Legal due diligence protects buyers when purchasing property in Spain. An independent lawyer checks ownership, debts, charges, planning status and licences before further payments are made. Buyers should avoid signing an unconditional contract or paying a substantial deposit until these checks are complete.

When buying an off-plan property in Spain, advance payments must be protected through a bank guarantee or insurance policy and deposited into a dedicated account. If the developer does not complete the property as agreed, the buyer may claim a refund plus legal interest.

Yes. Foreign buyers need an NIE to complete a property purchase in Spain and arrange utilities. Professional assistance with the application typically costs around €250 per person, although fees vary by provider.

Legal fees for buying property in Spain typically depend on the purchase price and complexity of the transaction. Notary and Land Registry fees are regulated and vary by property value, but they are not normally as high as 3% of the purchase price. Buyers should request a detailed cost estimate from their lawyer before proceeding.

When buying a new-build property on the Costa del Sol, buyers generally pay 10% VAT and 1.2% Andalusian Stamp Duty (AJD). For resale properties, the standard Property Transfer Tax in Andalusia is 7%. Reduced rates may apply in limited circumstances.