Who will compensate the Priors?

Country:  Other Spanish Places, Spain; Spain

24 June 2008

Back in January this year, Helen and Leonard Prior became the first British expatriates to have their property in Spain destroyed after government officials ruled that their £570,000 villa had been constructed illegally. The move came as part of the Spanish government’s clampdown on homes that have been unlawfully built along the Spanish coastline, particularly the Mediterranean.

Ever since the scandulous incident, Homes Overseas has repeatedly called upon the British government to “defend the rights of thousands of British citizens” who own property in Spain. Rupert Bates, editorial director of Homes Overseas, even appeared on Channel 4’s Richard & Judy Show calling for justice. Yet despite provoking a response from the UK Foreign Office, very little has been done and the Priors are still waiting to be compensated. 

The couple are suing the town hall of Almeria for €700,000 (around £570,000) in compensation. As a consequence the town hall is taking legal action against the department of housing and town planning of the regional government of Andalucia, over who should pay the cost of compensating the British pair.

Unfortunately for the Priors, the legal process could drag on for years, with both the town hall and the regional government appealing any decision that goes against them. This is yet another ploy by the town hall to avoid paying what they owe. The likelihood is that any eventual compensation would barely cover legal fees and other costs.

Homes Overseas is calling on the authorities to sort out this outrageous mess sooner rather than later. Only then will they regain the trust of many British investors and second homeowners who have brought much needed income and prosperity to southern Spain over the past 30 years.

Have your say: mds@globespanmedia.com

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