But this is worth a read: its a thread from a UK investment discussion site entitled Spanish Property Lessons. It is a funny read. The guy offers his advice (gained through experience) on buying in Spain.It includes little gems like this:
When an agent in Spain mentions the phrase “off-plan” to you, look over your shoulder and spit.
Fairly polemic in tone, he has an equally low opinion of real estate agents, lawyers and the off plan property industry in general.
If you thought that the agents in the UK are un-trustworthy, then just
checkout the ones operating in CDS. There, you will find the biggest
collection of wide-boys, barrow-boys and thugs outside of Romford.
Whilst many will agree with his comments - particularly those affected by the innumerable property scandals across the Costas - it is important to remember that the vast majority of foreign buyers in Spain have a positive experience.
I, for example, don't find myself counting the silverware when my estate agent friends have been round to dinner, since, most of them are decent blokes who want to do a good job: i.e find a client the right house at the right price.
Also, I am writing this post from my lumpy settee in an off plan purchase my parents made about 4 years ago. Which (along with everyone else in the urbanisation) has made them a very nice profit, thank you very much.
I even know a decent lawyer!
So beware of those who vent their spleens, the negative emphasis serves more to alleviate their own frustration, I suspect, rather than offer the benefit of experience to others.
No, Spain is not utopia: shysters and scrotes feed on the unprepared and the ill-advised here just like anywhere else.
But at least there's 300 days' sunshine a year.
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