Independent lawyers · Jávea, Costa Blanca
How to Buy Property in Jávea: Legal Steps for British Buyers
30+Years of Experience
The legal steps for British buyers in Jávea, from the NIE and the legal checks to completion before the notary, in person or by power of attorney.
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Buying a property in Jávea as a British buyer is safe when the steps are taken in the right order: the legal checks first, then the contract with the deposit, then completion before the notary. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers has guided British buyers in Jávea for more than 30 years, from our office in the town and our associated office in Dénia, in person or entirely by power of attorney.
Step by stepThe legal steps
- NIEYour foreigner identification number, applied for in person in Spain or at a Spanish consulate.
- Bank accountA Spanish account for the price, the taxes and the running costs. We help you with it.
- Legal checksBefore you pay anything: the Land Registry, the Catastro, the licences and the debts.
- Contrato de arrasThe private contract with a deposit. With arras penitenciales, a buyer who withdraws loses the deposit, and a seller who withdraws returns it doubled.
- CompletionThe deed is signed before the notary and the price is paid there.
- After completionThe taxes, the Land Registry, and the IBI and utilities in your name.
Before the depositWhat we check
The Spanish notary is impartial and does not check whether the property is right for you. That is the job of your own lawyer.
- Ownership and chargesThe registered owner at the Land Registry and any mortgages, embargoes or other charges.
- Catastro and licencesThe Catastro compared with the deed, the building licences, the occupation licence and any planning infringements.
- Running costsIBI, the rubbish collection tax and community fees paid up to date.
- New buildsOn an off-plan purchase, the bank guarantee or insurance for every payment and the developer’s licences.
The state of the building, the boundaries and the measurements are a technical matter. For a villa we always advise an inspection by an architect. We can put you in touch with Sergio Tomás Arquitectos in Jávea, an architect we usually work with, or you can instruct one of your own choice.
TaxTaxes in Spain
A resale property pays transfer tax; a new build pays VAT and stamp duty instead. As a non-resident owner you also file an annual tax return for the property. We put the figures for your purchase in writing before anything is signed. Tax in the United Kingdom is a matter for your UK adviser.
Frequently asked questions
Can British citizens still buy in Spain after Brexit?
Yes. There are no restrictions on British citizens buying property in Spain.
Do I have to come to Spain?
No. Apart from the NIE, the purchase can be completed by power of attorney, signed at a Spanish consulate in the United Kingdom or before a UK notary, then apostilled and translated.
Can my UK solicitor do the Spanish side?
The purchase is governed by Spanish law and completed before a Spanish notary, so you need a Spanish lawyer. Anything in the United Kingdom is a matter for your UK solicitor.
How we work
From our office in Jávea and the associated office in Dénia we work across the northern Costa Blanca: Jávea, Dénia, Moraira, Teulada, Benitachell, Benissa, Calpe and Altea. See also property lawyers on the Costa Blanca and the nota simple.
Tomas Ballestero Lawyers has advised international clients on Spanish property for more than 30 years. We work in English, French and Spanish.
Cannot travel to Spain?
With a power of attorney we complete every step on your behalf, from the first document to the registration of the property, remotely and safely.
Call +34 607 320 768The lawyers who will handle your matter
José Manuel Tomas
Property, Inheritance and Donations · Admitted to the Valencia Bar in 1992 (no. 6407) · Alicante Bar no. 9382
José Rico
Family Law · Valencia Bar no. 12075
Mariano Ortuño
Valencia Bar no. 6041
Manuel Lopez de Andujar
Property, Inheritance and Donations · Valencia Bar no. 7773
Juan Poch
Property, Inheritance and Donations · Alicante Bar no. 3607
María Salvá
Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3699
Antonio Rodríguez de Sola
Property, Inheritance and Donations – Dénia · Alicante Bar no. 3374
Selling a property? See selling a property in Spain as a non-resident.
How we meetIn person in Jávea, or 100% remote
100% remote, from homeMost of our clients never need to travel. We work by email, phone, WhatsApp and video call, and you sign through a power of attorney. Only the NIE has to be applied for in person, in Spain or at a Spanish consulate.
How much do you charge?
Every case is different, so before any work starts we send you a written quote. You know our fee from the beginning, with no surprises at the end.
Next stepWhat happens when you contact us
- You send your enquiryThrough the form below, by phone, WhatsApp or email. A few lines are enough.
- A lawyer reads itNot an assistant: one of our lawyers reviews your situation and replies personally, the same day.
- We tell you the next stepWhat needs to be checked first, and which documents would help.
- We confirm scope and feeIn writing, before any work starts.
- You decideNothing is commissioned until you say yes.
This page is general information about Spanish law and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different and you should take advice on your own circumstances before acting.
Independent lawyers · Jávea
Buying a property in Jávea?
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