Buying a property in Spain should feel exciting — not stressful.
Yet many buyers discover too late that what looked like a simple transaction hides unexpected risks: unpaid community fees, planning irregularities, missing licences, or tourist-rental restrictions that make the property unsuitable for the purpose they intended.
At CostaLuz Lawyers, we provide independent property conveyancing and settlement services across all of Spain. We work fully online with clients worldwide and have been assisting international buyers since 2006.
Most importantly, we act as independent lawyers: we do not work for estate agents, developers, or intermediaries. Our duty is to protect your legal and financial position — even if that means slowing down the purchase, renegotiating terms, or advising you not to proceed.
At a glance
Tell us what you are facing
Email marialuisa@costaluzlawyers.es with a short description of your situation. We reply with the next step and who in the firm handles it. If your question turns on your own documents or figures, reviewing them is a separate, scoped service that we explain before any work starts.
Email your case → marialuisa@costaluzlawyers.es · WhatsApp · Book the optional intro call
What can go wrong in Spain property purchases
Hidden debts, planning issues, incomplete occupation licences, off-plan deposit risks, or rental-licence traps.
What we do
We carry out legal due diligence, review and negotiate contracts, protect deposits, handle notary completion, and ensure proper registration and tax compliance.
What you get
A purchase that is legally safe, properly registered, tax compliant — and far less stressful, wherever you are in the world.
Who we help
We act for individuals, families and investors buying property in Spain, including:
- Resale apartments and villas
- Off-plan developments
- Second homes and retirement purchases
- Investment properties intended for long-term rental
- Properties intended for tourist rental (where legally permitted)
Whether you are buying in a major city, a coastal area, or a rural location, the legal risks can vary — but the need for independent protection is always the same.
Why independence matters (and why buyers choose us)
Many estate agencies advertise “legal accompaniment” or claim to manage the legal side of the sale. Sometimes this includes drafting standard contracts or carrying out basic checks. It can be helpful for coordination.
However, that is not the same as having a lawyer who is professionally and financially independent from the agent or developer.
In Spain, estate agents do not need a legal qualification to practise. When an agency offers “legal coverage”, it is often because they collaborate with a lawyer. But if that lawyer is appointed and paid through the agent or developer, their position may not be fully independent in practice — especially when the transaction needs to be challenged rather than simply processed.
At CostaLuz Lawyers, independence means something very clear:
We act only for you.
We do not rely on the transaction closing. We rely on your trust.
What we do for you (in plain English)
We don’t just “handle paperwork”. We focus on the legal work that prevents buyers from signing contracts they later regret.
Legal due diligence (the checks that prevent costly surprises)
Before you commit, we verify the property’s legal status, including:
- Land Registry title review (Nota Simple)
- Mortgages, embargoes, easements and other charges
- Outstanding community fees and debts
- IBI and local tax liabilities
- Planning legality and building documentation
- Occupation licences (First Occupation / equivalent)
- Restrictions affecting future use or resale
If your plan involves renting, we can also review whether tourist rental is legally feasible — and whether the licence is available, transferable, or restricted by local regulation or community statutes.
Contracts and negotiation (where buyers need protection most)
Many buyers sign Arras agreements quickly, assuming they are “standard”. In reality, these contracts often contain penalties, deadlines and payment clauses that heavily favour the seller or developer.
We review, draft and negotiate:
- Reservation agreements
- Arras contracts
- Private purchase contracts
- Developer contracts and off-plan terms
- Completion clauses and penalty protections
Our goal is simple: you should never pay money without legal safeguards in place.
Funds protection (especially off-plan)
Off-plan purchases require particular caution. Deposits should be protected by a valid bank or insurance guarantee and paid into the correct type of account.
We verify guarantees before payments are made, and we ensure the contract reflects the protections required by law and by your specific transaction.
Completion, registration and aftercare
Once the purchase is safe, we handle the completion process from start to finish:
- Notary coordination and completion attendance
- Power of Attorney service for buyers abroad
- Calculation and payment of ITP / IVA / AJD
- Land Registry registration
- Post-completion setup (IBI, utilities, practical administration)
If you wish, we also offer optional onboarding support for tax compliance and rental setup.
We work online — across all Spain
We assist clients worldwide and cover every province in Spain, including:
Madrid · Barcelona · Valencia · Málaga / Costa del Sol · Cádiz and Huelva / Costa de la Luz · Alicante / Costa Blanca · Balearic Islands · Canary Islands · and more.
You do not need to travel to Spain to buy safely. We can coordinate the entire process remotely and attend locally when needed.
How the process works
Every transaction is different, but the steps are typically:
1) Initial review and personalised quote quote
You send the listing or draft contract. We respond with a written scope, timeline and personalised quote.
2) Due diligence and risk assessment
We check title, debts, planning documentation, licences and (if relevant) rental viability.
3) Contract stage
We negotiate protections and ensure guarantees are verified before funds are released.
