I don't think you are right on this Patricia. They can certainly chase you in the Uk or EU by using a debt collecting agency but any country outside the EU they would struggle with. The best thing to do is if you are mortgage free in the Uk is sign the title deeds over to your children so they will own the property. That way any Spanish bank will not be able to take it to clear the debt. I also think that with so many properties and builders going bust the back log will take forever to clear.
I intend to buy another house but put it in my childrens names.