Any ideas or suggestions welcome as the best place to look for property . We are a couple aged 53 and 54. Thank you.

Deborah,

My wife and I have recently moved to Chiclana and used Pisos.com . Many of the local resident here in Chiclana use this website to review property prices.

Now for a word of warning. Many houses in Chiclana especially 'county houses' are the disconcerting remains of the construction Boom of the early 2000's, either the dwellings were built poorly or Illegally.

Many families have been warned of the risk of purchasing Illegal county housing, although the price might seem to be very rewarding, you might find the dwelling is not connected to any public services, such as water, electricity, and foul. In many case the road to the house is a country dirt tack which is the first sign the house might be built illegally.

First step is to ask the question - Is the site in which the house is built on legally urbanized?

There are 3 possible answers:

1. Urbanizado (consolidated or non consolidated/ with or without public services)

2. Urbanizable (to be urbanised in the future)

3. No Urbanizable  (Never to be urbanised)

I hope I have not been all negative on this Friday morning, but as working as an Architect in Chiclana I have heard some unfortunate stories. Finally, I would recommend joining ChiFRA an expat community group that greatly assist English speaking residence with legalizing their properties and much more. 

Adrian

Thank you for taking the time to reply and for your useful information.  It is certainly something we will look out for.   We have our uk house on the market at the moment and will be looking just as soon as it’s sold.     Kind regards.   Deborah. 

Hi

Recently moved here from the UK. We would have no qualms about reccomending 'American House.es' their after sales service was outstanding and went beyond what anybody could expect.

Would strongly suggest using a lawyer from outside the area as there are far too many cosy relationships between agents and lawyers in this area and 1 can never be too careful

Thank you for taking the time to reply.    I will remember this when we move.  Deb.