Enjoyed your explanation about the legalities of going off-grid. Very similar to Portugal. It is not for the faint-hearted, for sure. I thought I could just patch up my old village house, but I’m glad I contracted an engineer and paid the fees😊.
Great video. As someone who is actively looking for a place right now, I can't believe how many hoops to jump through and minefields there are. I might be coming to you for a building quotation at some point in the future 😂😂😂
Thanks for the comprehensive explanation. Every country has people that (try to) live ‘under the radar’. I’ve never understood that concept unless there is something to hide. We are social animals.
Thank you guys for that really good explanation. I'm sure the rules differ from country to country, but clearly it's necessary to speak to the proper authorities and learn what rules and restrictions apply in your region. 💗👍😊🇨🇦
who would have thought that even a fence or a shed needs permission? As a foreigner, you might run into traps you don’t even know exist. This video might be very useful for people interested in buying property in Spain.
Thank you for clearing up lots of questions Andy and Sharon. My last question was going to be how are you managing to do the work yourself, but you answered that at the end. That has left me pondering one more question - if you are a registered builder in your area, do you have to do x amount of work, showing x amount of income as a builder or is the fact you are qualified and registered enough? I can’t imagine you would have time to do work for others with all you do on your own property.
I get frustrated with the building regulations here in the US, but compared what you are facing in Europe, we have it easy. It’s just sad there are so many barriers to people investing in and making places better to live. It’s like they don’t want anything to ever change.
Yes, it can be very difficult. The paperwork and bureaucracy are way over the top, on the verge of ridiculous but here, persistence pays off. Never give in :)
@tonycosta3302 there are a huge number of Americans who travel to Europe to enjoy our quaint atmospheric villages and towns....why are you seeing the need to have improvements approved as a barrier to making houses a better place to live. It is not a barrier. These regulations are to ensure the integrity of the building and the villages survive whilst being modernised.
@@jenh9252 despite a few expats, the overwhelming trend is towards population decline in these areas. Ruins are there because there was nobody to renovate them. And fixer-upper properties will become ruins without people to improve them, which is hampered by too much bureaucracy. Just look at all the ghost town and towns on the verge of abandonment. They need to make it easy and affordable. Otherwise, only a few people diehard people like Andy and Sharon will do it, and that is not enough to prevent the decline.
Residencia (residency permit) is a completely different thing and that too requires being registered on the padrón but has nothing to do with property ownership. You can become a resident in a rented property but that property would need all the correct documentation also.
Just to clarify for subscribers who may only want to buy and renovate a home that would be a holiday home and not a permanent residency then you dont need to be on the Padron. You can open a bank account, buy a property, get utilities accounts, pay property taxes, apply for a minor or major licence to carry out renovations etc as a non resident, non EU citizen not on the Padron. I have done all the above having bought a rural property in a remote area of Andalucia in 2023. My property had a habitation licence and was not a ruin just in need of renovating. I agree that all work, even the most minor work requires a licence from the local town hall. My local town hall has been very helpful. At the end of the day they want regeneration in their area and the additional tax revenues this brings. Don't get put off - just do your research and due diligence!
Interesting video. Regarding using "registered builders" for what sounds like pretty much everything, does this apply to all types of housing, not just rustic? Sounds like you can't dip a paintbrush or replace some tiles without using a "registered builder"?
