Embarking on a house hunt can be an exhilarating yet daunting process, especially when it involves the picturesque landscapes of Andalucia, Spain. Our journey through the southern Spanish province of Granada was filled with highs and lows, from misleading real estate listings to the discovery of hidden gems. This article delves into our personal experiences, offering insights and advice for fellow property seekers in this beautiful region.
Montefrio, a charming town in the Granada province, captured our hearts with its stunning properties. However, our excitement was quickly dampened when we discovered that a property we adored had been sold six months prior, despite assurances from Property Network Spain that it was available. This experience highlighted the importance of double-checking property availability, as multiple agents often list the same property without updating each other on its status.
Thankfully, Parapanda Properties, a local agency, was more reliable. Their agent, Alan Russell, introduced us to Casa Pipi, a property that seemed perfect online with its rustic charm and breathtaking views. However, upon visiting, we were met with a starkly different reality. The house was in disrepair, and the garden was far from the fenced haven we needed for our dogs. The picturesque beams and views were only illusions created by clever photography.
Undeterred, we expanded our search to the countryside, where we encountered properties ranging from isolated fixer-uppers to cortijos (traditional rural dwellings) with potential. One cortijo, in particular, caught our attention with its spacious garden and rustic features. Despite some structural concerns, we were reassured by the local builder, Paco, and the estate agent that these were minor issues. We even placed a deposit on the property.
However, complications arose with the legal segregation of the land, leading to a rollercoaster of emotions and ultimately, the decision to withdraw our offer. This experience underscored the complexities of rural property transactions in Spain, where issues such as irrigation rights and town hall approvals can become significant obstacles.
With a budget of £70,000, we realized that the Costa del Sol was beyond our reach, prompting us to explore other coastal areas and the enchanting region around Ronda. Inspired by Alastair Boyd's "Sierras of the South," we were drawn to the Genal Valley village of Benarrabá, where we found a promising village house within our budget.
Our coastal search also led us to the Costa Tropical, an area with less development and more affordable properties compared to the Costa del Sol. We discovered several potential homes, from a beautifully tiled house in Albunol to a multi-entrance property in La Rabita, which offered the possibility of rental income.
Our house hunting adventure in Andalucia taught us valuable lessons about the real estate market in southern Spain. We learned to be wary of misleading listings, the importance of on-site visits, and the need for thorough legal checks, especially when dealing with rural properties.
As we continue our search, we remain hopeful and better equipped with knowledge and experience. Our story is far from over, and we look forward to finding our dream home in this enchanting part of the world.
Stay tuned for more updates on our Andalucian house hunting saga, and visit our website Property in the Sun for photos and a blog about our experiences, including a self-catering apartment for rent in a mountain village in Andalucia, Spain.
