Have you always dreamed of a house purchase in Spain? Your own cozy townhouse in a typical Spanish village? A
Category: Free legal advice buying house
Are you thinking about buying a house in Andalusia and already are looking for some free legal advice? Prepare well and read all you need to know about a safe and smart property purchase from the vision of the Spanish lawyer.
Legal advice and practical tips on buying a house in Andalusia
Since 2013 I enjoy working at a Spanish law firm, C&D Solicitors in Torrox (Malaga), Andalusia. This firm is specialized in property law and inheritance law for Northern European foreigners. In my job, I mainly guide clients in buying a house in Andalusia. Besides this, in the past decades I´ve gone through the Spanish buying process twice myself in Nerja (east Costa del Sol), so I write from both personal and professional experience.
The buying process of real estate in Spain: know the differences
This Spanish purchase process is quite different from other countries. Therefore the legal investigation of the lawyer for the legality of the house is really essential. Surely you’re looking for a safe property purchase without debts, practical limitations or legal handicaps! This goes for urban dwellings, but even more for rural countryside homes (campo), with or without DAFO certificate.
Prepare well for your purchase of a house in Spain
Buying a house surely will be one of the most important decisions in your life. So just take some time to make sure that you understand the differences in Spain and the potential risks for your purchase. This way you can limit your chance on problems, frustration, disappointment or financial loss to a minimum.
N.B. My website and video only concern general information. For every purchase an individual legal survey is still needed.
Referral for a good real estate agent or lawyer
Need a referral or reference for a good real estate agent in Andalusia or the Costa del Sol? Or like to receive an example offer for the legal investigation of a specialized and independent lawyer for your property purchase? Just click the link or send me an email.
©2022, Ariane van Wijk
This page ´Free legal advice buying house´ is also available in Dutch through www.leveninandalusie.nl
1. Spanish buying process in 10 steps
The Spanish buying process (from reservation through the real estate agent to the signing of the Title Deeds at the
2. Real estate agent & reservation contract
The real estate agent is a commercial service provider and this profession is not ´protected´ in Spain. So, make sure
3. The lawyer & private purchase contract
The lawyer (solicitor) draws up the private purchase contract and conducts the legal investigation during the Spanish purchase process. From
4. The notary & Title Deeds
The Spanish notary facilitates the Power of Attorney, Title Deeds (Purchase Deeds) and Spanish will during the purchase. For legality,
5. Land Registry & Cadastre
The Land Registry & Cadastre (Registro de la Propiedad & Catastro) are 2 different Andalusian authorities for the registration of real estate in
6. Purchase costs & transfer tax
For purchase costs and transfer tax (ITP) in Andalusia, you normally need to count with 11 to 12% extra costs
7. Spanish mortgage
For a Spanish mortgage banks offer a coverage ratio of up to 80% for fiscal residents and 70% for non-fiscal
8. Community & Urbanization
The community & urbanization of Spanish homes are names that are often mixed up. These terms usually only apply to houses
9. Fiscal trick furniture & black money
Are you confronted with the fiscal trick for furniture or black money request? Be prepared during the price negotiation for
10. Architect & structural survey
Hiring an architect to conduct a structural survey when you have certain doubts or if the dwelling is older is
11. New Build properties
New Build properties you´ll find in different gradations; from own development or off-plan until almost completed turn-key promotion. You can
12. Legality countryside & DAFO
Legality countryside & DAFO certificate are hot items for buyers of rustic/rural or campo houses in Andalusia. The legal situation -with
13. After-sales & registrations
The after-sales & registrations of a house after completion at the notary consist of registration at the Land Registry &
14. Spanish will & inheritance tax
Bought a house? Then don´t forget about your Spanish will & inheritance tax. With a Spanish will you appoint your
15. Rental license (RTA / VTAR)
In Andalusia, a RTA (urban) or VTAR (Vivienda Rural) rental license is required if you rent out on a commercial
16. Referrals & references
Referrals & references needed of real estate agents or for a good lawyer/solicitor in Andalusia? Just only on the Costa
17. What means…?
What means…? explains terms and expressions related to the purchase, possession, rent or sale of a house in Spain /
10 EXAMPLES Problems buying house spain
As hopefully is now clear; buying a house in Spain is a lot more complicated than in the U.K or
Checklist for new home-owners in Spain
Just take a moment to read this CHECKLIST FOR NEW HOME-OWNERS IN SPAIN. Buying a house in Spain is different
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This ‘budget tips for residents in Spain‘ page is based on my personal experiences in my life in Spain since
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