Checking property legalities

A lot of property in Spain and in the Alpujarra has belonged to Spanish families for many years, and has been handed down to their children. This has meant that larger farms have been broken down into smaller parcels of land.

 Some of the larger farms have a house which was a home for the family that worked the farm as there main income. However a lot of the countryside around Orgiva has smaller farms with olive, almond and fruit trees, and the buildings on the farm were built as “naves” (agricultural buildings) or “casa-cortijos” (farmhouses)  and not main houses and were used simply for working the land, growing crops and harvesting the olives. The families used to stay in the “nave” over the weekend when working the farm but it was not built as a permanent home as their main house was in the village or town and their family income came from working in a job or business during the week.

 Traditionally a lot of these “naves” or “casa-cortijos” are not mentioned on the escritura (ie the deeds) of the property and are therefore illegal. Some can be made legal, so for anyone thinking of purchasing such a property, Alpujarra Conect can make inquiries and look at the possibilities you may have as it depends on where the land and buildings are and in most cases how much land belongs to the “finca” (farm).

 For people purchasing and thinking of modernising, you will need planning permission and it will therefore be important for you to be aware of all the problems that you may face before signing any agreement. 

 Phone or email for more details and our fees.