Property lawyer in Spain
Buy, sell or invest in property anywhere in Spain, without having to be here.
Legal checks, contracts, taxes and signing by power of attorney, coordinated from our offices in Marbella and Madrid. More than 44 years working with international buyers.
Property consultation €75 · Español · English · Русский
Tell us about your transaction
Property lawyers for the whole of Spain, from Marbella and Madrid
Bocanegra Lawyers is a firm of property lawyers with offices in Marbella and Madrid, advising buyers, sellers and investors on residential property transactions throughout Spain, in person or remotely. We check the property, negotiate the deposit contract (contrato de arras) and the sale, coordinate the notary, the Land Registry and the bank, and calculate the taxes according to the autonomous region, so that you can buy safely wherever the property is and wherever you live.
If your transaction is on the Costa del Sol, you can also visit our page on property lawyers in Marbella. The department is coordinated by our Managing Partner, Cristina Bocanegra, with María Bermudo, alongside our tax advisers and our immigration department.
44
years with international buyers
+40.000
clients served
75 €
purchase or sale consultation (45 min)
2
offices: Marbella and Madrid
Bocanegra Lawyers in the media
Some of our media appearances on foreign investment: ABC, foreign investment and taxation in Spain · Vozpópuli, Russian investment in Marbella.
Property law
What we handle throughout Spain
Tell us where the property is, where you are buying from and what you need. At the initial consultation we set out the steps and give you a fixed quote.
Buying a property in Spain as a foreigner
For those buying in Spain from another country. We explain the whole process and take care of everything a foreign buyer needs: NIE, bank account, property checks, deposit contract, title deed and registration.
- NIE and Spanish bank account
- Nota simple: who owns the property and what charges it carries
- Deposit contract (arras) and purchase contract
- Title deed before a notary and registration at the Land Registry
The NIE and other formalities with the authorities are handled by our administrative agency.
Buying without travelling: power of attorney and remote signing
For buyers and sellers who cannot be in Spain on the day of signing. We prepare a power of attorney so that someone you trust can sign on your behalf, we coordinate the payments and keep you informed at every step.
- Power of attorney, before a Spanish notary or in your own country
- Apostille or legalisation of the power, depending on your country
- Title deed signed by your attorney
- Coordination of payments and international transfers
Legal checks anywhere in Spain
Before you pay a reservation fee, we check what you are buying. Licences, planning rules and local practice vary from one region to another, and on the coast the restrictions of the Coastal Law (Ley de Costas) must also be checked.
- Ownership, mortgages, attachments and other charges
- First occupation licence and local planning rules
- Outstanding community fees and IBI
- Coastal restrictions and unlicensed building work
Taxes by autonomous region
Property Transfer Tax (ITP) is set by each autonomous region and ranges from under 7% to over 10%, depending on the region and the price. On new builds you pay VAT and Stamp Duty (AJD) instead. We calculate the real cost of your purchase before you sign.
- ITP, or VAT and AJD, depending on the region
- Plusvalía municipal (local capital gains tax on land)
- 3% withholding when the seller is non-resident
- IBI and local taxes
The detailed calculation is done by our tax advisers.
Property investment and multiple purchases
For investors buying several properties in Spain or comparing areas. We look at whether it is better to buy in your own name or through a company, and coordinate the legal checks on each property and the tax treatment of rental income.
- Buying in your own name or through a company
- Legal checks on several properties at once
- Tenancy agreements and tax on rental income
- Coordination with advisers in your country
New builds and off-plan purchases
For those buying from a developer anywhere in Spain. We verify the developer’s licence and guarantees, make sure your stage payments are covered by a bank guarantee or insurance, and that the contract sets out deadlines and specifications.
- Building licence, first occupation licence and the developer’s ten-year structural insurance
- Bank guarantee or insurance for the sums you pay in advance from abroad
- