Alicante Lawyers

Buying a property in Spain

Expert legal assistance to purchase property safely

Buying a property in Spain can be an exciting opportunity, but it also involves legal, financial and administrative complexities that require expert guidance.

At our law firm, we provide full legal support for property purchases in Spain, ensuring a secure, transparent and risk-free transaction from start to finish.

Whether you are buying a villa, apartment, land or investment property, our real estate lawyers in Spain will guide you through every step.

Get expert legal assistance for buying a property in Spain

Our lawyers assist with due diligence, contract review, negotiations, and legal representation, ensuring a safe, transparent and fully compliant transaction from start to finish.

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Why you need a property lawyer in Spain

Buying property without legal advice can expose you to hidden debts, legal issues or invalid contracts.

Verify that the property is free of debts, charges or legal encumbrances

Review and negotiate contracts on your behalf

Ensure full compliance with urban planning and local regulations

Protect your deposit and financial interests throughout the process

Carry out thorough due diligence before committing to the purchase

Avoid legal risks before signing any binding document

How to buy property in Spain​

If you’ve decided to buy a property in Spain (house, flat, villa, apartment, land…), it is completely normal that doubts and questions arise. The steps to be followed in learning how to purchase a house in Spain are divided into phases:

Step 1. Initial checks and reservation agreement

Before starting the purchase, we:

  • Analyse the legal status of the property
  • Check ownership and registry details
  • Review debts, taxes and community fees

Once verified, a reservation agreement is usually signed, securing the property with a deposit (typically €3,000–€5,000).

Step 2. Private purchase contract (Contrato de arras)

This is a binding agreement between buyer and seller.

We ensure:

  • Correct identification of all parties
  • Accurate description of the property
  • Clear payment terms and deadlines
  • Inclusion of legal protections (e.g. mortgage approval clause)

If the seller breaches the contract, they must return double the deposit.

Step 3. Signing before a Notary (Public Deed)

The transaction is formalised through a public deed (Escritura Pública).

We assist you with:

  • Final legal checks before signing
  • Coordination with the notary
  • Verification of payments and documentation
  • Registration of the property

This step guarantees full legal security.

Step 4. Mortgage advice and financing

If you require financing, we help you:

  • Compare mortgage options (fixed vs variable)
  • Analyse conditions and hidden costs
  • Review the FEIN (binding mortgage offer)
  • Ensure compliance with Spanish mortgage law

We protect you from abusive clauses and financial risks.

Step 5. Costs and taxes when buying property in Spain

Understanding costs is essential before purchasing.

Main taxes:

  • New property: 10% VAT + Stamp Duty (0.5%–1.5%)
  • Resale property: Transfer Tax (6%–10%)

Additional costs:

  • Notary fees
  • Land Registry fees
  • Legal fees
  • Property valuation (if mortgage applies)

In the Valencian Community, the transfer tax is typically 10%.

What we do for you

Legal due diligence of the property

Contract drafting and negotiation

Representation via Power of Attorney (if needed)

Full legal support at signing before the notary

Post-sale services (utilities, taxes, registration)

Ongoing legal advice and assistance

Why choose our law firm

Specialists in Spanish real estate law

Extensive experience with international buyers

Transparent fees with no hidden costs

Full legal protection throughout the process

Offices in Alicante and Costa Blanca

Personalised legal advice tailored to your situation

Start your property purchase with confidence

If you need assistance with buying a property in Spain, the lawyers at Pellicer&Heredia in Alicante are here to help you with all the necessary procedures. Their expertise in real estate law ensures that your property purchase is handled with the utmost care and professionalism, providing you with peace of mind throughout the entire process.
Contact our property lawyers today and receive personalised advice.