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By Brenda Padilla
The timeshare industry has had plenty of attention
throughout the European Union, and has not gone unnoticed in Spain,
where many resorts are located. Much press coverage has focused
on the negative cases in the industry, stories of swindling and
high pressure sales, but the stories might not end on an entirely
sour note.
Because of the many consumer complaints associated
with the industry, the European Union has improved regulations and
the Organisation of Timeshare in Europe (OTE) has arisen as a voluntary
association of companies that agree to abide by a certain standard
of ethics. Still, potential buyers must be extremely careful when
considering a purchase from this sector.
In Andalucía, particularly on the Costa del
Sol, there are both respected and highly "questionable"
companies offering a variety of products. If you are considering
a purchase in this sector, be advised of your rights under EU legislation,
which has been incorporated by member states:
- After signing a contract, you have up to 10 days
to "cool off", read over all materials and change your
mind if you so choose. Should you change you mind, however, be
sure you alert the company via fax and registered letter and save
copies of every transaction. If you are in doubt of the true headquarters
of the company, you may need help from a consumer specialist or
lawyer in order to track down the proper address within the 10
day period.
- No deposit can be taken by the seller during
the 10 day cooling off period.
- You might be required to pay the seller's legal
fees if you change your mind during the 10 day cooling off period.
- The contract you sign must be written in the
language of the EU member state in which you reside.
- Your contract must contain detailed information
describing the property and explaining your rights.
- In the case that a contract that lacks the required
information, you, the purchaser, have up to three months to revoke
your decision.
- EU directives regulate products involving contracts
of three or more years, so many "Holiday Packages" do
not fall under this legislation and therefore, do not fall under
the above guidelines.
If you are in doubt regarding a timeshare product, visit the OTE
website at www.ote-info.com
to check the list of member companies, which must adhere to the
organisation's code of ethics regardless of whether their products
involve three year contracts or one week holiday packages.
As a final word of advice, don't make any hasty decisions regarding
property purchase. If it sounds to good to be true, it probably
is. You can be sure that a reputable firm will allow you to take
your time, consult your lawyer and only sign when you are sure that
everything is in order.
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