Talk Quesada forum

My husband and I are planning on coming to Spain at the end of this month. The idea was to purchase and relocate to Catral but we are being put off by horror stories of illegal properties, by estate agents and other individuals. Does anyone have any advice for us we would be very grateful?

Hi Millie,
The answer is actually quite simple, get yourself a good solicitor (Abagado), ask around about other people who they use , that's what we did.
I have to say the whole experience has gone smoothly from start to finish. We also live in an area where although no illegal builds, but many problems with builders not handing over deeds etc.
We had a consultaion with the solicitor when we started the process, (no charge) an itemised forecast was produced,everything about the process was explanied and at the end of the process they owed us a small amount.
They had power of attorney so we did not have to go to Notary's etc, she dealt with it all, even down to arranging electricity, water, council tax etc.
Going to the TownHall for the Padron, even the guy joked, you've actually got everything!!! amazing.
So to sum up, don't try it yourself, don't skimp on legal fees, and then you can relax knowing your 100% legal and enjoy the sunshine.
If you want to send me a pm, I'll happily pass on the details of my solicitor, and you can decide.
Regards
T

Hi, if it helps my mother was looking at properties in Catral last year, viewed numerous 'bargains' in the countryside took advice from solicitors and estate agents. The fact is many are illegal/owned by a cooperative and could create real problems, in the future unless in the town of Catral of course. She ended up buying something smaller in Quesada in the end .
Julie

Thank you for your advice I'll take it on board

Totally agree with the comments.Having lived in catral for two years, we found that rural properties, I.e. built on farmland, were generally illegal, they should have been built on minimum 10, 000 sqm plots with only a 1% footprint allowed.I.e.100sqm.
Spread your search a little wider or decide on a block of houses/apartments.good luck

Good advice from the above posts. There are some properties in Catral which are legal and which represent good value, but, if you ever come to sell the house in the future, with all of the problems in this area, potential buyers will have the same worries and concern that you do, so the value and sell-ability of the property will always be adversely affected. It's just better to steer clear, especially with so many well priced properties available in other, safer areas. Good luck with your search

Hi I would not recommend buying house in catral if the lady does not drive.
If you are not buying one in the town and don't drive don't bother as you will depend on partner to drive you everywhere and if something happens to either of you it can be lonely on your own.
Look somewhere that is local to shops bars restrauntes etc place like quesada
Also there have been many breaking friends could not leave house together one always stayed hom hope this helps move to Spain its a fantastic lifestyle

As well as lots of illegal houses please note that Catral is on the flood plain and consequently plagued by mosquitos in the summer.

If you want a country town then try Crevillent which has every facility including the best health service, train station, including one for the new AVE - access to Europe on your doorstep, etc.

Richard

Re Catral, no problem whatsoever, so long as you have a good lawyer, also most of the houses in rural area have had the ban lifted on demolition orders, no demolitions will be taking place, if you are building now this would be the problem if its less than 10,000sqm. We have ours secured also also licenses from Valencia Gov. re septic tank etc. we also do not have any mosquitoes, they are in the area of Dolores towards Elche area.

Has anyone who lives in Catral, managed to have the demolition file closed in Valencia, if so, how did you go about it.