Buying the wrong property (next to noisy neighbours), a high maintenance building or a property that loses its value and cannot be let out, is the worst case scenario - but one that can be avoided with planning and research.

The good news is that there are still great bargains to be found, sea views and fabulous towns and villages to live in, for example a 3 bed houses with views for less than the cost a London bedsit!

The Spanish light is fantastic, the food plentiful, succulent and cheap. It's one of the best places to live - so don't hold back, the opportunity won't be there for ever!

However, don't be rushed into a purchase either! Understanding the costs and commitment of your property is crucial if you want to succeed in finding your dream home and ending up with a valuable asset - rather than a millstone around your neck!

Here are our 9 top tips for successful buying in Spain:

Do you homework first! Don't go to Spain without knowing how the buying system works. You'll need to know how much you can borrow or spend and preferably have a mortgage agreed in principle.
Don't buy the first property that you see! Even if you fall in love with a property right away, make 3 or 4 or 5 visits (if possible) before you buy. Visit at night and in the morning for nightlife and traffic. Also, try to imagine what the house would be like at the height of the summer!
Look to buy in Spring - certainly before July when the hoards arrive - or after the summer rush.

Look for the new hot spots! Costa del Sol is expensive! Look at Costa de la Luz, The coast around Murcia and the Northern Atlantic coast.
Be prepared to buy off plan - even if it means a wait. At least you can secure your buying price at today's exchange rate and prices.
If buying in a traditionally Spanish area (ie Barcelona, Madrid, Valencia) it might be worth renting for a while first - as these areas are unlikely to see massive growth and you might as well take your time to get to know the area.
Towns on the coast dominated by German owners (eg Denia in Costa Blanca or Neja Coasta del Sol) may be a little cheaper, as the german property market has not performed strongly in the past 10 years, and hence the prices have not moved forward as fast as areas dominated by the Irish or Dutch.
Understand the full costs of buying and maintaining your property before you sign anything
Use an English speaking lawyer to check your purchase contract.

More and more people are enjoying Spain as Europe's 'Californian Coast' - and the migration of 'sun poor' Europeans is getting faster every year.

But the costs of buying in Spain will continue to rise in the years ahead, so now is the time to get on with your purchase.

Here are 3 reasons why you should get a move on:

Prices will continue to rise - Spanish property is still cheap relative to most north European cities - the euro makes it easy to see the 'cheapness' of Spanish property and also removes the currency risk for many European buyers.
Communications - more and more working people are based in Spain, either commuting back to northern Europe or running their businesses via the Internet or by phone. Working in Spain is no longer the sole preserve of the English as a Foreign Language teachers.
Currency - the Pound won't be strong for ever - so now is a great time to buy if you are transferring cash or deposits from sterling to euros.

So, in summary, if you are thinking about a dream home in Spain, now is the time to move fast. However, its important to do your research and get it right.

By Neil Lewis, editor of Spanish Property Secrets 2003 (written by Peter Jones), the up to date report and advice on the Spanish Property scene.