10 Core Principles of Real Estate Investment

John Howell 10th December 2018

John Howell’s investment principles – outlined below – have been simmering nicely for nearly 40 years. Many of them were deeply unpopular for many years. These days they are recognised as common sense.

Choosing Commercial Property

John Howell 13th September 2018

This guide covers… This guide deals with the special things that you will need to take into account when choosing commercial property. By commercial property, we mean things such as offices, shops, bars, restaurants and warehouses. It is best read in conjunction with our country specific guides to Choosing Commercial Property but we have produced this global version to deal …

Property and Rental Management for International Real Estate

John Howell 3rd August 2018

You’ve decided to invest in international property – or perhaps you’ve already bought it. Sensibly (at least in my view) you have chosen to buy real estate that will generate income, rather than relying solely on the turbulent game of capital gains.

A curved, Spanish building in Malaga, standing alone against a blue sky

Insuring Investment Property in a Foreign Country

John Howell 27th July 2018

If you have bought a property that is purely for investment, you should be aware that it comes with its own sets of risks. For that reason, insurance is generally more complicated and almost always more expensive.

A Spanish villa, the photo taken from a low angle, against a blue sky

Insuring a Holiday Home in a Foreign Country

John Howell 27th July 2018

Holiday home insurance may not be mandatory in many countries, but it is extremely important that you buy it. If you do not, you are leaving yourself open to thousands of dollars, euros or pounds in repair, loss of income or even litigation.

A port near marbella: white high-rises near the water

Property Investment in Spain

Manzanares International 27th July 2018

Many people made a lot of money out of investing in property in Spain. Unfortunately, those who invested just before the 2007 crash lost a lot of money. Is now the time to look again at investing in property (real estate) in Spain? What and where should you buy? How should you do it?

Rescuing Failed Property Developments in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

In the era from 2007 to 2010-ish, there were lots of failed developments in Spain. Whether you were a buyer in one of those developments or you are a fresh investor looking to profit from property development in Spain, it’s worth seeing if any of the disasters can be rescued.

Rescuing Failed Property Developments Abroad

John Howell 26th July 2018

This guide is about what happens when a property development goes wrong: when it fails before the homes are delivered to their buyers and the buyers risk losing a lot of money. These situations arise at various times in almost every country and, whilst the solutions vary a little depending upon the legal framework in the country concerned, the main principles apply worldwide.

International Property Development – the Worldwide Guide

John Howell 26th July 2018

This guide is an overview of the worldwide possibilities available to small and first-time property developers. It looks at the opportunities and challenges facing property developers working in a country that is not their own.

Man holding a magnifying glass to his face

Due Diligence for Foreign Property Buyers

John Howell 26th July 2018

I have a lot of experience with due diligence, having worked in international real estate law for well over 30 years. I know how important it is, and how badly a property deal can go wrong if it isn’t done properly.

Flats in Amsterdam with balconies painted blue

Investing in International Property

John Howell 26th July 2018

Real estate has long been a popular option for those wishing to invest their money. It is tangible, you can use it yourself and many of us have heard stories about people making their fortune through property investment.

Renting a Property in Spain

John Howell 26th July 2018

We all need somewhere to live. Find out the rules about renting a property in Spain – and how to do it. Whether it is a holiday home, a permanent residence or something that falls between the two, the Spanish system can give you some surprises!

Letting (Renting Out) Your Property in Spain

John Howell 26th July 2018

Whether you are a professional landlord or somebody who lets their home when they are not using it, there is quite a lot to learn about letting property in Spain. It can be very expensive if you get it wrong. This guide looks at the essentials.

Who Should Own Your House?

John Howell 26th July 2018

The issue of who should be the legal owner of any property you buy may not be an obvious one but not asking the question can be a big mistake. By putting the property in the most appropriate names you can save tens of thousands of whatever currency you use to measure your wealth.

Selling a Property (Real Estate) in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

Selling a property (real estate) in Spain is quite a simple process. Yet there are still things that can catch the unwary. This guide explains what they are and how to avoid them – as well as taking you through the process, step by step.

Property Development in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

A large part of the economy of Spain is based on construction and property development. In the past, it has proved very profitable. Is it still a great opportunity or is the market over-cooked? Should you get involved? If so, how – and how can you do so safely?

Fractional Ownership & Timeshare in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

Timeshare and fractional ownership are both concepts that strike fear in many people. In some cases, they should! In other cases, they can be a great way of sharing the use (and the cost) of a holiday home. What are they? How do they work? What are the dangers to look out for?

Buying Newly Built Property (Real Estate) in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

New property is very popular, especially with investors. What are the special things to look out for when buying a new – previously unoccupied – property in Spain? How do you guard against the risks?

Buying Off-Plan (unfinished) Property (Real Estate) in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

Many people like the idea of buying property before it has been completed. There are good reasons for doing so. But what about the risks? What are they and how can you control them? This guide looks at those issues.

Buying Commercial Property in Spain

Manzanares International 26th July 2018

There are two group of people who buy commercial property. Those who need it for their own use and those who like it as an investment vehicle. Both groups need to make sure they buy the right property.

Escritura Publica (Formal contract of sale)

Buying a Property (Real Estate) in Spain

Manzanares International 25th July 2018

Buying a home or other property (real estate) costs a lot of money and so is worrying. It is also something that that has been done, literally, millions of times and can be completely safe. How do you do it? How do you make it safe?