Costa Esuri - Buying an Apartment in Southern Spain

Change of Plan

2011-06-28T19:40:00.000Z

Hi everyone

This dream did not work out. We have not completed as the quality and expectations were not fulfilled. Trying hard now to get our money back but not very hopeful.

We spent the rest on a place in Portugal. A better choice we feel.At least better for us.

El Rocio

2008-01-10T23:25:00.000Z

Some more recent photos

2008-01-10T23:11:00.001Z

No real progress on improving the surroundings. We still have not completed. We did get to see the inside of our apartment however and we liked what we saw of that. We are not in any hurry - we will wait until they have done what they should do and then we will complete.

We also went to this fantastic place called El Rocio

Going to look at our apartment

2007-10-16T19:15:00.000Z

We are shortly going out to Costa Esuri to look at our apartment. We are still not too happy about the surroundings but we are hoping that the apartment is nice. They need to sort out the car parks and get some greenery into the area as it looks so stark. The worst thing is that the materials used to make up the car park are poor quality and it is already starting to break up. Anyway these are some recent photos - taken when we went over in August. We had a wonderful couple of weeks.

Recent visit to Portugal

2007-06-26T20:51:00.000Z

Went over to Portugal for a week of R and R. So we popped over to Ayamonte for a few hours to check out on progress. It was a really hot day and no one wanted to really hang around and explore. All they could think about was getting a cold beer. so although I have a few photos they are not really what I all I wanted! Still everything seems to be developing. Ayamonte looked great - lots of buildings had been painted and beautiful flowerbeds everywhere.

Some great Aerial Photos - from Costa Esuri Homes

2007-05-03T16:44:00.000Z

Website for Costa Esuri Homes is on the right hand side. These are just a couple of the aerial photos - there are plenty more on the site.

Some more recent photos

2007-04-23T21:39:00.000Z

I think things are moving on a pace. These are some of the most recent photos of the Rago apartments - no sign of shrubs and flowerbeds as yet but I am told there is space.

Film of the Guadiana

2007-03-23T00:07:00.000Z

Not sure this will work :

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GgkeJOnhQDo

MAP SHOWING THE APARTMENTS - JULY OR SEPTEMBER

2007-03-22T17:23:00.000Z

Message from our agent about Completion

2007-03-22T17:12:00.000Z

LOOKS AS IF WE HAVE A DATE? UNFORTUNATELY OURS IS IN THE SEPTEMBER BLOCKS.

Dear CE Rago clients.

Following a meeting I had with Belén from Fadesa, I now have the following information about completion dates at the Rago site.

BLOCKS 1, 2, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13 & 14.

Construction has been finished on these blocks and the Licencia de Final de Obras (End of Construction Licence) has been approved by the town hall. Fadesa applied for the Licencia de Primera Ocupación (Licence of First Occupation) a few weeks ago and expect it to be approved sometime during April/beginning of May. At this point your apartments will be ready for snagging and signing and you may take over ownership.

BLOCKS 3, 4, 9, 10, 11, 12, 15 & 16.

Construction is not yet complete on most of these blocks and therefore Fadesa have not yet been able to apply for the Licencia de Final de Obras. By the time this licence, and then the Licencia de Primera Ocupación have been approved it is anticipated that the apartments will be key ready in SEPTEMBER (although some of you may be offered completions earlier than this).

If you take a look at the attached map you will see that Fadesa have effectively cut the RAGO site in half to enable completion to take place in two stages. There will be some kind of barrier or fence erected along this line so that residents do not have to mingle with the construction site. However, the work that remains to be done only consists of gardening and finishing the interiors of the apartments, so there should be no heavy works machinery in the area once completions start to take place.

More recent photos

2007-03-06T00:23:00.000Z

There has been quite a lot of photos recently on the BE site and thankfully little mention about all the problems. We have now paid all our stage payments and like a number we are waiting to hear about completion. We are not assuming anything so have booked to use a fellow CE resident's Rago 2 apartment over the summer.

We are meeting up with two local couples this weekend both of whom have bought on CE.

A photo of the temporary club house is above.