Thanks. As we understand it, it's just for larger projects. Many people we know do a lot themselves, once they have obtained the relevant 'licencia de obras'
Interesting video guys and it sounds an absolute minefield. Portugal seems nuts too. From what I’ve heard, properties in Portugal are often split equally between family when someone passes away. I heard of a couple who bought a property, finally got to moving date - and when they arrived, there was someone sat in their living room. Turned out they’d unknowingly bought the house and land with the exception of the sitting room!..that had belonged to a different family member, so they had no alternative obviously other than to buy him out. Crazy eh? 😯…can I ask one quick question please?..if you bought an already established home, with habitation certificate etc..just a bog standard house - can you work on that yourself?..I mean, could you fit a new kitchen/bathroom etc?…or would you need town hall permission and have a registered builder do the work?…really informative that, well done for giving people a heads up! 👏🏼
It's not so bad if you do it right, from the start. Hence the reason for this video and the other we did a while ago. In answer to your question, yes. Technically you should have a works licence from the local town hall - it's not difficult to get and costs very little - and there is usually no problem doing the work yourself. If it's work inside, nobody normally bothers with a licence. It's really only changes that are visible from the outside that draw attention, for obvious reasons. It's the same now in many countries.
@ ah ok, again, that helpful thank you..despite Brexit, I’m still not giving up hope!..one day, one day!..I’m still cracking on with the Duolingo lessons 😆👏🏼
After watching your latest vlog, I'm so glad we changed our .mind and plumped for central portugal, I'm still in awe with your work ethics and patience with the beaurocracy Please, keep up the great work 😎😎😎😎😎
@markgeddes9618 central Portugal has even more strict regulations, not to mention forest fires. I hope you are following the strict rules in place 5here. I have watched many a utuber run foul of them, unfortunately!
I don’t think I worded my previous question correctly. My husband is a self employed tradesman in the U.K. my question is, could we buy a similar type of property to yours, get him registered as a self employed builder in Spain but work solely on our own house? Thanks.
I'm not sure, as since Brexit UK citizens don't have the right to work in EU countries, so that may be an issue, plus to be self employed (autonomo) in Spain you have to pay around 300€ per month to the treasury for the pleasure (covers healthcare, pension etc), submit quarterly IVA returns and file annual accounts - even if they are zero. If your house has a habitation certificate, you can probably just go to the local Ayuntamiento, get the desired permit for the work you want to do, and simply do it yourself, without having to go through all the rigmarole of being self employed in Spain.
Thanks for replying. So, the answer is to buy a property with a habitation certificate and not look for your type of property. Thanks for the advice. Love your workmanship.
I am always amused when I see so many of your fellow utubers inviting the Mayor over to get permission such a joke. These Place in The Sun style programs are so misleading 😮
They are very misleading and that was one of the reasons for this video - plus the fact that we have been laying limecrete all week, broken backs, aching muscles and not great viewing :)
Well done Guys. Nothing like a hard dose of reality to rip off those rose coloured glasses. Hopefully you have saved someone a lot of heartache.
Really interesting video. A must watch for anyone buying in Spain.
Lots of questions I’ve asked myself about your project have been answered today Wonderful to know you’re all up and above board 👍👍👏👏
It's the only way
Very interesting video, thanks for sharing your knowledge! ❤❤❤
I can't believe I have only just noticed that you have an offset smoker BBQ after watching all this time. You must be a good cook, mate!
lol, we made the 'smokercue' as we call it. There are two videos on it and yes, we like to cook
Well done, I am in total agreement with you, things like this need to be said out loud so people know whats what.
Thank you - there is so much fake & falseness out there! We needed to address it.
Very well done, you have answered a lot of questions in a plain and simple way, Thank you both
Thank you for sharing the reality of what it's like to buy a home abroad. It's not as easy or as simple as some others make it sound.
Excellent video today! Very informative. Thank you guys.
Thanks for the information !!
Enjoyed your explanation about the legalities of going off-grid. Very similar to Portugal. It is not for the faint-hearted, for sure. I thought I could just patch up my old village house, but I’m glad I contracted an engineer and paid the fees😊.
Thanks. As we understand it, it's exactly the same in Portugal!
Great video. As someone who is actively looking for a place right now, I can't believe how many hoops to jump through and minefields there are.
I might be coming to you for a building quotation at some point in the future 😂😂😂
I can be available if you aren't too far away :)
@@FincaLife It's looking like either Sax or Caudete. The final decision will be made next month if everything goes to plan.
