Posted: Thu Jan 30, 2020 5:55pm
We had a structural survey written into our purchase contract before we parted with our 3000 Euros.
The 3000 Euros was held by our solicitor, not by the seller's estate agent.
The 3000 Euros was only transferred to the vendor on satisfactory completion of the structural survey.
Our survey cost 500 Euros. It included a written report (in Spanish) and a video (narrated in English). Coincidentally, we were able to meet the surveyor on site. He spoke perfect English, and was able to explain the construction of the house to us (Spanish houses use some unfamiliar construction techniques). I think the lead time for the survey was around 10 days. If you want, I can pm you the surveyor's contacts.
Your solicitor should do the land registry (equivalent) check, but development plans/motorways/approved consents etc. are much more hit-and-miss in Spain than in the UK.