder or easier than you anticipated going into it?

D: Purchasing in a foreign country seemed daunting and unfamiliar, with some of our viewings even being virtual from the UK. So, it was unknown territory. But as time progressed and we became more familiar with the company and our estate agent, we quickly realised our concerns are normal and that any questions we had would be answered.

A: We chose a good lawyer, which came recommended by the agency and he was great with communication. He helped put our mind at ease at each stage, speaking great English and was very knowledgeable. Our agent Abbie was always on hand at any time to answer our questions – she made us feel comfortable from the viewing stage right up until completion.

D: You hear horror stories, and people warn you about the pitfalls but if you choose a knowledgeable agent, helpful lawyer, and experienced agency – you can’t go wrong!

A: The viewing stage can actually be very exciting – enjoy it!

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Q: How is it different owning a property here versus holidaying here?

A: The freedom of it is completely different. We hop on a plane with our hand luggage, and we arrive at our own apartment, exactly as we left it and there is really no better feeling!

D: Knowing it is ours and our family can come and enjoy is exactly why we purchased our own apartment in the first place. It really has become a home from home for us.

Q: What advice would you give to anybody reading this, who are thinking of purchasing in Lanzarote?

D: Be open minded with different locations but don’t be afraid to be specific with your requirements! You have to be certain and feel comfortable with your choice. Don’t be afraid to change your mind or your criteria.

A: Choose an agency that know the business and can advise you properly. We had lots of questions understandably - and having them answered quickly and accurately makes a huge difference to the process overall.

D: What you think you need from a property abroad; may not be the property you choose in the end.

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Q: What is next for you both and your Lanzarote home?

D: We plan to spend many more years in our home abroad, and our children can enjoy with us. We have met people on the island that we consider friends and have made our own little life out here as well as in the UK.

A: It has been a dream of ours for so long, now it has become a reality - we plan to relish the time and enjoy every memory and fun that the house can provide us in the sun. We have even taken up water sports and love to go for runs and bike rides up the coast. It really is lovely!

If like Angela and Darren you have a dream to buy a home in the sun, I would be happy to help you begin the process. If you have any questions about the purchasing process, the current market and want a no obligation conversation I am available any time to hopefully show you that the process doesn’t have to be complicated or scary and can be the most exciting and wonderful thing you will do!

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