Posted: Mon Aug 31, 2020 1:12pm
No, Greece. It was in 2002 I made the purchase. I believe things have improved a bit now with the EU setting out rules.
I bought land from a so called reputable estate agent. They recommended a "very good" local builder. He was insane. Finished the property then asked for an extra €12,000. When I asked why? He said he had "made it more beautiful". I had paid 60% deposit, he demanded the other 40% plus the extra. Wouldn't give me the keys, he said I would die on the island. Took 1 year in court to get access, then a further 10 years to sort the "extra" payment. Biggest shock was how unfit for purpose the Greek legal system is. I have also heard Spanish is similiar, although I can't comment personally.
Absolute nightmare, not to mention the cost. It was all done by the book as well, through a Greek solicitor, meant nothing in the end.
It's becuase of this I tend to preach to people about doing lots of research and not always using an estate agent's recommendation.