Hi, my first post!
I have seen some places that look interesting to me around Arens de Lledó, but several of the Estate Agents haven't replied yet as elsewhere in Spain! I guess many have moved on but still have there sites running and adverts on other servers.
It seems that land around there is less than 1000 euros an acre with olives etc on it and ruins, is this correct? Is it a good/bad area in general and what is it like for planning permission and legality of buildings?

I would strongly recommend coming out in January and February, before committing to anything, If the land is cheap its for a reason. It all depends on what your plans are.
It can be very cut off and cold and wet up there in the winter.

And don,t forget the snow in winter and the mickey mouse roads up there ,but saying that its fantastic scenery,  very close to the Pyrenees " Pic d Estats" highest peak in Catalonia, Andora, French border,  santander is closer for the ferry from UK ,in all I say go for it

Ask these people - they live there...
http://estrellalayka.webs.com/

Plenty of photos to show you what it is like. It's in Dutch but use google translate. It does a VERY good job for the Dutch language (or use google chrome - turn translate options on) and if you contact them, they speak English.

They also have a caravan to rent so it could be a good base. They do act as unofficial estate agents  ... BE CAREFUL on this one. Read some more of this forum before committing and take legal advice for your own sake. Nevertheless, it's in the area you want.

John.

Please explain, why would rural be worse than urban?
I am certainly not being groomed as yet, too few agents even bother to reply to requests for information on properties.

So how do you avoid these pitfalls, find a property at a realistic price and avoid being ripped of by all these people?

Hi. I think the best advice is to hear what the agents say, but check out what they tell you at the local adjuntaments office.
They will tell you exactly what you can and cannot do on any piece of land providing you give them the polygon and parcela number.
They are the only people who will give you the truth.. Also use a solicitor, agents will tell you, you don't need one, but I think most people here would say, you might live to regret it if you don't.
I'm living here and loving it, so good luck with your search

No. just pin money. When we bought 6 yrs ago, we had 1600 trees, so a very big concern, but had to leave it to British 'friends' having all the fruit to sell,  in return for looking after the trees for a whole year, before we could move out.  They looked after the trees by starving them of water and cutting them down in the autumn to sell the wood, for fuel...  (easier work than picking cherries and more money. After he had cut down and sold 1000 trees, he went back to the uk . So now we just pick what we can, and enjoy the money it brings in. We still look on the bright side, enjoy living here, and have many really really good friends.
Always look on the bright side of life