Problem registering a holiday cottage (in Spain)

*Robin*

I posted this query on the 'Buying / Selling Houses' section of the forum but was advised to move it. I'm still not sure if this is the right place, so apologies if you also come across the same question on the general ex-pat thread.
Anyway, this is the problem:

I am hoping to find some advice for a friend who has a little old Spanish cottage, bought in the days when all it took was a handshake and a simple typed document signed by vendor, buyer and witness.

The cottage has never been added to the Spanish Land Registry, so about 18 months ago my friend approached a "Gestoria" company to get it sorted out legally according to current laws.

This company has relieved him of several thousand euros, and yesterday called him and the vendor into their office to sign the paperwork they have prepared.

This turns out to be a brand new sale document (dated yesterday). The sale price is pure fiction, and they'd even got the details of the house wrong (they've put the number of a neighbouring house).

My friend desperately needs some independent advice before he gets sucked into what looks like a very dodgy deal that is more likely to turn him into a fraudster than achieve the result he's looking for.

His inclination is to run a mile - but that won't get his house registered legally.. And there is the money he has paid to this company which he certainly can't afford to lose.

I'm sure I've seen some posts on here from a gentleman who is a Spanish lawyer - please can somone point me in his direction, or offer any bright ideas to help my friend reach a legal solution?

My friend has a little time before any confrontation because the "Gestor" has to change the details of the house on the documents.
Thanks for reading.

Errata

You might get a better response if you post on a Spain expats forum, such as this one which seems fairly busy
http://britishexpats.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=75

*Robin*

Thank you Errata.

missile

bought in the days when all it took was a handshake and a simple typed document signed by vendor, buyer and witness

.
When was that? Your friend was ill advised and should have known better.:eek:

He needs a good abogado.

hartcjhart

has your friend had any joy contacting the solicitor