marbella archwayA DEEP insecurity has descended on Marbella as a result of the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn 2010’s urban plan, leaving many in limbo.

The controversial decision has left homeowners, realtors and lawyers banging their heads against the wall in confusion.

Any house built since 1986 that doesn’t comply with guidelines of that year may be illegal, which is a terrifying reality for thousands of expats.

For a country and, closer to home, a construction sector that was back on track after a harrowing crisis, it spells devastating news.

The town hall must act rapidly and efficiently to find a solution as Marbella, and the the income she generates, is one of Spain’s most precious assets.

The powers that be would do well to remember that.

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4 COMMENTS

  1. Does anyone actually know why the Supreme Court has overturned this decision? Exactly what is the point of their action and how did it come about?

    The Spanish property market needs this like a hole in the head. Just as the changes to the Penal Code have come into force and the property market is showing signs of recovery, this bombshell comes along and destroys confidence again. Why can’t Marbella Town Hall, the Junta de Andalucia and the Supreme Court work together to find a solution and legalise these properties? There is no point in demolishing them, it would do more harm than good and absolutely nobody would benefit from it.

    Residential and conventional tourism are the life blood of the region and without it, the whole economy would collapse. The slightest whiff of more house demolitions will immediately kill off the recovery and throw yet more people out of work and damage Spain’s reputation with foreign investors. This madness needs to stop now and urgent action is needed before more lives and businesses are ruined.

  2. I can’t really see the bulldozers going in there like they have in Axarquia and Almeria. One rule for one area, one for another. Spain is dysfunctional. Why on earth would anyone now risk purchasing a property in this daft country?

  3. Why have you chosen to live in Spain for 12 or 14 years Fred, if it’s so bad? Surely as a professed successful businessman in 3 countries you’re not forced to live there. A huge logic gap in your narrative surely? Incidentally the number of Spanish house transactions grew by 15% in September, so it seems your daily whines here aren’t deterring anyone!

  4. Squidling, it is tedious to keep repeating myself to you, but I have no personal issue with Spain. I move around Europe, but am resident in Spain currently. Residency in Spain doesn’t stop people living elsewhere for long periods. That may change in the future, who knows? To reiterate, I would not purchase in Spain knowing what I know now, but hindsight is of course a beautiful thing. Perhaps if you had succeeded in business you could move around Europe too?

    I could easily critique other countries to, but this is of course a Spanish forum. Btw, if my whines are not concerning anyone else, then why are you getting worried about them? lol.

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