Hope for expatriates as Spain lands in court over land grab law

Hope was given to many British expatriates who were caught up in Spain’s notorious “land grab” laws after the European commission took Madrid to the European court of justice.

Claims that contracts put in place in the Valencian region along with competition regulations are to be assessed in court.

The law, which was introduced in the early 90s at the start of the housing boom, allows developers to take back rural land from owners. This occurs when and if they can persuade the relevant authorities that it is suitable for “urban development”. Property developers seeking to take advantage of the law have left thousands of owners homeless or with worthless buildings.

Though the law was made by the Valencian authorities, Spain has to answer in court, as it is an EU member and must comply with the bloc’s competition rules.