Do people generally have a survey done?

Hi Jackie, a very interesting topic question.

Over the years I have bought 4 properties in Spain. They were all apartments. 3 were brand new and one was constructed in 1985 as part of an urbanisation. 

I didn't commission a survey on any of them and fortunately have not had any problems. But, knowing what I know now I think if I bought again I would change my mind and commission one.

Certainly if buying a stand alone property and especially an older one, I would highly recommend a survey. That begs the question who to trust to do it? I believe there are some Brits living here who provide the service, the question is finding them, how qualified are they, how well recommended they are, and how good the advice is within the survey.  

It'll be interesting to see what other replies you get.

Kind regards, Steve

We bought here just over a year ago and didn't get a survey done cos we were told that it wasn't done here. However I now think we should have, as a few problems have arisen (though nothing too serious). Ours is a semi-detached villa - don't know about an apartment. The estate agents will tell you not to bother, but I would advise to have one if its not a new property.

We used these guys ... the Spanish equivalent of Chartered Engineers.

They provided a written report (in Spanish), and a video report narrated in English.

Additionally, there was an element of professional indemnity insurance should the house have failed.

As things worked out, we were able to meet them at the house, and they explained the construction etc. (as the building techniques/materials in Spain differ from those used in Britain). I was concerned that the house had no damp course. They told me not to worry, given the site, the house construction, etc. Last year we witnessed the worst flooding for 100 years - no damp to be seen.

Our house is an individual detached structure, on a gently sloping plot (which we now know to be shallow ground over solid rock).

If I was buying a flat, or a terraced house in a street in which no houses were showing cracks, then I might not bother. 

If, on the other hand, I was looking at a house clinging on to the side of a steep hill, or a house above/below a 4 metre retaining wall, or a house with a pool built out over a crevasse, I would certainly get a survey.,

--------------------

Antonio Martínez de la Casa. Architect. Tel. 0034 665 810 411

Member of Madrid´s Architects Association COAM Number 15158

www.martinezdelacasa.com

C/Floridablanca 38 1º Derecha

30880 Águilas (Murcia) 

Good post Kelvin 👍

We used a guy  if I remember correctly called Mark Paddon 12 years ago, I was think he’s still operating . We chose a pretty basic survey but it was still quite in depth & very reasonable.

If you Google search Mark it seems he is still operating...

0034 653733066
0034 962807247
[email protected]

www.surveysspain.com

Most people get a properly qualified builder or architect to look over the property. UK style surveys aren't recognized in Spain, so you're wasting your money getting a British ex surveyor as his findings won't hold any water.

That's fair comment Charlie but I think most people would just be looking for peace of mind as opposed to legal protection (should something go wrong). 

Building your own property, entirely different and Spanish expertise would be vital.

Understand your point, Charlie, but we ourselves used Mark Paddon a few year ago. Contrary  to your view as an ‘ex Brit surveyor’, Mark is qualified and recognised by the Valencian authorities; I think it a little unfair to make sweeping statements referring to a specific individual, when that isn’t actually the case.