Sleeper - just for a bit of "balance" on this topic I can say that there are many of us here that have no regrets - so far !). We turned up eleven years ago, spent very little money for a large finca, only used the Notary and, apart from a minor run in over permission for a new roof, have been very happy with our purchase. That said, we have tried to make friends of our neigbours, not built huge extensions and kept ourselves to ourselves.

Things have been tightened in the last few years, laws have been changed or new ones introduced that have affected people trying to make a few bucks to get by and all but stopped any "legal" building in the campo.

Ginestar does have a particular problem relating to permissions "granted" in the past so IF you are still looking make sure that any property comes with a valid cedula, same applies for village houses regardless of location.

Should you buy then don't make the mistake of many Brits by simply building / altering without full permission ( which is very hard to come by ) regardless of who may have told you to just do what you want. It is many of these people who are now unfortunately coming unstuck and stand to lose everything.

Do take the advice and get a good lawyer !