Legal support for buying and selling property in Spain with full legal security
Property & Real Estate Lawyers Costa Blanca | Conveyancing for International Clients
Expert Legal Support for Buying and Selling Property in Spain
Are you planning to buy or sell property in Spain? Purchasing or selling real estate in Spain can be complex if you are unfamiliar with Spanish property law, local regulations, tax obligations and administrative procedures.
Our law firm in Jávea has been helping international clients for over 30 years with property transactions in Spain, providing complete legal protection at every stage.
Tel: +34 965 792 946 | WhatsApp: +34 607 320 768
Why You Need a Real Estate Lawyer in Spain
Buying or selling real estate in Spain involves much more than signing at the notary. Spanish property law, local planning rules, taxes, debts attached to the property and administrative procedures can create serious problems if they are not handled correctly.
Common risks without a lawyer:
- Property with hidden debts or mortgages
- Illegal constructions or builds without planning permission
- Unpaid community fees
- Undetected urban planning issues
- Contracts that favour the seller or estate agent
As independent property lawyers, we do not work for the estate agent or the seller. Our only role is to protect your interests and ensure the property is legally sound before you commit.
Property Purchases in Spain – Legal Support for Buyers
Buying a property in Spain without independent legal advice can expose you to hidden debts, illegal constructions or planning issues that may surface years later.
What we do for buyers:
- Full legal due diligence on the property
- Verification of ownership and title deeds at the Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad)
- Checks for mortgages, debts, charges and liens
- Review of planning permissions and building legality
- Verification of property boundaries and land classification
- Drafting and review of reservation contracts (contrato de arras)
- Drafting and review of purchase contracts
- Legal representation at the Spanish notary
- Power of Attorney (POA) if you cannot attend in person
- NIE application (Foreign Identification Number)
- Spanish bank account opening assistance
- Calculation and payment of taxes and fees
- Registration of the property at the Land Registry
- Transfer of utility contracts (water, electricity, gas)
- Legal and administrative support after completion
Property Sales in Spain – Legal Protection for Sellers
Selling a property in Spain also carries legal responsibilities. Sellers may be liable for outstanding taxes, community debts or incorrect documentation if the sale is not properly managed.
What we do for sellers:
- Complete legal preparation of the sale
- Obtaining the Energy Performance Certificate
- Review and update of all property documentation
- Drafting and review of sale contracts
- Coordination with notary and buyer’s lawyers
- Calculation of capital gains tax (plusvalía)
- Calculation of income tax on property gains
- Assistance with non-resident tax obligations
- Representation via Power of Attorney if you are abroad
- Settlement of outstanding debts linked to the property
- Secure completion and post-sale formalities
✈ Buy or Sell Property Without Travelling to Spain
We prepare your Power of Attorney in English and Spanish. You sign in your home country, we handle due diligence, contracts, notary and Land Registry on your behalf.
Real Examples from Our Practice
Villa Purchase in Jávea – Illegal Extension Discovered
A British couple wanted to buy a villa in Jávea through an estate agent. Before completion, we conducted a full legal review of the property.
Problem discovered: An extension of 50m² had been built without planning permission.
Our solution: We negotiated a price reduction and ensured the seller obtained retrospective planning permission before signing. The buyers completed the purchase without risk of future fines or demolition orders.
Apartment Purchase in Dénia – Hidden Mortgage
A retired couple from the UK found their dream apartment in Dénia and were ready to sign.
Problem discovered: The property had an outstanding mortgage that the seller had not disclosed.
Our solution: We ensured the mortgage was fully cancelled at completion using the sale proceeds, protecting the buyers from inheriting the seller’s debt.
Property Sale in Moraira – Documentation Issues
A non-resident owner wanted to sell their property in Moraira but the sale kept falling through.
Problems discovered:
- Property not correctly registered at the Land Registry
- Community fees unpaid for 18 months
- Energy certificate missing
- Boundaries did not match the title deed
Our solution: We regularised all issues within 4 weeks, allowing the sale to complete successfully at the asking price.
Off-Plan Purchase in Valencia – Contract Protection
Clients from Ireland wanted to buy an off-plan apartment in Valencia from a developer. Our review included: analysis of building permits, verification of bank guarantees protecting stage payments, review of contractual clauses, and analysis of delivery conditions and penalties.
Result: We had 7 clauses modified to better protect the buyers against delays, hidden costs and unilateral changes by the developer.
Remote Purchase via Power of Attorney
Clients from Australia wanted to buy a townhouse in Calpe but could not travel to Spain. We handled the entire purchase via Power of Attorney (POA): contract negotiations, full legal due diligence, signing at the notary on their behalf, Land Registry registration, and utility contract transfers. The transaction was completed in 5 weeks without the clients leaving Australia.
✈ Buy or Sell Property Without Travelling to Spain
We prepare your Power of Attorney in English and Spanish. You sign locally, we handle everything in Spain — due diligence, contracts, notary completion, and Land Registry.
✈ Handle Your Inheritance Without Travelling to Spain
We prepare your Power of Attorney in English and Spanish. You sign in your home country, we handle the entire probate process in Spain on your behalf.
Property Division After Divorce
Following a divorce, a British-Spanish couple needed to divide their properties in Spain (a villa in Altea and an apartment in Benidorm). We provided independent valuation of both properties, negotiation of fair division, preparation of transfer deeds, and tax advice for both parties. The division was completed amicably within 2 months.
