Buying a second home in Spain is a dream for many. But what if that dream cracks - literally?
In this episode, An-Sofie and Glenn go through an action plan if you discover defects in your property in Spain after the purchase. From minor aesthetic flaws to serious structural problems: what are your rights, which deadlines apply and what should you absolutely do and not do?
Listen via Youtube, Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
Glenn explains step by step:
- How Spain distinguishes between visible and hidden defects,
- What legal protection you enjoy in new construction versus resale,
- and what to do concretely if you identify a defect - including practical tips and legal pitfalls.
What you will learn in this episode
- What Spanish law considers a "defect" - and when you can or cannot make a legal claim.
- How the Ley de Ordenación de la Edificación (LOE) protects you in new construction, with guarantees of 10, 3 and 1 year.
- What the vicios ocultos are and why buyers of existing homes have only 6 months to act.
- Why a structural inspection is not a luxury, but pure necessity when reselling.
- Which documents you should always request: Libro del Edificio, Actas of the CoE, and Memoria de Calidades.
- How to proceed correctly with a complaint: document, send burofax, engage expert and - if necessary - go to court.
Three essential take-aways from Glenn
- Know the difference between new construction and resale. The legal protection is completely different.
- Prevention is better than cure. A technical inspection beforehand can save you thousands of euros.
- Act quickly and formally. For hidden defects in re-sales, the clock is ticking mercilessly: 6 months and not a day longer.
Listed tools & documents
- Burofax - registered letter with legal evidential value in Spain
- Seguro Decenal - compulsory ten-year insurance in new construction
- Libro del Edificio - technical passport of the building
- Memoria de Calidades - detail document with all promised materials and finishes
Want to know more?
Read more on this topic on our website.
