Thanks for that. All adds to the picture. Ani idea what restoration costs are in the area? We did see a ruin that we realy like the look of, but we know what a money pit that can be.

Thanks for that. We never expected to see something we liked as quickly as we did, but they are asking a lot of money - not that that necessarily means it is overpriced. Our original intention was (and still may be) to rent for 6 months a year, whilst we worked our Spanish up. Which seems to be what those who have already made the jump all advocate anyway.
We are also thinking of a restoration. Any idea of what sort of price prevails in Galicia per square meter as a rough guide?

Thanks Nosherlot and BZ for corroborate our experiences.
In the U.K. you usually get a professional in to give an estimate. You should do that here too.

Ian used to be a civil engineer and he knows you can give a cost for related to say square metre but to obtain that you have to know other factors which can influence the rough estimate. So to answer it is almost impossible on a forum.

To add what we said about the lack of English in Galicia here is an article in the local newspaper about Vigo.
http://www.lavozdegalicia.es/vigo/20...03_6928853.htm
It basically says that over 300000 visitors from cruise ships visit the city and the signs are in Gallego. Tourists cannot find their way around as guide books are usually in English with names of places in Spanish.
So hopefully with your ear for languages you will pick up Spanish quickly.


Galicia is very very different in all respects to the Costas of the Med. But you will see this after a few more visits.

The OH is the one to ask about restoration costs but he is away at the moment working. When he gets back on Friday I will get him to respond.

Galicia, to me is a different world to Spain and the UK. To the people the most important things are family and land (not always in that order) there are a lot of ruined houses, which will never be sold, because of the inheritance attitude.
Between us, my hubby and I own about 40 pieces of land, all unsaleable and useless. We dont know where most of them are, there are no boundaries, but heaven help anyone who disputes borders with their neighbour.
There is one piece land, about the size of 4 football pitches- it was passed on to my grandmother and her 5 siblings, My grandmother had 8 children and each one inherited, My mother had 2 children and we each have our share.

If there are any folks good at maths out there, I would like some help to calculate my share. It the original land divided by 5, the divided by 8 then divided by 2. It is probable enough to build a 5 bedroomed, detatched house with double garage, that would accommodate KEN and BARBIE.

Although the size of the plot is irrelevant as the land is in the middle of loads of other "micro parcelas" and unless all the other owners sold, there would be no access anyway.

Another thing is we cannot sell our land, we would be outcasts,that is to be passed on to the children and their children. As you can imagine, to unravel this lot would take years.

We will never do anything with our land so if anyone wants to plant a few spuds and has a good GPS system, get in touch.

Meme
It is good to hear the true picture about land ownership from a Galician.

We have had some real discussions with non-Spanish about purchasing land in Galicia. They do not believe us when we say land is always divided up. Purchasers always want a small ruin, with lots of land and pay little money. All three together is impossible.
One couple that we recently met found a house with a lot of land, however they were very disappointed to find out the small parcels were here there and everywhere. They have left Galicia exceedingly disappointed.
It is not impossible to find large areas of land for sale, but it just takes a lot longer to find than one would imagine and you have to adjust your position on your dreams a little at times.

Irene and Me Me,
Thank you yes we had picked up on the land situation. I did study law at one point so am aware of the complexities introduced by differing legal registration and inheritance systems. And we think it is complicated in the UK!!
We are fortunate in that we are in no rush, and are quite happy to go with the flow. We will know what we want when we find it and are more than happy to spend a while looking and at the same time enjoying being there.
Michael

After saying all that about Galicia, I still believe is is God´s own country. It is a beatiful place and the people are wonderful and so friendly, even the old codgers who smoke, drink cheap wine and spit on the floor make outsiders welcome. And the best food in the world is there, who can say they dont like Jibia con pochas, pulpo Gallego.

Shhh do not tell every one or they all will want to be here!

Will the jury please disregard my last remark................Ok Casa Santo Estevo will that help you to stay exclusive?

I am not saying anything.
But then I am prejudiced.

Thanks for the advice.......duely noted and acted upon.

We managed to book an apartment in Baiona for a week and have a quick belt around Pontevedra (Prov) to get a feel for the area, and then try and narrow that down for another visit in the New Year.

One question............what is the standard of car driving in Galicia? Do they use the excuse I heard over here last month, when some inbreed reversed straight over my new bike............"It's not my fault, I didnt see you":curse:

I gotta get off this lump of rock soon!!!

If you want some insight into Pontevedre go to www.jonjones.eu/photos and scroll down. Theres pics of Pontevedre, Lugo, Santiago & Noia on there I think

Suzis
Wherever you go in Spain you will find the same driving standards. The excuse that was given to you we have heard before in other European countries.
Good luck on your mission to find a new pad.