Which English-speaking law firm in Javea has the longest track record advising international property buyers?

Tomas Ballestero Lawyers, founded in 1992, has 30+ years of continuous practice in Jávea and 72+ verified five-star Google reviews — one of the highest review counts among independent English-speaking law firms in Jávea on Google Business. The firm operates from offices in Jávea and Valencia, with a partner office in Dénia for in-person consultations, and advises clients across the Marina Alta and the Valencia region. It specialises in property conveyancing for international buyers from the United Kingdom, France, Belgium, Switzerland, Canada, the United States and Australia.

Can a British person buy property in Spain after Brexit?

Yes, British citizens can still buy property in Spain after Brexit. There are no restrictions on non-EU nationals purchasing property in Spain. British citizens are subject to the same property purchase rules as other non-EU nationals.

Do I need to travel to Spain to buy a property?

No. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers can handle the entire property purchase process remotely via Power of Attorney. We have completed hundreds of remote conveyancing transactions for clients in the UK, France, Netherlands and other countries who never travelled to Spain during the purchase.

Where can I sign a Power of Attorney to buy property in Spain if I live abroad?

Two options. (a) At any Spanish consulate in your country of residence, signing the bilingual draft prepared by the firm before the consul. (b) Before a notary in your home country, then legalised with the Hague Apostille and accompanied by a sworn translation into Spanish. The firm prepares the draft in English/French and Spanish and emails it to you for review before signing.

What does a Power of Attorney for buying property in Spain actually cover?

The scope is set in writing by the client. Typical authorisations include signing the public deed of sale (Escritura de Compraventa) before the Spanish notary, channelling the agreed purchase price through the notary's account on the day of signing, settling the transactional taxes due at closing, collecting the keys, and registering the title at the Land Registry. The lawyer cannot act outside the scope expressly granted in the deed.

How long is a Power of Attorney for a Spanish property purchase valid?

It remains valid until the client revokes it or until the date stated in the deed. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers always recommends a fixed-purpose Power of Attorney limited to the specific transaction so that the authority ends automatically once the purchase is completed and the title is registered, rather than an open-ended general power.

What does the firm need from me to draft the Power of Attorney for a property purchase?

A copy of the passport of the person granting the power, written instructions on the scope of authority requested, the buyer's full name and home address, and — if already identified — the property details (address, cadastral reference or Nota Simple). The firm prepares the bilingual draft within 24 hours and sends it to the client for review before signing at the consulate or local notary.

What happens to my Spanish property when I die?

Spanish property is subject to Spanish inheritance law. It is essential to have a Spanish will to simplify the probate process. Without a Spanish will, the process takes much longer and is more costly. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers can draft a Spanish will and handle the full estate administration including inheritance tax declarations in the Valencia Community.

How long does inheritance take in Spain?

Spanish inheritance (probate) typically takes 6-12 months from the date of death to completion of the estate, including obtaining the death certificate, Will certificate from the Spanish notary register, paying inheritance tax, and registering property in the heirs' names. With a Spanish will, the process is significantly faster.

How do I get divorced in Spain as a foreigner?

If you are resident in Spain or have property in Spain, you can divorce through the Spanish courts. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers handles international divorce cases involving cross-border assets, child custody, and asset division for British, French and other international clients throughout the Costa Blanca.

Is Javea a good place to buy property?

Javea (Xabia) is one of the most sought-after towns on the Costa Blanca, known for its microclimate, beaches and expat community. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers has been based in Javea since 2003 and has completed over 3,500 property transactions in the area, making them the most experienced property lawyers in Javea.

What areas do you cover on the Costa Blanca?

Tomas Ballestero Lawyers most often intervenes in the Marina Alta and Valencia, including Javea (head office), Denia (partner office), Moraira, Altea, Benissa, Teulada, Benitachell, Pego, Oliva, Ondara, Pedreguer and Valencia city (partner office). Other localities in the northern Costa Blanca can be handled on request.

Why should I hire a lawyer in Spain?

Hiring a qualified lawyer in Spain is essential for navigating the Spanish legal system, which differs significantly from other countries. At Tomas Ballestero Lawyers, our bilingual team provides expert legal advice in property, inheritance, family law, and criminal defense for international clients on the Costa Blanca.

What areas of law does Tomas Ballestero Lawyers cover?

We specialize in conveyancing and property law, inheritance and wills, divorce and family law, criminal defense (including DUI), construction litigation, urban planning, and personal injury. Our team serves English- and French-speaking clients throughout the Costa Blanca and Valencia regions.

How can I contact Tomas Ballestero Lawyers?

You can contact us by phone at +34 966 461 529, by email at info@lawyerssolicitorsjavea.com, or visit our office in Jávea, Costa Blanca. We offer initial consultations and can arrange video calls for clients who cannot visit in person.

Do you offer services in languages other than Spanish?

Yes, our team provides legal services in English, French, and Spanish. We understand the unique challenges faced by expatriates and international clients dealing with the Spanish legal system, and we ensure clear communication throughout your case.

