Maria de Castro , founder and CEO of CostaLuz Lawyers
CostaLuz Lawyers, led by María de Castro, has defended international clients in Spain since 2006. We began as pioneers in consumer protection for property buyers (off-plan and banking) and today we keep guiding those who buy, live, invest or litigate in Spain—with clarity and rigor.
We serve clients across Spain through our online channels, and provide in-person/on-site service along the Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz (Huelva & Cádiz) and the Campo de Gibraltar. Our office, located midway between both coasts, allows fast, local support.
HISTORY
In 2006—during the property boom—we started helping buyers on forums such as Eye on Spain and Spanish Property Insight. As delays and failures mounted, we worked with affected buyers—most notably with Keith Rule—to test the scope of Law 57/1968 ( now 20/2015) , opening the way to hold developers’ banks liable even where no individual guarantees existed.
In 2012 we obtained a landmark judgment against a bank and, since then, have delivered refunds, fairer mortgages and relief from negative equity. Keith became known as the “Erin Brockovich” of Spanish off-plan property for his tenacity.
After Brexit, we expanded and professionalized our immigration practice, securing Spanish residency for hundreds of clients worldwide
Today, in the new golden era of investment in Spain, we are again supporting off-plan purchases (and resales) with strict due diligence, clear contracts and effective protection against promoter and banking risk.
Expertise & Authority
Since 2008, María de Castro has been a regular legal contributor on EyeOnSpain, the leading platform for international property buyers in Spain. Over more than 15 years, she has published hundreds of articles on off-plan protection, property law, consumer rights, immigration, estate planning and wills, international tax and company mobility to Spain, guiding thousands of foreign clients with clear, independent legal insight.
Her legal work has also been featured in respected international and Spanish media, including: The Telegraph, The Times, Financial Times, BBC, Forbes, El País, El Mundo and other reputable outlets.
CostaLuz Lawyers is also included in the official lists of recommended legal professionals by the British Embassy and the Irish Embassy in Spain — a recognition that reflects our long-standing commitment to transparency, consumer protection and independent legal advice for international clients.
WHAT WE DO
- Safe conveyancing & due diligence (new build, resale, and off-plan)
- Banking, insurance and timeshare claims; consumer-law litigation
- Tax for residents and non-residents (IRNR/IRPF, wealth, inheritances)
- International taxation: double-tax treaties, tax residence, cross-border reporting, UK/US/EU asset coordination (e.g., pensions/ISAs)
- International estate planning: cross-border wills & international estate administration in Spain
- Immigration & residency: Non-Lucrative Visa, EU citizen/family registration, Self-Employed, Digital Nomad Visa; administrative and court appeals
- Relocation for freelancers and SMEs
AREAS WE COVER
For over 20 years, we have been providing online legal services to clients anywhere in the world with interests in any part of Spain, as well as in-person assistance from our Algeciras office.
From there, we regularly support clients across:
Costa del Sol (Málaga): Manilva (San Luis de Sabinillas, Manilva Costa, Puerto de la Duquesa), Casares (Casares Costa), Estepona (Cancelada), Marbella (Puerto Banús, Nueva Andalucía, San Pedro de Alcántara), Benahavís, Mijas (La Cala de Mijas), Fuengirola, Benalmádena (Arroyo de la Miel, Benalmádena Costa), Torremolinos, Málaga (El Palo, Pedregalejo), Rincón de la Victoria (La Cala del Moral, Chilches Costa), Vélez-Málaga (Torre del Mar, Caleta de Vélez, Almayate Costa), Algarrobo Costa, Mezquitilla, Benajarafe, Lagos, Torrox Costa (El Morche), Nerja (Maro).
Costa de la Luz – Huelva: Ayamonte (Isla Canela, Punta del Moral), Isla Cristina (Urbasur), Lepe (La Antilla, Islantilla), Cartaya (El Rompido, Nuevo Portil), Punta Umbría, Huelva (metropolitan beaches), Moguer (Mazagón), Almonte (Matalascañas).
Costa de la Luz – Cádiz: Sanlúcar de Barrameda, Chipiona, Rota, El Puerto de Santa María, Cádiz (La Victoria, Cortadura), San Fernando (Camposoto), Chiclana de la Frontera (La Barrosa, Novo Sancti Petri), Conil de la Frontera (Los Bateles, Fuente del Gallo), Vejer de la Frontera (El Palmar), Barbate (Zahara de los Atunes, Caños de Meca), Tarifa (Valdevaqueros, Punta Paloma, Bolonia).
Campo de Gibraltar (Cádiz): Algeciras (Getares), La Línea de la Concepción (Santa Margarita, La Alcaidesa), San Roque (Sotogrande, Torreguadiaro, Puente Mayorga, Campamento, Guadarranque), Los Barrios (Palmones), Castellar de la Frontera, Jimena de la Frontera, San Martín del Tesorillo.
HOW WE WORK
People first. Transparent, committed and honest. We explain every step, reduce uncertainty and stay the course in complex matters. We measure success by outcomes and client peace of mind. Curious? Read our clients’ reviews here
Read Google Reviews here
WHY COSTALUZ LAWYERS
- Pioneers in off-plan banking actions and buyer protection
- Judgments of reference that shaped buyer rights
- Bilingual team with clear, practical guidance for international clients
CONTACT
Buying property, claiming property rights, visas, international taxation/estate planning, or relocating as a freelancer or SME? Get in touch for a free initial consultation. We work online across Spain and on the ground along the Costa del Sol, Costa de la Luz and Campo de Gibraltar.
CLIENT-CENTRED SERVICE
You are at the centre of everything we do. Your needs shape how we deliver our online services—with the information, responsiveness and transparency that online clients expect. You can see this reflected in our testimonials, where clients describe, in their own words, how our clarity, updates and documentation standards made the difference.
You can also dive into EyeonSpain and see our work there since 2008.
Included on the UK and US Embassies’ lawyers lists in Spain
Disclaimer: This information is provided for general guidance purposes only and does not constitute personalised tax or legal advice. Each case must be assessed individually according to the client’s specific circumstances. It is essential to consult a qualified specialist before taking any action or making any decision.
Call us (EN/ES): +34 919 499 342
Legal Notice: The content on this page is provided for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. No action should be taken based solely on this content without first seeking independent professional legal counsel. Each case requires individual assessment based on its specific circumstances. CostaLuz Lawyers accepts no liability for actions taken or not taken based on this content.
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Our bilingual lawyers help foreign residents with property, tax, inheritance and residency. Bilingual help across southern Spain since 2006.