SPAIN: Buying land to build a new property

For a long time, Spain has been popular with overseas buyers looking for holiday homes. On occasion, the large numbers of inexperienced foreign buyers have provided an opportunity for unscrupulous developers and estate agents to sell properties that are not legitimate.

In some cases, planning permission has not been acquired before building, and properties are eventually torn down by the local government. In others, the quality of the property has not been up to scratch or as indicated, resulting in costly repairs.

The British Foreign Office has issued notices warning expat buyers to be cautious and not take unnecessary risks. They recommend, at minimum, checking:

• The credentials of the lawyers or estate agents involved
• The land registry (Registro de la Propriedad)
• That there is appropriate planning permission
• That the property has no outstanding debts
• That the property is structurally sound (either a surveyor or an architect can do this).

Most of this information can be provided by the land registry and accessed by making a request by e-mail, phone, fax, or in person. You can find the appropriate land registry office by visiting the national website: www.registradores.org (Spanish only).

https://www.expatica.com/es/housing/buying/spain-property-103805/