More Photos - Freak Weather - Hailstones

2007-03-05T23:39:00.000Z

Or was it really like this? I read that it was just some pretty awful hailstones. Looks amazing

Did this really happen?

Photos of the new shopping centre in Ayamonte

2007-03-05T23:33:00.000Z

The Beach at Isla Canela

2007-02-24T16:40:00.000Z

Recent photos of Costa Esuri

2007-02-24T16:01:00.000Z

These are photos posted recently on the British Expats site. They are photos of the new commercial centre, clubhouse, hotel.

I like this roof terrace

2007-02-10T00:54:00.000Z

Update on the Legality Issue

2007-02-04T23:29:00.000Z

This page shows an update on what is being said: http://britishexpats.com/forum/showthread.php?t=397668&page=86

2007-01-29T18:04:00.000Z

Challenges to the legality of the site

We have been following the expat website where there have been a number of posts about the legalities of the Costa Esuri site and the announcement of investigations. It is a worry - some have suggested it is because it is an election year and the Greens are trying to make a clear statement. You have to ask why this did not happen before. It has taken years to get it to this stage. Anyway it is watch this space. It has worried us.

2007-01-12T23:30:00.001Z

This is one of the latest photos Nicole sent.

Testing whether I can email to my blog

2007-01-12T23:24:00.001Z

I have upgraded my blogger site which appears to offer more flexibility including emailing to blogger so this is just a try out.

2007-01-05T23:56:00.001Z

3D TOUR COSTA DE LA LUZ: Visit the different places at the ´Coast of Light´ virtually. Its churches, squares and beaches, but also its restaurants, bars, shops and apartments are easy to visit online. If you are interested in one of the above mentioned categories, let us then take you on the 3D Tour of your choice... If the 3D visits do not start, download here the necessary Java Viewer.

Web address is http://www.esuritours.com/3dtour/algemeen/stadstour/ayamonte.html

Hope it works

2007-01-04T22:53:00.000Z

Some recent pictures of Rago 1 apartments

There has been quite a lot of discussion lately on the forum about completion dates. It is supposed to be Easter but it does seem unlikely. These are some of the latest photos showing progress.

2007-01-02T15:55:00.000Z

The Track at the Back

I have managed to find a photo of the track. I could quite easily see this becoming a two lane highway. Seriously I am relieved that for now it will remain a track.

2007-01-02T14:53:00.000Z

I have now heard from Nicole and it looks as if the track at the back will remain a track. News as follows:

'The rural track at the back is not owned by Fadesa - it belongs to the Junta de Andalucia which is a bit like the local council. The track must remain in place as it provides access to farms further up and I am told eventually ends up in Villablanca (possibly a nice walk for you one day?). There will be no access to the RAGO apartments from this track - you must enter from the bottom via the access roads near the shopping area. There are no plans to tarmac the track. At the moment this track is being used heavily by the construction traffic, however that will disappear once the RAGOs are finished.'

Lets hope the land at the back does not get sold - I heard the owner wanted a ridiculous amount of money for it.

I believe the temporary clubhouse is open and all the talk is about the cost of a round of golf! Prices attached for those interested. As a non player (at this time) I am more interested in knowing there is a social area - food and drink etc on site without having to trek to Ayamonte.

Christmas and New Year has been great but weather dismal - I have followed the messages on the forum talking about good weather - bikinis even in Spain.

Now back to work

2006-12-12T13:05:00.000Z

Latest picture - thanks to Nicole who sent it.

Still trying to find out what the plans are for the lane behind the apartment - will it remain a farm track? Will it get nicely landscaped or are they going to make it a road - do not seem to be able to get an answer.

Carol

2006-11-04T20:30:00.000Z

Two wonderful sunny days
We have just had two great days in Ayamonte checking up on progress on the apartment. Weather was great and it was good to see how things are shaping up. Still do not know what is planned for the unmade construction track behind the apartment - we hope nothing is planned and it will return to a farm track which is what we were told. The apartment is now painted and we are beginning to see what it might look like. The other photo is of Isla Canela beach where we had yet again a fantastic lunch - fresh fish. As usual the beach was pretty empty. The last photo shows some earlier apartments. Pools look very inviting.

