Outstanding debts of previous owner.

[Esteban Pared]

My wife and I are currently thinking about buying a property in Fuerteventura, however, we have been told that the owner has substantial outstanding debts, we have been told that those debts are considered to be attached to the property and we would therefore be held responsible for repayment, is this correct?
If so, wouldn't it be safer for us to buy a property which is currently being sold by a bank?