No sign of couple’s dream home in the sun after five years and £28k
by Jane Barrie
CRAIG and Elaine Menzies have always dreamed of having their own place in the sun.
So when they were offered a luxury property off plan in Morocco for £65,000 they jumped at the chance, paying a £28,000 deposit.
They were told their seafront home would be ready in a year – but that was in 2007 and, to this day, it’s still not built.
Craig, 40, said: “We’re devastated. We are not rich by any means and it was somewhere for us to retire to in 20 years time.”
The couple, from Bathgate, West Lothian, paid a £2000 holding deposit by credit card and a further £26,270 by bank transfer five years ago.
They met a representative of Compass Properties who took them to a number of sites.
Craig, a software test analyst, said: “We bought an off plan unit in Playa Vista, a large development of sea view apartments at Cabo Negro on the Moroccan Mediterranean coastline. We were guaranteed ocean views, a secluded beach and marina with many bars and restaurants. It seemed perfect.”
Craig and Elaine, a finance manager, signed a contract with the builder, Playa Vista Developments, and agreed to pay £36,229 once the property was complete.
But in November 2008, the Moroccan authorities issued Playa Vista with a “stop work order”.
Craig said: “They were apparently unhappy with the number of properties being built and the pressures on water supply and other natural resources.
“Playa Vista said they were holding meetings with Moroccan officials and hoped to reach agreement soon.”
But Craig called me in when there was still no sign of any movement.
Playa Vista told me they were frustrated with the situation, but insisted they had honoured their contractual obligations.
They said: “We are working on an information package about the stoppage.
“The details will be available next week and will include a start date.
“The package will explain the issues and difficulties faced over the last three years.”
I’m hoping the Menzies will finally receive some positive news. Watch this space.
.