2006-10-05T08:15:00.000Z

The Show Flat

Some photos from the show flat in the shed.

2006-10-04T21:20:00.001Z

Trying out Picasa's new web link to show a large number of photos. Click on the photo and it should open up and show a large number of photos - some are repeated below but this is really just a test.

Costa Esuri - Ayamonte

Sept, 2006 - 125 Photos

2006-10-01T22:24:00.000Z

I have just learned how to include a slideshow - seems so much easier than uploading photos so will experiment with this.

2006-10-01T21:43:00.000Z

Learning Spanish once again

I have started learning Spanish once again at my local school. It is a beginner's course and I am not really a beginner, but I am not really an improver and it would put me under too much pressure - cannot afford the time to do lots of homework. The class is good - it is keeping the language warm for me - I am not convinced I learn well this way but at least I will not be totally ignorant of the language. The tutor is using the BBC course: http://www.bbcactive.com/languages/spanish/23.asp - very easy to use book and there are DVDs etc.

No more news on our place in CE - going out in October so will actually post our own pictures.

Carol

2006-09-18T22:02:00.000Z

Some more pictures of Rago 1

These are some of the new pictures that have been posted on the BritishExpats Ayamonte forum. Wonderful bright day - I am looking forward to that!

2006-09-09T21:50:00.000Z

Some more photos

2006-09-09T21:35:00.000Z

Haven't posted for a while

There have been loads of changes at CE - the golf courses are really taking shape or at least one of them is. Work has started on the first and main commercial centre and our apartment has now been rendered. I believe quite a lot of work has taken place on the first of the hotels. We hope to go out later this year to check up on progress. Following the forum it would appear that quite a lot of members have now completed and moved in and although there are some concerns about the type of commercial ventures that will make up the commercial centre i.e. Burger King, most people seem really pleased with their decision to invest in CE.

2006-07-07T09:55:00.000Z

Signed Contract

Well have now signed the contract. So we now own one sixth of an apartment in Spain. Should feel elated but I don't - I am sure it will come but that now means we have three homes and the cottage at present is not doing too well. Time to sell up I think!

2006-06-28T22:59:00.000Z

Contract ready for signing

After a trying week of indecision I feel a lot better - spoken to lots of people and had lots of help from friends on the forum.

There were some nice pictures on the forum this week so have saved them here.

Useful info on banks - Ayamonte has a Barclays Bank - very helpful - they have a new account for those like us buying abroad and a number of benefits offered which are covered by a quarterly fee of about 50 euros I think. We don't get charged landing fees for that - I think that is the main benefit but there are others.

2006-06-25T13:28:00.000Z

Back in the UK after an awful week apart from getting some sun!

Thanks Robin and Jan for sparing some time on your busy visit to let us see your apartment - first time we have had a chance to see the roof terrace.It has been a really difficult week for us and I feel sort of unsettled. We arrived at the airport to find our daughter's passport was out of date so had frantic calls to try and get her out later that week - endless costs to rearrange flight and pay for an emergency passport to get her 4 days instead of 7. Meanwhile we took her friend out with us and spent the first few days trying to make sure she enjoyed herself with two middle aged people she did not know well!

As Fadesa sold our original choice of apartment in March our visit was to check out we were getting the right apartment (agreed by fax!), set up power of attorney, get bank account etc and to sign the contract. First of all we cocked up the appointment with the solicitor as we did not allow for the time change - we were staying in Portugal. So rearranged apointment for the Friday, only to arrive and find the solicitor and the shed could not find the contract. Told it would be found in the week and we would be faxed thedetails for the solicitor to sign on our behalf later this coming week. All seems so messy.

