British expats like Pete Houghton, who settled in Spain’s Orihuela Costa in 2006, have seen their dream homes face potential ruin. What began as an idyllic life in a region known for its sunny climate and beautiful beaches is now overshadowed by a crisis threatening property values and structural safety.

 

Orihuela Costa, housing over 10,000 British expats out of a population of 78,000, has long been popular with foreigners. Its appeal lies in its scenic surroundings and vibrant community. However, unchecked overdevelopment from past property booms has left many homes vulnerable to land subsidence, rendering them almost worthless.

 

Pete, now 69 and on the local district board, highlighted the issue of overbuilding on unsuitable land. He describes a dire landscape where homes, previously valued at significant sums, now sit precariously above dangerous drops. Communities have lost backyards and swimming pools as the ground shifts beneath them.

The expat community reports widespread issues, with sewage pipes fracturing and spilling into the environment. Decades of regulatory neglect have left a legacy of corruption and unsafe building practices. Spanish authorities received warnings from the EU about overdevelopment; yet developers continue to ignore legal boundaries.

 

Pete reveals that the Orihuela Costa leads in corruption, with many mayors facing charges. The current mayor, Pepe Vegara, is due in court for alleged document falsification and tax evasion. The system, plagued by bribery, has failed its residents, causing financial and personal distress.

Despite the unfolding crisis, Pete remains hopeful. He believes the quality of life in Orihuela Costa surpasses that in the UK, insisting it’s an excellent place for retirement. He is optimistic that collective pressure will address these challenges, restoring confidence for both locals and expats.

 

This situation highlights the complexities and risks involved in overseas property investments. As expats navigate these tough realities, the need for transparency and stronger regulatory compliance becomes evident. Protecting homeowners must be a priority to prevent further tragedies.

 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Express 2025-08-11

 

This would never have happened had Spain not left the EU. The EU has strict regulations and does not tolerate this kind of nonsense.

 

A classic example of why you should never buy into a market unless it is 100% secure and politically stable.

 

For Thailand's expat Brits, buy in the UK, rent the UK property out and use that rental income to rent in Thailand.

7 minutes ago, mogandave said:

This would never have happened had Spain not left the EU. The EU has strict regulations and does not tolerate this kind of nonsense.

 

 

Usual rubbish from you.

 

Property (Land and Housing): These laws—like ownership, zoning, and tenancy—are entirely under national jurisdiction. The EU has no authority over how member states regulate land ownership or housing markets.

2 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

Usual rubbish from you.

 

Property (Land and Housing): These laws—like ownership, zoning, and tenancy—are entirely under national jurisdiction. The EU has no authority over how member states regulate land ownership or housing markets.

So the EU does not regulate environmental issues, my bad, I thought they did. 

 

I also thought they regulated building products and whatnot with CE certification. I learn something new every day. Thanks!

1 minute ago, mogandave said:

So the EU does not regulate environmental issues, my bad, I thought they did. 

 

I also thought they regulated building products and whatnot with CE certification. I learn something new every day. Thanks!

 

 

Pleasure......even though both your comments are entirely irrelevant

27 minutes ago, mogandave said:

This would never have happened had Spain not left the EU

First I heard that Spain had left the EU.

42 minutes ago, mogandave said:

This would never have happened had Spain not left the EU. The EU has strict regulations and does not tolerate this kind of nonsense.

 

 

Do you actually read what you have typed before posting?

When I moved to Spain in 2000 corruption (developers builders solicitors council employees) over land zoning was rife and many expats not understanding the culture bought property on land not "officially" zoned for building.

Gradually, the Spanish government have tried to reduce the corruption in this area (the outlawing of so called black money for example) and so people who often unknowingly bought property on such land have suffered worry or even financial loss because of this over time. You can't blame the Spanish government for trying to reduce corruption. The real culprits have long gone.

2 minutes ago, Negita43 said:

When I moved to Spain in 2000 corruption (developers builders solicitors council employees) over land zoning was rife and many expats not understanding the culture bought property on land not "officially" zoned for building.

Gradually, the Spanish government have tried to reduce the corruption in this area (the outlawing of so called black money for example) and so people who often unknowingly bought property on such land have suffered worry or even financial loss because of this over time. You can't blame the Spanish government for trying to reduce corruption. The real culprits have long gone.

 

 

I imagine that this guy is probably based in, or near, Playa Flamenca. 

 

The corruption has been part of Spanish life for decades but, as you rightly say, the Spanish authorities have worked hard to eliminate corrupt practices. Corruption is linked to over-development and inappropriate development......... that is probably the biggest crime on that costa - and it is continuing now.

1 hour ago, CharlieH said:

https://cdn.images.express.co.uk/img/dynamic/78/590x/secondary/Spain-6329463.jpg?r=1754592327217

 

British expats like Pete Houghton, who settled in Spain’s Orihuela Costa in 2006, have seen their dream homes face potential ruin. What began as an idyllic life in a region known for its sunny climate and beautiful beaches is now overshadowed by a crisis threatening property values and structural safety.

