"I am a retired Englishman that has always dreamed of retiring to Spain in a small house by the sea. Not only did I seek good professional legal advice but I also contracted title deeds insurance which I had heard about in my country.

And thank goodness I did as I had a great number of problems with my neighbour who claimed a part of my property in which I had invested all my savings.

I simply contacted their legal department (they speak perfect English) and they managed to resolve my problem.

Not only did they visit me at least 4 times, they spoke with my neighbour, his lawyer, the town hall representatives and drew up some statutes (both in Spanish and English) to clarify the boundaries of each of our properties and establish some rules with the aim of regulating our cohabitation.

I still keep in touch with them, they are charming people and I even send them a Christmas card each year!"

M. F. - Orcheta (Alicante)

Whichever property you purchase, you are more than likely to have a neighbour whose property or land borders yours.

Most people, of course, live quite peacefully and happily. There are those, however, who do not.

Neighbourly disputes therefore, are surprisingly common and your lawyer certainly would not know if your neighbour intends on making a claim on your property in the future.

Ask yourself too how open your vendor would be in informing you about a potentially troublesome neighbour.

Legal disputes of this kind can be time-consuming, expensive and stressful.