Rural Spanish property for sale: Obstacles you should be aware of

Last updated on March 31st, 2020 at 10:33 am.

Now the Spanish economy is bouncing back, many foreigners are looking for rural Spanish property for sale.

And why wouldn’t they? The Spanish campo is filled with stunning period properties set amongst rolling hills, clear blue skies and plenty of peace and quiet. However, investing in a rural property in Spain comes with its nuances. Therefore, it is essential that you hire a conveyance lawyer to ensure your purchase is legitimate and compliant with all regulations. With the proper guidance, you can enjoy your rural retreat with peace of mind. In this article, we explain the potential obstacles in a little more detail.

Make sure the land or property is legally for sale

The Spanish countryside is some of the most idyllic in Europe. With endless miles of unspoiled campo, many people exploring purchasing or building their dream home in Spain. What’s more, the prices remain very reasonable; you can pick up a beautiful, off-the-beaten-track finca for a fraction of the cost of property in other Mediterranean countries. However, occasionally there’s trouble in paradise.

Sometimes, vendors may attempt to sell property or land that isn’t legally for sale. For example, some estate agents may attempt to sell land situated in a parcela, or national park, which is illegal to develop. To avoid these scenarios, make sure you hire a reliable conveyance lawyer with plenty of local knowledge. They’ll be able to ensure you purchase a property or lot which can legally be developed. Furthermore, your solicitor will also be able to assess if there is any outstanding debt against the property which could potentially add to your costs.

Ensure you can make improvements to your new home

If you’re researching rural Spanish property for sale, it’s likely you’ve come across some fincas that need some TLC. Sure enough, the location and exterior are stunning, but could the kitchen use some updating? Or would you like to build a swimming pool? Either way, you need to make sure all the permissions and licenses are in place so you can transform your investment into a dream home legally.

So, before signing on the dotted line you should consult with your solicitor. Let them know what you have in mind and they can advise whether it’s possible and cost-effective. For instance, you need to find out about the services available at your prospective property; if it’s located far from the nearest urban area, is it connected to the mains water and sewage supply? If not, you’ll have to invest in substantial improvements, so you’ll need to make sure that these improvements are legal, and indeed, possible.

Rural Spanish property for sale: Why local knowledge is key

Remember, different regions and provinces have different regulations, so make sure that your solicitor is familiar with the rules that apply to the area when you’re looking for rural Spanish property for sale. More often than not, local knowledge is the key to a pain-free purchase process. At Ábaco Advisers, we can guide you through the purchase process. With a knowledgeable, reliable conveyance solicitor, you can enjoy your rural retreat stress-free.