 

Orihuela Costa, housing over 10,000 British expats out of a population of 78,000, has long been popular with foreigners. Its appeal lies in its scenic surroundings and vibrant community. However, unchecked overdevelopment from past property booms has left many homes vulnerable to land subsidence, rendering them almost worthless.

 

Pete, now 69 and on the local district board, highlighted the issue of overbuilding on unsuitable land. He describes a dire landscape where homes, previously valued at significant sums, now sit precariously above dangerous drops. Communities have lost backyards and swimming pools as the ground shifts beneath them.

The expat community reports widespread issues, with sewage pipes fracturing and spilling into the environment. Decades of regulatory neglect have left a legacy of corruption and unsafe building practices. Spanish authorities received warnings from the EU about overdevelopment; yet developers continue to ignore legal boundaries.

 

Pete reveals that the Orihuela Costa leads in corruption, with many mayors facing charges. The current mayor, Pepe Vegara, is due in court for alleged document falsification and tax evasion. The system, plagued by bribery, has failed its residents, causing financial and personal distress.

Despite the unfolding crisis, Pete remains hopeful. He believes the quality of life in Orihuela Costa surpasses that in the UK, insisting it’s an excellent place for retirement. He is optimistic that collective pressure will address these challenges, restoring confidence for both locals and expats.

 

This situation highlights the complexities and risks involved in overseas property investments. As expats navigate these tough realities, the need for transparency and stronger regulatory compliance becomes evident. Protecting homeowners must be a priority to prevent further tragedies.

 

 

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Express 2025-08-11

 

The Spaniards had had enough of foreigners, thus displaying disdain and contempt freely whenever they can.

44 minutes ago, mogandave said:

This would never have happened had Spain not left the EU

Great bring back the potatoes ......... or was it the pesetas 

Just now, hotandsticky said:

I imagine that this guy is probably based in, or near, Playa Flamenca. 

This guy is was probably based in, or near, Playa Flamenca

Not a chance of me living in that expat enclave

I lived in the real Spain and learned to speak Spanish.

57 minutes ago, Will B Good said:

A classic example of why you should never buy into a market unless it is 100% secure and politically stable.

Those tend to cost more.

6 minutes ago, Negita43 said:

This guy is was probably based in, or near, Playa Flamenca

Not a chance of me living in that expat enclave

I lived in the real Spain and learned to speak Spanish.

 

 

Why do you say "was' ?

1 hour ago, Will B Good said:

 

A classic example of why you should never buy into a market unless it is 100% secure and politically stable.

 

 

 

 

 

You wouldn't buy anywhere based on that criteria.........The UK wasn't/isn't without it's corruption in development matters.

It's called Market. Oversupply = lower prices.

Just now, hotandsticky said:

Why do you say "was' ?

Because I don't live there now!!!!!

3 minutes ago, Mark1969 said:

Those tend to cost more.

 

 

Those being ??? properties in the UK?

 

True, but the rent is also disproportionately higher and capital growth better.

1 hour ago, mogandave said:

This would never have happened had Spain not left the EU. The EU has strict regulations and does not tolerate this kind of nonsense.

Spain is in the EU and its currency is the Euro..............🙄................🤭

Just now, Negita43 said:

Because I don't live there now!!!!!

 

 

Ah, got it, you were referencing yourself.

 

I used to have a condo on one the golf courses and take a month's break near Playa Flamenca to get away from the heat/humidity of Thailand.

2 minutes ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

 

You wouldn't buy anywhere based on that criteria.........The UK wasn't/isn't without it's corruption in development matters.

 

 

So hand on heart.....which would you have the most confidence in buying?.......a house in the centre of Manchester or a brand new Russian built villa on Koh Samui?

Just now, Will B Good said:

 

 

So hand on heart.....which would you have the most confidence in buying?.......a house in the centre of Manchester or a brand new Russian built villa on Koh Samui?

 

 

I wouldn't buy either. 😉

Just now, hotandsticky said:

.which would you have the most confidence in buying?.......a house in the centre of Manchester

Why pick on Manchester?

1 minute ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

I wouldn't buy either. 😉

 

 

The villa is on the beach, 5m x15m pool, four bedrooms, all ensuite......2 million baht???

 

 

 

1 minute ago, Will B Good said:

 

 

The villa is on the beach, 5m x15m pool, four bedrooms, all ensuite......2 million baht???

 

 

 

 

 

Manchester.

 

I can't own land in Thailand.

1 minute ago, Negita43 said:

Why pick on Manchester?

 

 

It is in the UK, hardly a hot bed of property corruption and dodgy land deals, a market that most UK expats are familiar with and one that has been quite lucrative of late......Plus I have a four bed house there that is being fitted out as student accommodation and will be on the market in 6 months.....interested?

1 minute ago, hotandsticky said:

 

 

Manchester.

 

I can't own land in Thailand.

 

 

An excellent point. Thank you.

Just now, hotandsticky said:

I can't own land in Thailand.

I ask again why pick on Manchester - you could own land anywhere in the UK.

47 minutes ago, Negita43 said:

First I heard that Spain had left the EU.

They haven't, he is talking nonsense.