Spain's housing secretary 'in denial' about expat property problems

31.12.69

"The minister made out that there were just one or two people with problems and that these were getting sorted out."

A decree to legalise existing illegal properties combined with a reduction in new home tax and falling house prices made Spain the ideal place in which to invest, said the minister during her address to an audience of developers, investors and protesting British investors who gathered at London's Docklands.

No mention was made of the many thousands of expats who have bought in good faith only to be told their houses are illegally built and therefore unsellable, and excluded from local water and electricity supplies.

It was the second time this year that the secretary had addressed a British audience of potential investors and explained why Spanish property is such a good investment.

The discussion between the pair was brought to a close by the Spanish Ambassador, Carles Casajuana , who led the Spanish housing secretary away after Marta Andreasen refused to shake her hand.

Source: Telegraph.co.uk

BRITISH READY TO BUY AGAIN IN SPAIN – BUT LEGALLY! | National ...

News that many of the people visiting international property shows in the UK last year were still looking to move abroad, specifically Spain, indicates that while the downturn has made a difference, there are signs that things are beginning to happen and that the green shoots of recovery, although sparse, are starting to make an appearance.

Spain’s main competitors were the USA and Australia and New Zealand, which have been offering immigration packages at some shows. But the survey results from these shows are especially good news for Spain, which is confirmed to be the favourite destination of potential property-buyers still with over 60 per cent of visitors indicating an interest in Spain. France came a poor second despite its familiarity and geographical proximity to British buyers.

Surveys of the public attending the show indicated that many buyers have been waiting for the right moment, and are now thinking about making a move, as the thinking is that house prices are unlikely to drop any further.

The reasons for choosing Spain, were, as one would expect, the climate, the friendly people, and previous holidays in certain areas in the past. It was also noted that buyers were now more aware of the problems now facing property investors who had chosen destinations that were not offering many flights in and out.

Some places have even cancelled flights altogether while others have cut drastically during the crunch but locally, Malaga airport continues to be served by numerous airlines with dozens of flights every day to the UK.

However, what is it exactly they can expect when they get here? As more and more we about cases hear concerning expats duped into buying illegal properties or falling foul of a law that has previously been ignored. The case in  Albox, Almeria where nine British home owners stand to lose their homes following a demolition order has now developed into a diplomatic row with Ambassador Giles Paxman getting involved and asking for a meeting to try and resolve the situation.

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The Best way to buy Property in Spain - Viewing Trips

If you are considering buying a property in Spain then the only way to proceed is to book a Spanish viewing trip. Contact spain@viewhomesabroad.co ...

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