With the constant stream of property related problems in the media regarding Spain, from land grab laws, illegal builds, bankrupt developers, etc… I was looking into compiling a list of areas/properties for buyers to be wary of.
Thankfully, someone has already beaten me to the punch and I get to save myself a horrendous amount of research. It appears that Mark Stucklin, author of the Spanish Property Doctor column in the Sunday Times and the book ‘Need to Know: Buying Property in Spain’.
Below you will find a google map that highlights a range of developments that have problems to one degree or another from Costa Brava, Costa Dorada, Costa del Azahar, Costa Blanca, Costa Cálida, Costa de Almeria, Costa de Granada to Costa del Sol.
See legend below map for explanation. If your development is affected by land grab, illegal build, bankrupt developer, Ley de Costas, corruptions ,etc… contact Mark Stucklin on http://www.spanishpropertyinsight.com/map.htm
Placemark legend
Red = Land grab
Yellow = illegal building, demolition threats
Magenta = Environmental black spot
Blue = Bankrupt developer, unfinished urbanisation
Green = Unsustainable development, water problems
Light blue = Ley de Costas affected zone
Purple = Alleged Corruption
Regards
Andrew Belles
8 responses so far ↓
Fred // March 10, 2009 at 12:53
Your list of bad areas is a fruitless exercise as the problems are country-wide. Also, your page does harm to valid properties in those areas as you scare away potemtial buyers. Please remove this page from your site – it is doing nothing but scaremonger.
Andrew // March 10, 2009 at 13:26
Hi Fred,
I don’t see how this article harms valid properties in the area.
If you property is located in one of the affected developments, then the most cursory of searches by a competent lawyer will find them.
Most potential buyers know of illegal buildings, planning irregularities, etc… Maybe if they realise that there are far fewer than most press let on, they might actually take the plunge?
Oh and last but not least, this information was not compiled by myself, as I pointed out. This information is out there, so if someone does not see it on my site they will on another.
Andrew
Fred // March 10, 2009 at 14:00
“Maybe if they realise that there are far fewer than most press let on, they might actually take the plunge?”
Good, then write about that then! Stop scaremongering and adding to the scare stories. You are only destroying your own business…
Andrew // March 10, 2009 at 14:56
Hi Again,
All the properties and developments mentioned above have previously been in the press. Not adding nothing new.
This blog is not here to promote new properties but to inform potential buyers of the state of the market.
If there is good news to post, I will post it. If the news is bad… better to acknowledge it and deal with it.
Yes I do work in an estate agents. Would you rather I/we just point out the good, or would you rather a more balanced opinion? Remember if people find this site they are already contemplating buying or renting in Spain. Giving them the information to make a more informed decision can only be a plus. Or would your rather I lie?
Andrew
Andrew // March 10, 2009 at 15:00
I would also point out that most of the people who have found this article have been typing in searches such as:
illegal developments in spain
Problems with spanish builds
Costa blanca illegal property
etc….
So people were already searching for this content.
Andrew
Fred // March 10, 2009 at 15:11
You are not adding nothing new, so why perpetuate scare stories and more negative news. That is my point.
Write some positive stuff Andrew…
Andrew // March 10, 2009 at 15:18
Hi Fred,
I do write positive articles (or at least try too).
If anything I think now is a good time to buy, if you can find the right property at the right price.
Read through the articles i’ve written and you will see the good and the bad.
But I do feel strongly about what I write about, as until these issues are corrected by the government and understood better by potential buyers there will be too much uncertainty in the market, which reduces the amount of sales.
Andrew
nastiyabel // April 25, 2009 at 14:49
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Yours faithfully, Nastja.