From Catfish to Clarity: How ViaMonde Can Help You Navigate European Property Searches

These past few weeks Guillermo and I have been exploring housing options in Italy and Spain for clients seeking new beginnings in Southern Europe, alongside our own search for a home in Spain. Amidst our searching, something particularly relevant to many of our clients has been on my mind: how to tell the difference between the real deal and a catfish.

Our firsthand encounters with ‘catfish’ properties perfectly illustrate why we launched our property search and purchase services. With so many new visa applicants preparing for their adventures this fall and next spring, we want to offer a transparent look at what the property acquisition process truly entails, emphasizing the importance of the small details that can be easily missed in photos.

The "Catfish Apartment" Phenomenon: What You Need to Know

The term "catfish apartment" might sound dramatic, but it's a very real issue in the European property market. Online scams and misleading information are prevalent enough that in-person tours are a critical step to verify a property's true condition. Listings often use wide angles or strange photos that don't tell the whole story, making it difficult to assess the building's true condition. We've seen instances of stairs that literally lead to a wall, or bathrooms without a sink.

For our US clients, the top three deal breakers in apartment/home searches are consistent: the need for extensive and costly renovations, poor location (whether it's a super small town with a lack of services or an unsafe area), and properties that are overpriced for the area.

Tape holds the doorframe together.

Old electrical not disclosed online, means extra cost to update.

Windows in disrepair.

Poor insulation around windows means higher heating and cooling costs.

Exposed plumbing above the bed.

Window from the kitchen to the bathroom.

Same window, looking from the bathroom to the kitchen.

Watch the whole video here.

How to Avoid Getting Catfished: ViaMonde's Expert Tips

Based on our experiences, here are our top tips to avoid a catfish apartment:

• See the home in person or hire someone you trust to view it. Many flaws, like mold, are not visible in online listings, and you can't "scratch and sniff" the internet connection to check for connectivity.

• Pay close attention to the layout. Walls in many European homes are made of concrete block or poured concrete, making them difficult to tear down if you plan renovations. Be prepared for this reality.

• Inspect the condition of the electrical and water systems. Repairing or replacing these often involves tearing into concrete walls, which can create new problems and significant mess.

Navigating Rental Agreements and Home Purchases in Europe

Understanding the nuances of European rental agreements and home purchases is crucial for anyone relocating:

• Renting: It's often a long-term commitment. Many European rental agreements are for longer, fixed terms, and tenants are typically protected by strong legal rights.

  
  

  Additionally, rentals often incur taxes and building fees on top of the monthly rent. It's not always easy to break a lease, with some requiring up to six months' notice. Not all rental contracts are valid for visa applications, and they are generally written to protect the owner, not the renter.

  
  

• Buying: The buying process is different and can be more complex, often requiring a local lawyer and notary. Mortgages and down payment requirements can also differ significantly from those in the U.S.

  
  

  A common issue is that the seller may not have the right to sell due to complex inheritance rights in Italy and Spain, where homes are often donated and split amongst heirs. This can lead to one heir listing the home for sale when they are not the sole legal owner. In Italy, homes are sometimes not properly recorded with the Comune, meaning rooms, enclosed balconies, or converted garages may be illegal.

  
  

  Finally, be aware of "Nuda" homes in Italy, which are similar to reverse mortgages; you buy the home at a bargain price, but the original owner (e.g., a "nonno") retains the right to live there until their death, meaning you cannot move in until then.

  
  

How ViaMonde Ensures a Smooth Transition

This is precisely where ViaMonde steps in. A property finder acts as your trusted representative on the ground. They can provide an honest, objective assessment of a property, helping you see past misleading photos and uncover hidden flaws. This ultimately saves you from a potentially costly mistake, as they serve as your eyes and ears, verifying the reality of a listing before you commit.

We hope this insight into our own experiences and the intricacies of European property helps you. As always, if you have questions about visas, citizenship, or relocation, please don't hesitate to book a free consultation.