So we are still at the reserve stage, although we have dealt with the bank account and power of attorney and nie paperwork.
The worst thing is that I have suddenly got cold feet and suffered as some would say panic and I cannot explain it. I keep wondering whether this is the right thing after all. It was possible to drive around most of CS this week unlikw before but in a way that did not sort the feeling of indecision. Like most we are trying to combine an investment with a holiday home and we need a mortgage, the costs of which we hope will eventually be covered by letting - but the pace concerns me and I do wonder how many years it will be before the infrastructure is adequate to make it a really attractive place to holiday. I had hoped to see more speed especially with the commercial buildings. I think the ghost town feel, and number of for sale signs already up did not help. Did others have these fears? I am causing a lot of stress with my partner! Help!

2006-06-15T09:14:00.000Z

Showhomes

Has Fadesa set up a proper showhome on the completed Rago apartment blocks? A friend Jane has just text from Spain to say that she went to check up on progress of our apartment and managed to get shown around two different apartments. A further text to her confirmed that it was an actual apartment not the shed offering. Is it possible they are using apartments that were unsold on the first apartment blocks?

2006-06-12T22:48:00.000Z

NIE Number

This is a very useful website - helps you find out how to obtain the NIE number and why you need one. It also contains a links to a pdf file of the form you need to fill out.

http://www.spanishpropertyinsight.com/spanish_property_nie.htm

2006-06-12T18:40:00.000Z

More pictures thanks to Graham

2006-06-11T11:00:00.000Z

New Photo posted this weekend on the britishexpats costa esuri site. Also a good reminder of how brilliant google earth is - see under links!

A new posted this weekend. Looking forward to posting my own. Excellent view from the roof top.

2006-06-09T23:12:00.000Z

A Site Map of Costa Esuri imported from Picasa

It is better but unfortunately I do not seem to be able to get it larger without distorting it.

2006-06-09T21:22:00.000Z

Utilities................
This is such a useful message on the costa esuri discussion forum I had to save it or I will never find it again. John always seems a million miles ahead of us all:

Hi you guys,For those of you lucky enough to be worrying about connections to utilities and such things I have been doing a little reading and research.I have found that you can deal online with Endesa in English, the web address is: -http://www.endesaonline.com/canal_c...al/default1.asp&then click on the English tab top right. This allows you to sign up for electricity and gas.Telefonica also has an online access point but the English web page is only for investment news but if your Spanish is up to it you can sign up for a service at: -http://www.telefonica.es/This site also deals with Movistar mobile phones and broadband internet connections.Water and sewage is dealt with by Giasa who's head office for our area is in Cartaya their web address is:-http://www.giasa.es/but again as you would expect it is all in Spanish and seems to be a quasi public sector organisation. If you google translate their activity page you find they are a project management organisation who set technical standards and contract out the work giving technical oversight from their own resources. This may explain why they seem to be holding everything up!Regards, John.

2006-06-09T21:17:00.000Z

View of the Bridge and the River Guadiana.

2006-06-08T19:45:00.000Z

Hi. Here is a copy of the layout of Costa Esuri. It shows the Rago apartments-ours is Rago1 and is on the far right. There are also townhouses, duplexes, hotels planned and a number of commercial centres. At present it really looks like a major building site so you really need to use your imagination. Reading the www.britishexpats.com discussion forum on Costa Esuri has been quite an eye opener - to the problems and delays with the site but it has also shown what impact a group of determined like minded people can have on big business. I think this site has been a major plus for those of us buying on Costa Esuri. It has certainly helped us to try an dunderstand the complexities of buying abroad although it is amazing how different everyone sees things. It has been great for practical things like 'what is an n.i.e. number?' and how you go about getting one!

2006-06-06T06:50:00.000Z

Trying out Picasa

2006-06-06T06:45:00.000Z

More pictures of the building site and some of aprtments that are now completed - we saw these in March.

2006-06-06T06:20:00.001Z

Pictures of the Showhome in the Shed

2006-06-06T06:20:00.000Z

These are some pictures we took of the site - ours should be completed in April 2007 but there are some pictures here of the first Rago apartments that were completed. When we visited in March there were people moving in.

2006-06-06T05:30:00.000Z

More images including one of the layout in the shed

Hi this is the first post for this site. It will follow our plans to buy an apartment on Costa Esuri. The first pictures show Ayamonte which is a lovely typical Spanish town.