confused - Page 2

Hi 

They certainly are horror stories.Having bought three times in Spain and sold properties on as well,my advice is get an independent lawyer .Then use them all the time .Also it is worth paying for a good lawyer as it will save you money in the long term.Most lawyers in this area speak English ,so find a good firm ,build up a relationship with them ,ask as many questions as you like as it's your money and go ahead.

As for estate agents,I agree don't be a push over,get it on your terms.

We viewed with lots of agents in Vera and settled for API who were brilliant.They treated us with respect and didn't try to sell us something we didn't want.We found Izzy very helpful and friendly.

Check out the area before you buy and see does it suit your needs ie transport links to nearest towns,airport, supermarkets etc.

We settled in Vera Playa as our long term home and are very happy with our choice.

Hi, I have read the posts and the general consensus is make sure you use a Lawyer that is not connected or has any association with the Seller or their Estate Agent. That is good advice.

There is no exception to this, it is an absolute must.

However  there are a few things to check about the Lawyer.

Ask for their Collegio Registration number. Without such number they are not a Lawyer and posing as a Lawyer which is a criminal offence.

Does this happen? Yes yes yes!

The papers until recently printed such warnings, it is rife still in Spain.

Most agents use conveyor's, therefore you have no legal protection.

If the Lawyer has no registration number - walk away.

If at any time before purchase, during purchase make sure you see a copy of the "Licence de Ocupation".

If not walk away from the deal!

Promises from anyone " oh its pending, or we are waiting, or they can get one in future" - walk away. 

In Spain no habitation licence means you cannot legally live in the property even though you paid for that pile of bricks.

The penalty?

You can be ejected and deeply fined if the Junta/Townhall act.

Google such cases. It's a fact.

Areas you mentioned, where those unfortunate owners profess  things like " we have had no problem etc you will be okay " live in desperation, I am sorry for them, they have my sympathy.

They have tried to organize their own maintenance with credit to them for doing so.

However the Junta have clearly stated in High Court why these areas are not legalized and will not be adopted.

What this means is lampposts,  rubbish collection and roads will not be maintained. 

Do not fall into the same legal trap.

These properties are very cheap " and tempting " for a very good reason.

I desperately wanted a beautifully maintained 3 bed 2 bath detached villa at a bargain price on Camposol.

Fortunately my fully licensed Lawyer, a Barrister, confirmed my worst fears - habitation licence not possible - advice - walk away.

We bought a fully licensed property in Gea y Truols in November 2018 instead.

Trust you do not get tempted by these " bargain properties ".

Good luck, regards

Hi Bess

My point is some people think they don't need lawyers etc to make a safe purchase or they tend to believe everyone is honest.

If I was buying in Ireland or England I would check everything out and be cautious,so a foreign country is no different.Even more so as there can be a language barrier.Its a very important decision to buy a property and it should be done with care .In every country there are dishonest people ,so assume it's the same here.

Thankfully we have been careful and had good luck with our lawyers .

5 years ago I used Maria Maroto of Mundi for the legal side - very good. Paid the deposit to the estate agent, I think! But it all worked out well.

Mundi Abogados is a firm of Lawyers, you made the right decision.

Pay the deposit to an Estate Agent? 

Anyone following this link - Never do this! 

I think Mundi would have intercepted that part of the deal if your recall is correct.

No Lawyer would normally accept not to be in total control as if this was the case you would have committed to a Purchase Contract with financial penalties if you backed out.

I sincerely hope this did not happen, Mundi would have stopped you doing such a silly thing.

I am glad however it worked out for you, but for anyone else, 

Never Pay a Deposit to an Agent. 

It is totally  not necessary to secure your dream property. 

Your Lawyer will secure the deal with the Agent for you.............

Hi all, I'm really interested to know this "English family firm" which so obviously were a big letdown to people looking to buy a dream home. People put the names of companies on here they would highly recommend. I'd be grateful for any information on firms to avoid. 

Correct. Please don’t take everyone with the same brush.