Hi everyone- thinking of putting in an offer on a villa, bit concerned the pool may not have a licence. Any idea how I could check before I go any further?

Thanks for any advice.

Depends on which province you're in, how many people can use it, how big, is it open to the public? etc.

A villa with a private pool does not need a license. I would suggest you check the owner has planning approval for the pool.

it's probably termed a"water deposit".

I suspect that what the OP means, is "is the pool legal". That is, were all permissions applied for and granted when it was built.

The best way to find out is to check the catastral reference and it will be mentioned on there if it's legal.

The confusing part is that if it is above ground, then it can be deemed a "water deposit" - just be careful though because if it has been adapted and has a pump, steps etc. then the authorities will have you!

Not necessarily.

We have a pool which was described on the official building project as an open water deposit with dual use for storage of water and for recreational purposes.

It's perfectly legal and it does not get mentioned on the escritura or on the catastral.

Wow, thank you for all the replies and all very helpful.

Sorry to be thick, but what does,

"The best way to find out is to check the catastral reference and it will be mentioned on there if it's legal."

mean and how would I check it?

You need to find the catastral reference from either the estate agent or the current owner, you can then look this up on Catastral website. Alternatively, if you know the CORRECT address, this website might still be able to help.

DOH That is why I said

Thank you and thank you to everyone who took the time to reply.

Even easier, would be to ask the vendor to show you the documentation. It should be detailed in the "escritura".
Get your solicitor to verify.

Hi, would it be on the escritura if the pool was built a few years after the villa?

I would ask to see it and if pool is not detailed. I would be suspicious and ask why?

Thanks will do.

Our pool is not on the escrutura (deeds) but we have all the buidling licences for it, the house is over 50 years old we know to add the pool to deeds would take forever. the Catastro took seven years, yes seven to correct our IBI.

Tuened out we were paying for next door as well and their almacens (used to belong to same family they obviously had it lumped in) long story wont go into it but we were paying about 400% than anyone else here. Actullay didnt pay it with permission from Catastro(in writing of course)

Anyway we have all paperwork for all the work done here. roll on summer to use the pool