Habitation Licence Arenal Duquesa

hi graham.   i bought from mri myself too and as far as i am concerned, they don't have a clue what is going on (or they are not really interested in finding out now they have sold the appts they had).  i have contacted them several times and had to update them as the information they gave me was misinformation completely.  i got the impression they were fobbing me off at first, especially as they have had a payment for aftersales membership from me now so completion doesn't matter to them.  Once they realised i knew they were waffling they were different but didn't help with any information whatsoever. 

In my opinion they were very good at what they did insofar as helping us find the right property but they don't seem to follow things up properly. I am still glad i first went out to spain with them as they were very good but most of the information since i have found out through my lawyer or people on here or my own investigations.  Anyway, i can assure you, if you have not seen the development itself since you bought you will be pleased.  it really is looking lovely. i've not seen it since november but i know alan and a few others have and their pictures show how lovely it is.  indeed, it was looking good back in november and that was before gardens etc were finished but now its lovely.

suzanne

Hi Graham, we also bought from MRI and as I have said elsewhere on this forum I believe it boils down to who you are dealing with as to whether or not you are being looked after. I can only say that the agent taking care of us has been attentive and informative. If she moves on of course it could all change. As for the development it is looking very good indeed. A nice touch are the period style lamps that adorn the grounds. I don't know of many other sites that include quality touches like that. I saw an actual apartment used as a show apartment on site and it was superb. Hopefully all apartments are finished to those standards. Click on the shared photos link above to view the pictures.

Alan

 

I bought through Viva Estates and although they have been very good their knowledge of the development now is somewhat limited and I can tell them more than they tell me.  Needless to say I don't bother calling them now.

I find that I have become a little obsessive with this web site and Manilva Life, it may have something to do with the fact that we are all in the same boat and we are all feeling the same way...I am excited and apprehensive.  I really pray now that we can all move onto the next stage of this roller coaster ride, and soon.  I don't bother talking to friends about the apartment because at the moment there isn't one!  Even the family have stopped asking.

Hi All,

Am grateful for all of your comments. I'm still considering whether to ask the lawyer if it is possible to pull out. My problem is I already have an apartment on Casares, and am nervous re all these recent stories on potential property price "crashes" in southern Spain.

I am impressed by this helpful and active website though. Think I'm learning more from this than any amount of telecalls to MRI. I'd begun to think there was a conspiracy involving developers, legal,  realty, and the "Town Hall" i.e. all involved in the process, to be economical with the facts surrounding the market, in order to protect their livelihoods. Cynical old me!!!

Graham

 

Hi Graham

We are considering pulling out of the deal also, but have been told it would take a court case to get refund.   This info came from the solicitor in spain. i persume it is the same solicitor as yourself as we also bought thru MRI. If you get any positive response from your contacts I would be obliged if you could let us know..    

Tks

 

    

Trawling through as I do I came accross a site www.qvalitas.com.  You have all probably been there.  It has apartments on our development for sale.  It has some pics of the interior of the show apartment.  Shows nicely the loo and bidet closeness!  It also show prices, which vary from present valuations, so who knows.  Try these references. 

R119.00028 - R119-00029 - R119-00231 - R119-00091.

 

Hi Elaine.

Are you aware that not all the bathrooms have the toilet and bidet in those positions? 

When I first saw that bathroom in the show house I assumed that it was for the client with 'Spanish tummy' that's  had a curry from 'The Passgae to India' in the port!  They think of everything don't they ?

Hi TheWards

I'm told cost is 3000 euros plus vat + 500 court fee, and time taken will be 4-5 mths. Seems lawyers are positive on result. It is tough call, as this site is starting to prove potentially good value as an investment. Difficulty is assessing impact of current hype of corruption and greed in Costa del Sol on property prices.

Graham 

Graham, I hope you are right, but why is Arenal Duquesa proving to be potentially good value as an investment?

Whilst there are no guarantees with any investment, this development is looking a better bet all the time.

The location is superb with the port, shops,bars restaurants etc. within walking distance, which is a big benefit as the drink drive laws are starting to be enforced.

The views cannot be ruined by further development as the blocks face inwards across the pools to the block opposite.

The build quality and fittings are really good.

We are really happy with our investment and can live with lateness if all the other boxes are ticked.

I agree. I felt from the moment we first looked at this development 3 years ago that it had tremendous potential. The first rule in buying property is location and this development is superbly placed for everything. We ran a risk buying off plan but from what I have seen those fears have been allayed. Ideally I would have likes the apartment to be a little bigger but the finish is excellent and the extra touches like the period style street lights cuts it above the average development. Only time will tell of course but I'm happy with my investment at the moment. If only I could get in!!

Alan

I agree with Alan and jmtwsm with regard to this development's potential.  We also have an apartment at Casares del Sol (took possession October 2006) and the quality and finish of the Arenal apartments is far superior.  The fact that air con is included, high quality electrical goods, nice finishes around the door frames  on floors etc.  It's location, as already mentioned, is brilliant being so close to the port and the shops.  Once all the furore has died down regarding the corruption in Local Government etc, we feel it should be a good longer term investment and if the hype regarding Disney comes to fruition we should all be smiling a few years down the line (finger crossed) plus in the intervening years you have the use and pleasure of a really nice holiday location.

With regard to the set up for the bidet and toilet - it really is the Spanish way for apartments.  We have friends who have a "luxury apartment" in the Costa Blanca (cost around 500,000 euros!) and both in their en-suite bathroom and additional shower room the set up is the same.  You walk through the facing bidet and toilet to access the bath or shower, so I don't think is it unusual - you get used to it after you've banged your shins a few times!!

Hi I wondered if anyone had any information on when the "snaggin" will take place.  When I spoke to Paul Cox he explained this would normally be completed before the licence was issued. I have not heard anything as yet so wondered if anyone else had.

Val