When it comes to choosing an off-plan or new build property, make sure you dodge the cowboys and work with a reputable company

After suffering at the hands of cowboy builders, no one could blame Debbie and Andrew Pettingill for changing their minds about purchasing a home in Spain. But the couple was determined that this bad experience wouldn’t stop them from buying their dream home on the Costa del Sol. Debbie said: “We researched various companies in Spain, picked one and bought a home from them off-plan.

“We began to worry when nothing seemed to be progressing. Every time we visited we learned about more problems. In the end it got to the point that we decided to cut our losses and pull out.”

On one visit to their ill-fated development Debbie and Andrew, 42, saw a sign for UK-owned house builder Taylor Woodrow de España. The couple researched the house builder on the Internet and contacted one of its agents – Select Resorts, an associate office of Savills.

The family visited and fell in love with a two-bedroom apartment at El Bosque de la Mairena, and everything worked out perfectly. Debbie said: “The stunning setting sold itself. Despite only being a half hour drive from Malaga Airport and close to the bright lights of Marbella and Puerto Banus, the development is very peaceful and secluded. We love just being able to sit there and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea and mountains.

Read our full advice in the April 2009 edition.