From Dreams to Contract Deeds: Our Andalusian House Journey
We are just about to sign a contract to buy a house in Andalusia, Spain – after almost three months of back and forth with the help of a lawyer.
We spotted this house in mid-May this year and immediately it had a good feeling. First impressions felt right. Even after digging deep and uncovering countless obstacles, we still feel it is the right choice.
When I tell people the story, they look at me with open mouths, amazement, maybe with a touch of irony, and secretly think that we are going to be the next drama on Place in the Sun!
But what they think doesn’t really matter. This is our decision, and it is an exciting adventure we are ready to take on. One of my mottos is: “If it was easy, everyone would do it.” And isn’t there a saying, “They’ll ask you how you did it, when it all works out?”
So yes, we’re just about to sign the contract. To clarify, we are: my sister and her partner, my husband and I. This is the contract where you put down 10%. It is the second contract we have signed.
The first was a reservation contract, which took the property off the market. This second one includes all conditions, obligations, and rights. Negotiating those terms took us ten full weeks. If everything goes according to plan, we will exchange deeds in early September.
Two Different Purposes, One Shared Dream
I am excited and nervous at the same time. For my sister, this house will be a holiday home. For us, it will become our new home. We will be leaving France and become residents of Cómpeta. That change could be story on its own, as it means transferring from the French to the Spanish system.
To nip any raised eyebrows in the bud: I am a European citizen, and my husband is British. Since we are married, his visa situation is slightly different. But let me be honest, I am sure we will still encounter a few hurdles there.
But first… the house!
Our future home lies just outside Cómpeta, a charming white Andalusian village located 450 meters above sea level, a feature we hope will help with the extreme summer heat. And yet, we are only 15 kilometers from the beaches of the Costa del Sol.
We had a few non-negotiables when house hunting: proximity to the coast and access to a lively town or village. This property ticks both boxes.
Built in 2005 on rural land, the house has legal status which is a huge advantage in Spain. In contrast, properties built illegally in the last six years risk being ordered to be torn down. We hopefully have avoided that bullet.
Design, Limitations, and Excitement
It is a spacious house, with enough room to divide it into separate quarters for my sister and us, along with shared indoor and outdoor kitchens.
One challenge with rural land is that extensions are not allowed. Sure, you could try (and I bet many do), but you also risk being told to take them down. We have accepted this rule and are brainstorming creative, ‘legal’ ways to work within that limitation.
I am a big fan of natural shade, and luckily, there is a huge tree on the property that provides exactly that, a beautiful, leafy canopy. I can already envision creating a little paradise under its branches.
So yes, we are well on our way to owning a house in Spain. It is basic for now, but we see so much potential to turn it into a true jewel. And then there’s the land, almost half an acre. As a passionate gardener, I can’t wait to get my tools out and start shaping it.
But… that’s a story for another time.
Plot Twist in our Contract?
Just as I was finalising this story, we received an email that has put us back to square one.
The seller has raised an objection.
So, no signing just yet.
Stay tuned.
Marijke
