We went to visit our two apartments last week - our penthouse in bock 13 had most of the snagging completed and we were very pleased and are looking forward to getting the furnture in now. Our second apartment ground floor in block 15 was a totally different story - first of all the keys handed to our solicitor didn't fit the apartment, the master key (held by Miguel) also didn't fit, a second master key was found so three days later we got access and what a mess. We had seen this apartment before completion and it had seemed OK few things to sort, but somehow in 4 weeks the front door wouldn't lock (we suspect it was changed hence the keys didn't work), we were missing a door to the lounge and so on. An urgent appointment with Miguel on our last day was expected to sort it out, but guess what he took a days holiday and no-one in the office told us so my husband drove 45 minutes to get there. My husband saw one of the office team and even they admitted the apartment was not fit for handing over - we have given them 7 days to resolve as our furniture is now on hold and we are instructing our solicitor. We were also not impressed with MacAnthony who had handled this for us and had clearly snagged the wrong apartment - so we are complaining to them as well - we paid them for aftersales service. They'd been good until then but makes us realise you need to do this yourself. Fortunately my husband is a developer in UK so knows what he is looking for and talking about and is used to dealing with site staff in UK.
We also went to see AMMEX - we had thought this would be a positive experience after web site reports - I must have dreamt reading this as this visit made my bllod boil - they were so unhelpful and the standard response was we will be getting an email this week with all the information and the date for a community meeting - we wait with interest. I asked what we were getting for our 800euros and was told the gardening, lighting, lifts etc -when I pointed out the lift and light wasn't working in block 15 and the grounds were full of weeds and I would be expecting a refund as I'd paid some time ago she agreed we would be entitled - so we will also be formally writing to ask for one and taking up with the solicitor - we live in hope!
On a positive note on the Monday last week we saw one gardener spraying the weeds and when my husband was there Friday he saw several gardeners. The pools were also open on Wednesday and Friday. AMMEX said this issue re the lifeguards was a new law. As someone has said before if this was enforced Spain would have more lifeguards than USA.
We met two families from this website and that was really helpful. I have been concerned about the negative comments on this website putting off renters and purchasers and so wanted to give a balanced review. We feel when all the poblems are sorted this will really be a great place and agree with others the sooner the owners can take charge of the community the better.
By the way Lisa in the office left on Friday for a new job in France. We will be goign out again in April just after Easter and sincerley hope we will be staying on site this time so if anyone else is out there then and wants to say hello send me a message.
Erica and Neil