Jools, while I totally agree with your general opinion, I can't help buy feel sorry for such severe punishment being meeted out by the authorities.  Surely in the UK, people don't get thrown in prision for planning violations?  Yes, it is conveivable that the property can be seized and/or demolished but to impose huge fines and incarcerate people? 

But I think we're missing the main point - who's to say that down the line other laws will be enacted rendering currently legal properties illegal. 

I don't think those of us who try to keep our transactions above board can afford to be smug cos anything can happen in the future.

The estate agents/solicitors/notarios etc. who willingly took money from naive buyers surely have a case to answer as well.  Most buyers make it clear at the outset that their intention when buying fincas is to live on the properties.  I don't believe that in all cases that those involved made it crystal clear to these buyers that it would not be possible to do so.