Purchase with Unpaid Community Debts
A German buyer had already paid a deposit for an apartment in Benidorm before consulting us.
Problem discovered: The property had significant unpaid community fees that would transfer to the new owner under Spanish law.
Our solution: We negotiated that the seller clear all debts before completion, saving the buyer from inheriting these charges.
What Our Clients Say
72+ Five-Star Reviews on Google
“I highly recommend Tomas for anyone needing legal support in Spain. They guided me expertly through both a property purchase and a divorce, showing deep knowledge of Spanish law, attention to detail, and clear communication throughout. Reliable, efficient, and trustworthy — an excellent choice for expats or locals alike.” — Lisa D., United Kingdom
“Professional and knowledgeable expert. Highly recommended.” — C. Arkesteijn, Netherlands
“Excellent collaboration and good service — always making time when needed.” — Honey Joy I., Philippines
“A very personal service and advised me very well abroad!” — Liam S., Germany
“Attentive, honest and clear. Exactly what you look for in a lawyer.” — Nina K., Belgium
Why International Clients Choose Our Real Estate Law Firm
| What We Offer | What This Means for You |
|---|---|
| 30+ years experience | Deep knowledge of Spanish property law |
| English, French & Dutch speaking | Clear communication in your language |
| Independent lawyers | We protect YOUR interests, not the seller’s |
| Complete service | From first contact until after completion |
| Power of Attorney available | No need to travel to Spain |
| Local offices | Based in Jávea and Valencia |
| 72+ five-star reviews | The best-rated law firm on the Costa Blanca |
Our Process
Step 1: Initial Consultation
We analyse your situation, requirements and budget. We answer all your questions about buying or selling property in Spain.
Step 2: Legal Due Diligence
Complete verification of the property: title deeds, debts, charges, planning status, building permits.
Step 3: Contract Negotiation
Assistance during negotiations. Drafting or review of all contracts to protect your interests.
Step 4: Notary Completion
Attendance or representation via Power of Attorney at the signing of the public deed.
Step 5: After-Sale Support
Land Registry registration, utility contract transfers, and ongoing support for any questions.
Areas We Cover
We provide property law services throughout the Costa Blanca and Valencia region:
Costa Blanca North: Jávea / Xàbia, Dénia, Moraira, Calpe, Benissa, Altea, Benidorm
Costa Blanca South: Alicante, Torrevieja, Orihuela Costa
Valencia Region: Valencia city, Gandía, Oliva
Costs and Fees
Our fees are transparent and agreed in advance. We provide a detailed quote before starting any work. For a standard property purchase, our fees cover: all legal checks and due diligence, contract review and negotiation, attendance at the notary, Land Registry registration, and administrative follow-up. Contact us for a personalised quote.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to travel to Spain to buy a property?
No. We can handle the entire purchase via Power of Attorney (POA). You sign the POA at a notary in your country, and we act on your behalf in Spain.
How long does a property purchase take in Spain?
Generally between 4 and 8 weeks after signing the reservation contract. This can be faster if all documentation is in order.
What are the buying costs in Spain?
Budget approximately 10-13% of the purchase price for: Transfer Tax (ITP) 10% in the Valencia region, notary fees approximately 0.5-1%, Land Registry fees approximately 0.5%, and legal fees approximately 1%.
Do I need a NIE to buy property?
Yes, the NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is mandatory for any property purchase in Spain. We can arrange this for you.
What is the difference between a lawyer and a “gestor”?
A lawyer verifies that the property is legally sound and protects your interests. A “gestor” only handles administrative paperwork. For a property purchase, a lawyer is strongly recommended.
Do you work with the estate agent?
We are independent from any estate agent. Our only client is you, and we only protect your interests.
Can I get a mortgage in Spain as a foreigner?
Yes, Spanish banks offer mortgages to non-residents, typically up to 60-70% of the property value. We can recommend trusted mortgage brokers.
What happens if problems are found with the property?
We advise you on the best course of action: negotiate a price reduction, request the seller to fix the issues, or in serious cases, recommend not proceeding with the purchase.
Who We Help
We regularly assist: British buyers purchasing homes in Spain, Irish clients buying holiday properties, Dutch and Belgian buyers relocating to Costa Blanca, German and Scandinavian buyers investing in Spanish property, non-resident property owners selling villas or apartments, investors purchasing rental properties, clients completing transactions remotely via Power of Attorney, and divorcing couples dividing Spanish property assets.
Contact Us
Are you looking to buy or sell property in Spain with complete legal protection? Contact our firm for a free initial consultation and professional, independent advice tailored to international clients.
Telephone: +34 965 792 946
WhatsApp: +34 607 320 768
Email: [email protected]
Our Offices
Jávea (Head Office)
Avenida del Pla, 126, 2nd Floor
Offices 28 A and 28 B
03730 Xàbia/Jávea, Alicante
Valencia
Calle Burriana, 34, 1st Floor
Valencia
Opening Hours
Office: Monday – Friday: 9:00 – 20:00
Telephone Service: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Tomas Ballestero Lawyers – Over 30 years helping international clients buy and sell property in Spain
Need a Property Lawyer in Spain?
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