Wanted: Property

You need to view in all the areas and make your own decision depending on budget or rent 1st. Bought 4 years ago. Lived here over 2 years on D and no regrets.

Like everywhere it has its problems with the odd burglaries dogs barking over flowing bins dog poo no street lights in some areas and unfinished roads. But we have a great community and most people help each other.

We spent almost a year searching for a suitable property as a holiday rental until we can move to Spain permanently in about 2 years time, and finally decided on Camposol for a large number of reasons (and 3 months after completion, have no regrets at all).

The houses in Camposol offer excellent value, but first you will need to decide whether you prefer the peace and quiet (and lower prices) in sector D (as we do) or want to pay extra for the convenience of being closer to the shops and restaurants in sector B. If the road surfaces and lack of street lights on most of Camposol are issues for you (our car has a steering wheel and bright lights, so these are not issues for us), look at Mazarron Country Club instead (typical 2 bedroom detached house is Euros 120,000 as opposed to Euro 75,000 for a similar property on Camposol (plus MCC management fees), but the MCC estate does look more up-market). But because MCC is much smaller than Camposol, there is not such a large choice of properties for sale (pushing prices up and making it harder to negotiate).

Whatever happens, do not make the mistake we did of believing Mercers. They totally misrepresented (lied about) the condition of our house, as we found out to our cost after completion. Get a professional survey done BEFORE signing the contract and paying a deposit to establish what hidden issues may be awaiting you. And don't use PALS solicitors (as recommended by Mercers) either. I accept that the estate agent is being paid by, and hence representing, the seller, but although I paid PALS handsomely, they did NOT represent me and were definitely on  the side of Mercers and the seller (and 3 months after completion, PALS are still refusing to give me a copy of the receipts from the Notary and Land Registry, plus a copy of the tax declaration and tax equivalent receipts, so that I can see how much they overcharged me and demand a refund).

Luckily, other estate agents and solicitors are available (and may be worse than Mercers and PALS, although I find that hard to imagine).

A good source of up to date information is the CRA, Camposol resident association website. Sadly the horror story is by no means over. It appears most just close their eyes and their ears to such problems and that includes the estate agents, solicitors, town hall as well as most residents. However, property is very inexpensive compared to elsewhere and it's the people who make a community not the bricks and mortar. 

I am not the sort of person to just close my eyes and not worry. I wish I was. Camposol would not be my choice BUT I'm not being critical of people who buy here. It's easy, however, to get caught up in the excitement and before you know it your commited to a purchase. I voice my concerns and opinion not to take a pop at the Camposol Owners but rather to help would be purchasers getting seduced by the low prices....without first knowing why they are so competitive.

We purchased in April after a long search across many areas of Spain, Camposol affords great VFM and a great community, yes there are some horrendous horrors in certain locations and some of the estate agents really do treat you like mushrooms promising the world and delivering nothing, we used 2let2buy2sell the experience with them was honest to say the least, Dawn and Sandra do not mince their words and will not sell anything that they are not comfortable with, they recommend MMB solicitors but will not take any kick back so MMB give you a discount for what they would have paid as a discount, the service from them was second to none and if they are not happy with teh purchase they will not let you buy and Dawn will honour what Dennis decides and will refund any deposit if he finds any issues (Dennis is thorough trust me on that note!!) 

we are now 7 months in and we love our place in the sun and have no regrets 

Lee 

Never again Mercers and Pals. We had to put 20.000 euros in the house once we moved in to make everything work properly and the rain not running from the walls. You don't see these things at the viewing!

Totally agree about Dawn and Sandra !

When you visit a house, you cannot see if the electricity has not enough power, and if they tell you the spot in the ceiling was a leak that has been repaired, and it was NOT, the next rain there were 8 leaks, the tubes of the swimming pool were all cracked (under the floor) etc etc

I didn't ask for sympathy, it's my fault that I expect everyone to be as honest as I am. I hate liars.

It was not PALS who lied about the hidden flaws of the house but the estate agent. With PALS I have other issues, concerning administration, taxes etc. and not only me. You wouldn't even believe me if I told you. They lost already a lot of clients. Lesson learned. Discussion closed.