Andorra Batllia Bans Transactions in Arbres del Tarter Development

Andorra's Batllia has imposed a ban on any transactions involving the properties in the controversial 'Arbres del Tarter' development, preventing sales, mortgages, leases, or occupations of the units.

The judicial authority, handling ongoing civil cases, issued the precautionary measures in response to a lawsuit filed by the delegated promoter against the investor owners. These steps aim to protect third parties who have already made down payments on homes or commercial spaces, amid fears that the properties could be sold or otherwise alienated.

The Batllia rejected the owners' request to suspend proceedings pending the outcome of a related criminal case in a Madrid court. That dispute pits the Andorran company owned by Madrid-based investors—linked to the family behind Sobaos Martínez—against their former delegated promoter, whose powers were revoked. The investors accuse the promoter and their previous lawyers and legal advisors of fraud and other offenses, with the latter allegedly now involved in the promoter's company.

In its ruling, the Batllia cited evidence of property disturbances by the defendant company, justifying the risk of procedural delay. It also found a strong appearance of good faith on the promoter's side, based on successive sales promise contracts and amendments presented during hearings. The measures prohibit disposing of, encumbering, using, occupying, or renting any units in the development.

The decision does not resolve the underlying civil claims but halts further actions to preserve the status quo. Third-party buyers now face delays in formalizing ownership of their purchased homes or shops, as the legal battle continues.