thing is, a lot of people accepted that 'they just do it that way in Spain' & are now living with demolition orders............................

Yes true, although nothing is life is without risk

You've got more chance of dying in a car accident than having your house demolished (cue, for posts on how bad Spanish drivers are )

Given that thousands die on the roads each year and only a handful have had their house demolished.

Still, it is worth knowing the situation correctly of course, so one can make an informed decision. However, always doing everything by the book limits your options in life.

thing is, a lot of people accepted that 'they just do it that way in Spain' & are now living with demolition orders.

But you are speaking in the main about new constructions, not the odd addition.

As far as I know the properties being demolished were built ether without a building licence or with or one that was granted illegally by a local authority.

The sad part is that its not the actual people responsibly who are being penalised. By that I mean the individuals being fined and having their personal funds seized. Now that would be nearer to justice than the present way.

My house was built 30 years ago and bought by a Spanish family. I bought it from them ten years ago, with an independent solicitor, and did everything per book, including handing over a ridiculous sum of money in cash, as advised by all concerned.

But things have changed now, it appears that what I did is no longer legal. The previous owner had made many additions to the property, doubling the size, installing a swimming pool, and filling in more than just one porch. I don’t need to check with anyone, no official permission was obtained for any of it.

There is no way that I will do anything to legalise any of it, it can’t be done, but I’m now thinking of selling and with all these Honest Joes bouncing around I’m sure to run into trouble.

Whatever I do, it’s going to cost me a lot of money. My only hope is that the current mayor, a multi-millionaire, doesn’t get his collar felt before I manage to sell, if the left-wingers get in I won’t be able to sell and the bulldozers will be rumbling down the street.

and did everything per book, including handing over a ridiculous sum of money in cash,

HGB.

I think you mean by that, the price you paid was more that the price declared. If so that was illegal, but I agree it was the 'normal' way. I did it several, times both buying and selling.

Incidentally, I have never employed a solicitor to buy or sell. Having 30 experience as a CID officer in UK I am very wary of all lawyers. They often cost one a lot f money but when the chips are down it is you who still looses out.