Are you buying property in Spain?

Also selling a property in Spain, or need a rental contract reviewed? Paula can support you with both — contact her directly to discuss your situation.

Having the right legal support can save you time, money, and stress.

I carefully review all documentation to identify any issues before they become problems. It’s not uncommon to find discrepancies such as unregistered extensions, missing planning permissions, or parts of a property that do not appear on the deeds.

Estate agents recommend me because I work efficiently. Clients recommend me because I leave no stone unturned.

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The buying process in Spain works differently to what many expats expect. A reservation fee of around €3,000 is standard — paid directly to the selling agent, and in most cases non-refundable. Before you transfer anything, speak to me. It’s a conversation that could save you thousands.

Buying with a mortgage, or selling a property at the same time? The process involves additional steps. It’s also worth knowing that in Spain — unlike England — buying and selling rarely complete on the same day. I’ll talk you through exactly what this means for your situation.

Typical Purchase Process

Step 1
Free Consultation
Before anything else, let’s talk. I’ll walk you through the buying process in Spain, answer your questions, and help you understand what to expect. There’s no obligation and no jargon — just a clear, honest conversation to make sure you feel confident moving forward.
Step 2
Engage Paula as Your Lawyer
Once you’re happy to proceed, I’ll set out exactly what my service covers and what my fees are. You’ll know from the start what you’re getting — no surprises.
Step 3
Personal Documentation
Before you can purchase property in Spain you’ll need two things: an NIE number (your Spanish tax identification number) and a Spanish bank account. Many buyers don’t realise this until it’s urgent. I’ll guide you through both, and where needed, accompany you to the appointments.
Step 4
Property Searches & Examination of Deeds
This is where I earn my fee. I carefully examine all documentation relating to the property — title deeds, planning permissions, registered boundaries, outstanding debts, and more. Discrepancies are more common than most buyers expect. Finding them before you commit is exactly the point.
Step 5
Review Findings
I’ll talk you through everything I’ve found in plain English. If further searches are needed, I’ll tell you what, why, and what it means for your purchase. You make informed decisions at every stage — nothing moves forward without your understanding and agreement.
Step 6
Agree Completion Date
Unlike in England, the completion date in Spain is not fixed by a chain. This gives us more flexibility — and more opportunity to make sure everything is genuinely ready before you sign. It can also move faster than you might expect; some purchases complete within six weeks, compared to the three months or more that’s typical in England. I’ll advise on realistic timing for your specific purchase and make sure no corners are cut to meet an arbitrary deadline.
Step 7
Notary Appointment & Signing
The final step is signing the escritura (title deed) before a Spanish Notary. I’ll be with you at the appointment, make sure you understand everything you’re signing, and handle the legal formalities. Once signed, the property is yours. But my service doesn’t stop there. I also arrange for all household bills to be transferred into your name — water, electricity, rubbish collection (basura), and property taxes (IBI). The last thing you want after completing your purchase is to chase utility companies in a second language.