buying in spain

hi just wonderd if anyone can advise me is it best to use a gestor inmobillarios or a lawyer when buying a property in spain or are they very much the same ?an estate agent in murcia claims that they are registerd gestor inmobillarios and can deal with any property purchase ,they also told me that its virtualy impossible that a foreigner can get a mortgage in spain ,any advice will be greatly appreciated  

 I wouldn't let your Estate agent act as your lawyer or we see you back on here in 6 months....regretting the decision.

You can get a mortgage as a foreigner but don't aim for more than 50%....

thanks georgia what is a gestor inmobillarios?

 What ever you do please dont be a fool as we were  employ an independant lawyer and yes you can get a mortgage in Spain without problem if you are creditworthy and have around 50% to put down

Please take heed of the advice given here and use an independent lawyer.  Our first attempt to buy a property in Spain ended up with the developer going into voluntary administration in May 2008 (it still hasn't been resolved!) and the major mistake we made was using the lawyer our estate agent recommended.  Neither the lawyer or our estate agent mentioned the need for a bank guarantee!  It may seem safer if you aren't buying off-plan, but there are still possible pitfalls (for example, debts are attached to the property not the person selling it, so you need to ensure you don't buy their debts with their house!).

I saw on a different thread that you were considering Malaga as well, so I would suggest that you rent in one or both areas before deciding to buy.

Sue

 A gestor is an accountant/conveyancer.

anyone can do conveyancing to be honest,just be careful of any conflict of interest.......

thanks  to you all for your advice

 It is of course very important to have an independent lawyer, looking sole and exclusively to you interest in the purchase/mortgage contracting. The property agent always have an inclination for the purchase of the house and would never be the as exquisite and scruopulous towards your protection as you own hired lawyer

A "gestor inmobiliaria"  is an estate agent. Take the advice of  the eyeonSpain members and find an independent lawyer to deal with the purchase, always safer. 

Good luck