Expediente

House of neighbour has recently been " reserved" .

REA states, Title deeds and Land Registry in order. A request for an " expediente" has been requested and will be available prior to sale. To what might this refer as it is a new one on me. 

Am aware the property has had extensive renovations . 

"Some illegal features may become legal by virtue of the amount of time that they have existed – normally after 4 years without any complaints from neighbours or orders from the town hall to remove them (Expediente de infración urbanistica). However in this case you must always have a registered architect certify that the feature is more than 4 years old (certificado de antigüedad de un arquitecto certificado), and get the all clear from the town hall before proceeding to commit."

That, mariedav is exactly what we believe it is about.

The Brit owners turned the derelict underbuild into 3 bed/2 bath holiday rental accommodation.  Without planning permission because the footprint wasn't changed. 

We know this is a common practice for the local Spanish who if they were the buyers wouldn't flutter an eyelash. However foreigners , and lawyers, are more aware these days and double check.