Costa del Sol · Property Law
Buying property in Spain as a foreigner is exciting — but the legal process can be complex and costly if you get it wrong. We guide international buyers every step of the way, in English, from due diligence to signing at the notary.
Why it matters
Spanish property law has layers that are invisible to the untrained eye. Outstanding debts on a property transfer to the new owner. Planning irregularities can prevent you from ever selling. An unlicensed agency can leave you without recourse.
A dedicated real estate lawyer protects your investment before you sign anything, and makes sure there are no surprises after you collect the keys.
What we do
From your first enquiry to long after completion, we handle the legal side so you can focus on finding your perfect home on the Costa del Sol.
We investigate the property thoroughly: ownership registry, planning status, outstanding charges, building licences, community debts and more.
Learn more →We review and negotiate every contract before you sign — protecting your deposit and ensuring your interests are secured at each stage.
Learn more →We guide you through obtaining a Spanish mortgage as a non-resident, liaise with banks and review all financial conditions on your behalf.
Learn more →We calculate and manage all taxes involved in your purchase — ITP, VAT, stamp duty, plusvalía — and connect you with our tax law partners for ongoing matters.
Learn more →You cannot buy property in Spain without a NIE. We handle the entire application process and all the bureaucratic steps you'll face as a foreign buyer.
Learn more →We prepare your public deed, coordinate with the notary, and can represent you by power of attorney if you cannot attend completion in person.
Learn more →By the numbers
About your lawyer
Jacob is a Spanish-qualified lawyer with over a decade of experience helping international buyers navigate the Spanish property market. He has guided clients from the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, the Netherlands, the US and beyond — all of them people just like you, buying in a country whose legal system they didn't know.
His approach is direct, practical and always in English. You will always know exactly where you are in the process, what each step means and what it costs.
Our process
From first contact to getting the keys, here is what working with us looks like.
Tell us about the property you're interested in. We assess your situation and explain what's involved — at no charge.
We investigate the property thoroughly before you commit a single euro. No surprises after you sign.
We review and if needed renegotiate the purchase contract. Your deposit is protected and your interests are in the text.
We accompany you to the notary (or attend by power of attorney) and manage all post-sale paperwork and taxes.
Our network
Beyond property law, your transaction may involve tax residency planning or tourist licence applications. We work alongside trusted specialists.
Non-resident tax obligations in Spain are complex. Our partners at International Tax Legal Spain handle your income tax returns, wealth tax and fiscal residency matters.
Visit International Tax Legal Spain →Planning to rent your property on Airbnb or similar platforms? In Andalucía you need a tourist licence. Our partners at Licencia Turística Andalucía manage the entire process.
Visit Licencia Turística Andalucía →Knowledge base
Understanding the basics before you buy can save you thousands. Read our free guides.
Most buyers don't realise what can go wrong until it already has. Here's what a property lawyer protects you from.
Read more →
You cannot buy property, open a bank account or sign anything official in Spain without a NIE. Here's everything you need to know.
Read more →
The property transfer tax (ITP) is often the biggest unexpected cost for international buyers. Know the numbers before you make an offer.
Read more →What clients say
From first-time buyers in the UK to experienced investors from Germany, the Netherlands and the United States — here is what clients say about working with Jacob.
★★★★★
"Jacob caught a planning irregularity on the apartment we were about to buy. The seller hadn't even disclosed it. He negotiated a €25,000 price reduction and saved us from a future sale nightmare. Absolutely worth every penny."
Sarah & Tom H.
British buyers, Marbella
★★★★★
"We bought remotely from Amsterdam — never had to travel to Spain once for the legal process. Jacob handled everything through a power of attorney. The whole process was transparent, fast and exactly as explained."
Pieter V.
Dutch buyer, Estepona
★★★★★
"The due diligence revealed the seller still had an active mortgage on the property. The agent hadn't mentioned it. Jacob resolved it before completion and we got our dream villa in Benahavis. Cannot recommend him enough."
Klaus & Ingrid M.
German buyers, Benahavis
Independent advice
It matters enormously. Here is the difference between independent legal advice and using the firm recommended by the estate agent.
By nationality
Each country's buyers have specific questions about taxes, treaties, mortgage eligibility and residency implications. Read the guide for your nationality.
British Buyers
Post-Brexit rules, 90-day rule, residency options
German Buyers
Tax treaty, non-resident income tax, mortgage
Dutch Buyers
Box 3 implications, process, mortgage options
Scandinavian Buyers
Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish and Danish buyers
American Buyers
FBAR, FATCA, Foreign Tax Credit, LLC vs personal
Irish Buyers
EU freedom of movement, residency, taxes
Frequently asked questions
The questions international buyers ask us most often — answered plainly.
No — Spanish law does not require you to use a lawyer. But it is strongly recommended, especially as a non-resident. Without legal due diligence, you risk buying a property with outstanding debts (which pass to you automatically), planning irregularities, or missing licences. The cost of a lawyer is a fraction of what these problems cost to fix.
Typically 10–13% of the purchase price. In Andalucía: ITP 7% (resale) or VAT 10% + AJD 1.2% (new build), plus notary fees (€800–€2,500), Land Registry fees (€400–€1,200), and legal fees (0.5–1%). See our full cost guide.
Yes. Every foreign buyer must have a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) before signing the notary deed. Without it, the transaction cannot proceed. We apply for your NIE on your behalf using a power of attorney — you do not need to travel to Spain for this.
Yes. You can grant a power of attorney (escritura de poder notarial) to your Spanish lawyer, who then represents you at every stage — including signing the public deed at the notary at completion. The power of attorney can be signed at a Spanish consulate in your country, or at a local notary with an apostille.
Yes. Major Spanish banks offer mortgages to non-resident buyers up to 70% of the property's appraised value. You will need to provide income proof, tax returns, bank statements and credit history from your home country. We review all mortgage conditions before you commit. See our mortgage guide.
Due diligence is the legal investigation of the property: Land Registry check (ownership, charges, mortgages), planning status at the town hall, outstanding debts (IBI, community fees), energy certificate and seller identity verification. It must happen before you sign any contract or pay any deposit. Once you sign an arras agreement and pay a deposit, withdrawing means forfeiting it.
For a resale property, the process from agreeing terms to completion typically takes 6–10 weeks. For off-plan new builds, it can be 12–24 months from signing the reservation. The main time-consuming steps are due diligence, mortgage approval (if needed), and registering the deed — all of which we manage for you.
Start with a free consultation. Tell us about the property and we'll walk you through what's involved — with no obligation.