Thanks for the comprehensive explanation. Every country has people that (try to) live ‘under the radar’. I’ve never understood that concept unless there is something to hide. We are social animals.
Thank you guys for that really good explanation. I'm sure the rules differ from country to country, but clearly it's necessary to speak to the proper authorities and learn what rules and restrictions apply in your region.
💗👍😊🇨🇦
Thanks guys.
who would have thought that even a fence or a shed needs permission? As a foreigner, you might run into traps you don’t even know exist. This video might be very useful for people interested in buying property in Spain.
You really are lovely people. Love your videos. NJ, USA
Thank you so much!
Very informative video. Thank you both.
Thanks for informative content.
Great vlog!
Thanks a lot 👍very helpful
A very useful down to earth and realistic video!👍👍
Wherever one goes in this world there is red tape to deal with.
Thank you for clearing up lots of questions Andy and Sharon. My last question was going to be how are you managing to do the work yourself, but you answered that at the end. That has left me pondering one more question - if you are a registered builder in your area, do you have to do x amount of work, showing x amount of income as a builder or is the fact you are qualified and registered enough? I can’t imagine you would have time to do work for others with all you do on your own property.
I get frustrated with the building regulations here in the US, but compared what you are facing in Europe, we have it easy. It’s just sad there are so many barriers to people investing in and making places better to live. It’s like they don’t want anything to ever change.
Yes, it can be very difficult. The paperwork and bureaucracy are way over the top, on the verge of ridiculous but here, persistence pays off. Never give in :)
@tonycosta3302 there are a huge number of Americans who travel to Europe to enjoy our quaint atmospheric villages and towns....why are you seeing the need to have improvements approved as a barrier to making houses a better place to live. It is not a barrier. These regulations are to ensure the integrity of the building and the villages survive whilst being modernised.
@@jenh9252 despite a few expats, the overwhelming trend is towards population decline in these areas. Ruins are there because there was nobody to renovate them. And fixer-upper properties will become ruins without people to improve them, which is hampered by too much bureaucracy. Just look at all the ghost town and towns on the verge of abandonment. They need to make it easy and affordable. Otherwise, only a few people diehard people like Andy and Sharon will do it, and that is not enough to prevent the decline.
I think the term is Resident Permit (as in habitation permit).
Residencia (residency permit) is a completely different thing and that too requires being registered on the padrón but has nothing to do with property ownership. You can become a resident in a rented property but that property would need all the correct documentation also.
In our area it is called a Habitation Certificate. Applies to houses whereas a Residencia applies to people.
@@FincaLife Good to know... more Bureaucracy!
@@jenh9252 Exactly this. Thanks for a clear explanation :)
Great video folks and very informative, so what would I need and have to do to be a registered builder in Spain?? thanks
You need to register with the Agencia Tributaria (Tax Agency), file accounts, pay taxes etc as a self employed builder.
Just to clarify for subscribers who may only want to buy and renovate a home that would be a holiday home and not a permanent residency then you dont need to be on the Padron. You can open a bank account, buy a property, get utilities accounts, pay property taxes, apply for a minor or major licence to carry out renovations etc as a non resident, non EU citizen not on the Padron. I have done all the above having bought a rural property in a remote area of Andalucia in 2023. My property had a habitation licence and was not a ruin just in need of renovating. I agree that all work, even the most minor work requires a licence from the local town hall. My local town hall has been very helpful. At the end of the day they want regeneration in their area and the additional tax revenues this brings. Don't get put off - just do your research and due diligence!
Interesting video.
Regarding using "registered builders" for what sounds like pretty much everything, does this apply to all types of housing, not just rustic? Sounds like you can't dip a paintbrush or replace some tiles without using a "registered builder"?
Thanks. As we understand it, it's just for larger projects. Many people we know do a lot themselves, once they have obtained the relevant 'licencia de obras'
great insight into you life choice. Andy how did you become a registered builder in the area?? did you need certificates??
