Looking Back at Our Off-Grid House Hunt in Spain: A €50,000 Close Call
Are you dreaming of an off-grid lifestyle in Spain? So were we! We are the McGlynn family, also known as Renacer McGlynn, and we moved to Andalusia, Spain, to restore an off-grid farm into a self-sufficient haven. But before we found our perfect property, we toured many potential homes—including a massive €50,000 ruin that seemed too good to be true. Spoiler: it was! Keep reading to find out why we walked away from this seemingly golden opportunity.
Chasing a Cheap Off-Grid Property in Spain
Like many others looking for affordable off-grid homes in Spain, we were on a mission to find a debt-free dream property. One of the most intriguing options we viewed was an enormous abandoned ruin for just €50,000. It had everything on paper—plenty of space, caves underneath, and stunning valley views. But, as with any too-good-to-be-true deal, there was a catch.
Huge Ruin with Caves and Views
At first glance, this property was a dream come true. It was massive—far more space than we ever imagined for the price. The combination of old wooden and stone construction mixed with newer concrete layers was a bit confusing, but it still intrigued us. Plus, the downstairs featured dark and mysterious cave spaces—an unusual but interesting feature.
As newbies to off-grid living, we were buzzing with excitement. This property could have housed all our solar gear, provided ample food storage, and even had space for chickens. It had everything we thought we needed for self-sufficiency. But then, reality hit.
The Earthquake Cracks That Changed Everything
Spain, especially Andalusia, is prone to earthquakes, and this property had the scars to prove it. As we explored, we discovered massive cracks throughout the structure—gaps so wide you could fit a hand inside. It was chilling to see. We didn’t even need a professional survey to know that this was a disaster waiting to happen.
Even at €50,000, the potential repair costs would have been astronomical. Earthquake damage isn’t something you can fix cheaply, and we quickly realized this wasn’t a project for first-time renovators. Without a safety net, we had no choice but to walk away.
Why We Chose Our Now-Farm Instead
Looking back, walking away was the best decision we made. Instead of gambling on a massive, cracked ruin, we opted for a smaller, more manageable farm—our current home. No caves, no earthquake damage, just a solid foundation with potential we could actually handle. And the best part? It only cost us €40,000!
Lessons Learned: Tips for Buying an Off-Grid Home in Spain
If you’re considering buying an off-grid property in Spain, here are a few key takeaways from our experience:
- Bigger isn’t always better – A smaller, more manageable home is often the wiser choice, especially for first-time renovators.
- Check for earthquake damage – Cracks in walls, splitting foundations, and uneven floors are major red flags in seismic zones.
- Don’t be blinded by the price – Cheap properties can come with hidden costs that far outweigh the initial savings.
- Prioritize structural integrity – It’s easier to upgrade a solid home than to repair one that’s falling apart.
Watch the Full Tour on YouTube
Curious to see this €50,000 ruin for yourself? Check out our YouTube video where we take you on a full tour and explain why we ultimately walked away.
Watch the video here:
Huge 50,000€ Spanish Ruin – A Cracking Deal For Those Who Know What They Are Doing!
And if you want to see the farm we did buy for €40,000, don’t forget to subscribe to our channel for more off-grid renovation adventures!
Got tips for keeping an off-grid renovation manageable? Share them in the comments below—we’re still learning as we go!
