Are you dreaming of buying an off-grid home in Spain? We are the McGlynn family, also known as Renacer McGlynn, and we moved to Andalucía to restore an off-grid farm into a self-sufficient haven. Before we found our perfect €40,000 farmhouse, we almost made a huge mistake—buying a property that was literally sliding down a mountainside! Read on to find out how we fell for this charming home, the shocking truth we uncovered, and the lessons we learned along the way.
Why We Fell in Love with This Spanish Property
During our search for an off-grid property in Spain, we stumbled upon a stunning farmhouse that immediately captured our hearts. Priced at just €38,000, it offered everything we dreamed of:
- Rustic Spanish charm – Beautiful wooden doors, shutters, and original features.
- A stone fireplace – Built into the mountainside, adding to its natural character.
- Plenty of space – The main house was liveable with minimal work, while an adjoining ruin could be restored over time.
- Cave storage – Small caves carved into the mountain added a unique touch.
- Breathtaking valley views – On a clear day, you could even see the sea!
Beneath the dust, original Spanish tiles lay waiting to be uncovered, and an outdoor oven hinted at the property’s history. The potential was endless. We could already picture our off-grid life here—solar panels, fruit trees, and total self-sufficiency. But then came the devastating news…
The Builder’s Shocking Subsidence Reveal
Since we had no experience in structural work, we decided to bring in a local builder for an assessment before making an offer. His verdict shattered our dreams.
The property was subsiding.
Deep ravines surrounded the house, showing clear signs of rainwater erosion. Worse still, the entire structure was slipping down the mountainside. The builder estimated that stabilising the land alone would cost tens of thousands of euros—before we could even begin renovations. It was a money pit waiting to collapse.
Heartbroken, we had no choice but to walk away.
Why We Had to Walk Away
Letting go of this farmhouse was brutal. We had already imagined our lives there, but love wasn’t enough—structure matters. Looking back, compared to our current farmhouse, this property was a disaster dodged. Our now-home sits on 5.8 acres of solid land with no sinking surprises!
Lessons Learned: Spotting Subsidence Before You Buy
If you’re thinking of buying an off-grid home in Spain, here’s what we wish we knew:
- Subsidence is sneaky – Learn to spot the signs.
- Check for wall cracks – Especially if they are wider at the top.
- Test the floors – Sloping floors and sticking doors are red flags.
- Watch for water damage – Rainwater seeping into walls can destabilise foundations.
- Hire a professional early – A structural assessment is cheaper than heartbreak.
Spain is full of abandoned gems, but some are just money traps.
Watch the Full Tour on YouTube
Want to see this sinking farmhouse for yourself? We filmed a full tour, showing everything we loved and the hidden dangers we didn’t spot at first.
Buying Off-Grid Property in Spain? Check For These Hidden Problems First!
Curious about the €40,000 farmhouse we DID buy? It’s solid, full of potential, and still standing strong.
Click the link below to check it out!
Ever had a dream home flop? Tell us in the comments—we’d love to hear your story!