4) Completion at notary
We coordinate signing, payment logistics and taxes.
5) Registration and post-completion support
We complete Land Registry registration and assist with the practical steps that follow.
Why clients choose CostaLuz Lawyers
- We act only for the buyer (not the agent or developer)
- We are used to international clients and cross-border documentation
- We provide clear reporting and realistic timelines
- We help prevent last-minute notary problems
- We offer a bilingual team with long-standing experience
- We can advise on remedies if issues arise (renegotiation, cancellation rights, enforcement)
Our work is designed to give you peace of mind — not just paperwork.
Frequently asked questions
1) Can you act if I’m abroad?
Yes. We work 100% online. We can sign via Power of Attorney and handle the full process locally.
2) How long does completion take?
Typical resales take around 4–8 weeks once documentation is available. Off-plan purchases depend on the build schedule and licensing timeline.
3) What taxes will I pay when buying?
Resale purchases are subject to ITP (regional transfer tax, usually around 6–10%).
New/off-plan purchases are subject to IVA (VAT) at 10% plus AJD (stamp duty, usually around 0.5–1.5% depending on the region). Notary and Land Registry fees also apply.
4) What ongoing taxes and costs apply after purchase?
IBI (annual municipal tax), community fees, utilities and insurance. If you are non-resident, IRNR may apply (and rental tax if the property is rented).
5) Do I need a building survey — and can you arrange it?
Yes, it is highly recommended. Legal checks do not replace a technical inspection. We coordinate independent surveyors and, if needed, lender valuations.
6) Can I rent short-term (tourist rentals)?
Only if legally permitted. We verify zoning restrictions, licence feasibility, local regulations and community statutes before you commit.
7) How is my deposit protected on off-plan purchases?
By law, off-plan deposits must be covered by a bank or insurance guarantee and held correctly. We verify the guarantee before any payment is made.
8) Can I cancel an off-plan contract and recover my deposit?
Yes, where legal or contractual triggers apply (for example, long delays, missing guarantees, or material changes). We advise on cancellation rights and recovery options.
9) Can you help with NIE, bank account and mortgage review?
Yes. We arrange NIE applications, assist with banking steps and review mortgage terms, including transparency requirements and notary timing.
10) What are your fees and when are they due?
We provide personalised quote quotes in writing, staged by milestones (due diligence → contract stage → completion). We do not charge commissions and we act only for you.
Documents we will request
Passport/NIE, proof of funds, vendor title information, community statements, planning/licence records, draft contracts, and — for off-plan purchases — bank guarantee details and payment schedules.
Get a personalised quote quote
Share the listing or draft contract and we will reply within one business day with a clear scope, timeline and personalised quote.
About CostaLuz Lawyers and María de Castro
You can read testimonials from hundreds of satisfied clients, going back to 2006, on our website, on Google Reviews and on EyeonSpain.
Reviewed by María de Castro, Abogado no. 2745, Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Cádiz. CostaLuz Lawyers has supported international buyers since 2006 on EyeonSpain with guidance and advice on the legal aspects of life in Spain. Included in the lawyers lists of the UK and Ireland embassies. Updated 22 Nov 2025.
Maria de Castro’s work, founder of CostaLuz Lawyers, is backed by a strong presence in specialist media and professional directories. Her track record as a Property Law and Consumer Real Estate Law (Derecho de Consumo Inmobiliario) specialist can be seen in her guides for international audiences on Expatra, in her long-running blogs on Spanish off-plan protection and Ley 57/1968 on EyeOnSpain , in her legal analysis for Confilegal and Legal Today, and in her contributions for the Spanish Bar Council (Consejo General de la Abogacía Española) and the Centre for Consumer Studies at the University of Castilla-La Mancha.
Her work is also profiled on international retirement and expat platforms such as Retirement Abroad, and has been highlighted by expat media including The Olive Press News Spain and The Local Spain among other specialist expat and legal forums.
Her legal work has also been featured or referenced in respected international and Spanish media, including The Telegraph, The Times, the BBC, El País and El País English, The Local Spain, The Olive Press and other reputable outlets, particularly in connection with landmark court rulings on Ley 57/1968 and Spanish consumer protection.
CostaLuz Lawyers is also included in the official lists of English-speaking legal professionals for British and Irish nationals in Spain, as compiled by the UK government’s “Spain: list of lawyers” and by the Embassy of Ireland in Spain and its honorary consular network.
Related Property Buying Guides
- Buying Property in Spain — Complete Legal Guide (2026)
- Costs of Buying Property in Spain (2026)
- Transfer Tax Calculator
- Buying Off-Plan Property in Spain
- Buy Property with an Independent Lawyer
- Rental Law 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.
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.
Buying or selling property in Spain?
We protect both sides of your Spanish property transaction from offer to deed. Bilingual help across southern Spain since 2006.
This is general information, not definitive legal advice — every case requires individual analysis.
Related: independent conveyancing for property buyers in Spain
The same registry search answers a prior question: who actually owns the property.