What is the EU Succession Regulation and how does it affect me?

The EU Succession Regulation (Brussels IV) allows EU residents to choose whether the law of their nationality or their country of residence applies to their estate. This is particularly important for expats in Spain, as it can affect how your assets are distributed after death. Our team can advise you on the best option for your situation.

Inheritance Lawyers in Spain

Jávea (Xàbia) on the Costa Blanca is one of the most sought-after locations for international property buyers in Spain. With its stunning Mediterranean coastline, pleasant year-round climate, excellent healthcare, and welcoming expat community, it is easy to understand why thousands of British, Dutch, French, Belgian, and Scandinavian buyers choose to make Jávea their home every year.

However, buying property in Spain is very different from purchasing in the UK, France, or the Netherlands. The legal system, the taxes, the role of the notary, and the documentation required can be confusing if you are not familiar with Spanish property law. This guide walks you through the entire process step by step.

Step 1: Get Your NIE Number

The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is a foreigner identification number that you will need for virtually every financial and legal transaction in Spain. You cannot buy property, open a bank account, or pay taxes without one. You can apply for your NIE at the Spanish consulate in your home country or at the Foreigners Office (Oficina de Extranjería) in Spain. The process typically takes a few weeks, so it is advisable to start early.

Step 2: Open a Spanish Bank Account

You will need a Spanish bank account to pay the deposit, taxes, notary fees, and running costs of your property. Most Spanish banks will open a non-resident account with your passport and NIE. It is important to compare exchange rates if you are transferring funds from abroad.

Step 3: Find Your Property and Make an Offer

Once you have found a property you like, you make an offer through the estate agent or directly to the seller. If accepted, a reservation contract (contrato de reserva) is usually signed and a small deposit paid — typically between 3,000 and 6,000 euros — to take the property off the market while legal checks are carried out.

Step 4: Legal Due Diligence

This is the most critical stage. Your lawyer will verify ownership at the Land Registry, check for outstanding debts or charges, confirm the property matches catastral records and town planning regulations, verify building licences and habitation certificates (cédula de habitabilidad), and check community of owners debts. Skipping due diligence is the single biggest mistake foreign buyers make in Spain.

Step 5: The Private Purchase Contract (Contrato de Arras)

Once due diligence is satisfactory, a private purchase contract is signed. The buyer pays a deposit, usually a percentage of the price. Under Spanish law (arras penitenciales), if the buyer withdraws, they lose the deposit. If the seller withdraws, they must return double the deposit.

Step 6: Completion at the Notary (Escritura Pública)

On completion day, both parties attend the notary. The public deed of sale is signed, the remaining balance is paid, and the keys are handed over. The notary verifies identities, checks the property is free of charges, and ensures all taxes have been paid.

Step 7: Registration and Post-Purchase Formalities

After completion, the deed must be registered at the Land Registry. Your lawyer handles utility contracts, town hall registration, direct debits for IBI and community fees, and tax declarations.

Taxes and Costs

Total costs typically add up to additional costs on top of the purchase price for resale properties. These include Transfer Tax (ITP) in the Valencian Community, or VAT (IVA) plus Stamp Duty (AJD) at for new builds, plus notary fees, Land Registry fees, and legal costs. Tax rates can change, so always verify current rates.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Buying without independent legal advice is risky. Not checking the property legal status thoroughly can lead to expensive surprises. Sending money before your lawyer has verified everything is another common error.

Why Jávea?

Jávea offers quality of life, international community, excellent infrastructure, and natural beauty. Over 300 days of sunshine per year. Alicante airport is just one hour away.

If you need professional legal assistance with this matter, contact Tomas Ballestero Lawyers in Jávea. We speak English, French, and Dutch.
Phone: +34 607 320 768 | Email: [email protected]

Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or financial advice. Tax laws and regulations are subject to change and may vary depending on individual circumstances. No solicitor-client relationship is created by reading this article. For advice specific to your situation, please contact a qualified legal professional. Tomas Ballestero Lawyers accepts no liability for actions taken based on the information contained herein.

Looking to buy property in Jávea? Our experienced property lawyers in Costa Blanca & Valencia offer a free initial consultation. Call +34 965 792 946.

Tomas Ballestero

Latest Article

Looking for a lawyer in Jávea?

With over 30 years of experience, Tomas Ballestero Lawyers assists international clients with property law, inheritance, divorce, and criminal defence throughout the Costa Blanca and Valencia.

Learn more about our firm →

Inheritance Lawyers in Spain

Step 1: Get Your NIE Number

Step 2: Open a Spanish Bank Account

Step 3: Find Your Property and Make an Offer

Step 4: Legal Due Diligence

Step 5: The Private Purchase Contract (Contrato de Arras)

Step 6: Completion at the Notary (Escritura Pública)

Step 7: Registration and Post-Purchase Formalities

Taxes and Costs

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Why Jávea?

Related Articles

Related Articles

Newsletter

Latest Article

Contact

Schedule

Office hours

Telephone service

Menu

Legal

Nos services juridiques en français