Lenox

Two more British-owned homes were demolished yesterday, Tuesday, in Cantoria, Almeria, with the Junta de Andalucia, as promised, once again shooting itself in the foot and causing anger in both Almeria (where the potential for creating wealth and jobs took another strike) and abroad, where the plan to retire with one's pension and wealth was adjusted towards some more harmonious, legal, moral and, while not more attractive, at least safer destination: Portugal, Florida, Croatia...
Several groups of activists were present at the atrocity, including representatives from the AUAN and SOHA (the two main regional groups that help foreign property owners), two councillors from nearby Mojacar - Jessica Simpson from the MPSM and Angel Medina from Ciudadanos Europeos, and the property-lawyer Gerardo Vazquez.

Wise Man

Hi. Were I can find more information on this. What was the cause of the decision to demolish the houses?

mikelincs

Lennox has all the info, he only comes on BE to report these happenings, and they are usually illegal builds that are demolished, not nice for the people involved, but a real warning to others.

jimenato

We have friends who have just walked away from the sale of their house (at 800,000 Euros - it was quite a nice place) as the buyer needed an assurance from the local ayuntamiento that all was in order. The ayuntamiento refused as they found an irregularity. This irregularity is due to a change in the law since our friends bought the property 10 or so years ago. It was entirely unforseeable,

It doesn't matter how diligent you are at purchase time - the law can change under you.

They have let the house for now. They are awaiting action to be taken against them by the ayuntamiento which could potentially result in demolition.

We nearly bought once in Spain, I am so pleased we didn't.

Fredbargate

I'm so happy we sold and got out

Moses2013

Well, there's nothing wrong buying and the law can change in any country. You only hear the horror stories, but there are plenty of people who never had, or will have problems. Actually now is probably the best time to buy, as you can see from the potential buyer who walked away.

Wise Man

I agree. Most of purchases are successful, normal. Just it is necessary to be cautious and work with real estate agents/agencies that are of confidence...

Moses2013

You can even get ripped of by landlords, so renting is not always safe either. In the UK, a landlord once tried to rip me off by including a clause in the contract. It said something like if I move out, I would have to get the whole house refurbished by professional tradesmen (appointed by landlord).
Luckily I read the contract and contacted citizens advice, so of course didn't move in after that.

Wise Man

Usually landlord in spain understand that the deposit is for them.....And it is guaranteed rip-off

jimenato

Great attempt at spin.

The property is blighted for the next 5 years or however long it takes to sort the mess out assuming it is not demolished. Their lawyer (the same one who managed the original purchase) assures them that all will be OK in the end but they will have to wait until any proceedings are completed - at least 5 years.

jimenato

It is not possible in Spain to guarantee that a property is fully legal when you buy it and in any case they can change the law and make it illegal like they did to our friends. You can be as careful as you like and it will make no difference. I agree it is rare but when it happens it is devastating.

Perhaps this kind of thing is normal here and in other parts of the world but for Brits it is unthinkable.

Moses2013

It's tragic and I wouldn't want to be in their situation, but many people are now aware of the pitfalls, or at least know the areas to avoid. Of course you never have a 100% guarantee in life, but things can happen when you rent too.

Moses2013

That depends on the region and I've never heard of problems where we are. There are also plenty of Brits who just bought without checking the deeds, never used a lawyer, or just used a lawyer who wasn't actually a lawyer. Doing your homework is essential and the chances of getting ripped off are minimal.

Horlics

Here you go... a once legal building in the UK later deemed illegal.

If you care to look you'll find many more similar stories.

But you're too busy slagging off Spain to find the time.

Retired couple forced to demolish their garage, driveway and wall 30 years after they were built because council has now decided they encroach on footpath | Daily Mail Online

rspltd

I see nothing about a house being demolished.