Introduction
Every buyer or homeowner wants to know, if and if so, what risks a property has. After all, risks determine the value, interest, and marketability of a property (in the future). Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine what risks a property has based on the pre-scan. That would require research by an architect that is specialised in urbanism ( zoning planning).
Nevertheless, the pre-scan has an important function. It makes buyers and owners aware of what you need to know to be sure about the status of a property. If a property is not legal or does not comply with the rules laid down by the municipality in the zoning plan, then as an owner you are dependent on that same municipality, the insurance company, or the neighbours.
DEPENDING ON THE LOCAL AUTHORITY MEANS:
Of course, not every property owner experiences problems with the municipality when they fail to comply with regulations and the zoning plan. The municipality can sometimes be lenient in enforcing rules, while at other times it is strict. Today you may be dealing with an official who turns a blind eye, but tomorrow that person may have been replaced.
The city council decides on very important matters using the rules in the zoning plan, for example:
- Whether a house or apartment building may be rebuilt after a fire or natural disaster.
- Or permits are denied or not renewed.
- Whether habitation will be allowed.
- Or fines are imposed for illegal construction by previous owners.
- Whether illegal or time-barred buildings must first be legalised or demolished before permits are granted or renewed.
- Or buildings have to be demolished because they are illegal.
This is why an independent zoning study such as the Legality Label is so important.
DEPENDING ON INSURANCE MEANS:
Most policy conditions state that the property must meet legal requirements. This is the responsibility of the owner, not the company. If you cannot prove at the time of claim that the property meets the legal requirements, coverage is not certain. Depending on the policy conditions, there is also the question of whether the rebuilding value will be paid if the municipality does not allow rebuilding.
So, for this reason, too, it is good to apply for a Legality Label.
DEPENDENT ON NEIGHBOURS MEANS:
In Spain, if construction has taken place without planning permission, it happens quite often that a neighbour with whom, for whatever reason, mutual contact is less than pleasant goes to the municipality and tells. (Only neighbours who also have illegal construction themselves wisely keep quiet). In this situation, as the owner of a property with illegalities, you are dependent on the action taken by the municipality.