You need to register with the Agencia Tributaria (Tax Agency), file accounts, pay taxes etc as a self employed builder.
I have a hard time hearing what you’re saying when you talk over each other. Sigh. Old ears. Love your channel.
I think it is the acoustics in that room! No curtains or soft furnishings!
❤
⚖️⚖️⚖️
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Interesting video guys and it sounds an absolute minefield. Portugal seems nuts too. From what I’ve heard, properties in Portugal are often split equally between family when someone passes away. I heard of a couple who bought a property, finally got to moving date - and when they arrived, there was someone sat in their living room. Turned out they’d unknowingly bought the house and land with the exception of the sitting room!..that had belonged to a different family member, so they had no alternative obviously other than to buy him out. Crazy eh? 😯…can I ask one quick question please?..if you bought an already established home, with habitation certificate etc..just a bog standard house - can you work on that yourself?..I mean, could you fit a new kitchen/bathroom etc?…or would you need town hall permission and have a registered builder do the work?…really informative that, well done for giving people a heads up! 👏🏼
It's not so bad if you do it right, from the start. Hence the reason for this video and the other we did a while ago. In answer to your question, yes. Technically you should have a works licence from the local town hall - it's not difficult to get and costs very little - and there is usually no problem doing the work yourself. If it's work inside, nobody normally bothers with a licence. It's really only changes that are visible from the outside that draw attention, for obvious reasons. It's the same now in many countries.
@ ah ok, again, that helpful thank you..despite Brexit, I’m still not giving up hope!..one day, one day!..I’m still cracking on with the Duolingo lessons 😆👏🏼
Very informative. I'm still sort of curious about how one becomes a registered builder in Spain?
You need to register with the Agencia Tributaria (Tax Agency), file accounts, pay taxes etc as a self employed builder.
@@FincaLife Thank you. I thought there was some sort of test or something. LOL
@@pmc9167 lol, only for certified trades, electric and gas, for example
After watching your latest vlog, I'm so glad we changed our .mind and plumped for central portugal,
I'm still in awe with your work ethics and patience with the beaurocracy
Please, keep up the great work
😎😎😎😎😎
We watched an inspirational video recently and are pretty sure it's the same in Portugal....
@markgeddes9618 central Portugal has even more strict regulations, not to mention forest fires. I hope you are following the strict rules in place 5here. I have watched many a utuber run foul of them, unfortunately!
@@jenh9252 I must admit the forest fires are a grave concern, we follow the rules
I don’t think I worded my previous question correctly. My husband is a self employed tradesman in the U.K. my question is, could we buy a similar type of property to yours, get him registered as a self employed builder in Spain but work solely on our own house? Thanks.
I'm not sure, as since Brexit UK citizens don't have the right to work in EU countries, so that may be an issue, plus to be self employed (autonomo) in Spain you have to pay around 300€ per month to the treasury for the pleasure (covers healthcare, pension etc), submit quarterly IVA returns and file annual accounts - even if they are zero. If your house has a habitation certificate, you can probably just go to the local Ayuntamiento, get the desired permit for the work you want to do, and simply do it yourself, without having to go through all the rigmarole of being self employed in Spain.
Thanks for replying. So, the answer is to buy a property with a habitation certificate and not look for your type of property. Thanks for the advice. Love your workmanship.
🌟👏👍🍀💐
👍😎🍻
Why would you pay 20 euros to someone to be allowed to change your windows ?
@tonemc6047 the fee would be for processing the application to change the building, this protects the look and ambience of historic buildings
and it's the law in Spain....
I am always amused when I see so many of your fellow utubers inviting the Mayor over to get permission such a joke. These Place in The Sun style programs are so misleading 😮
They are very misleading and that was one of the reasons for this video - plus the fact that we have been laying limecrete all week, broken backs, aching muscles and not great viewing :)
@FincaLife it was very interesting and I am sure most helpful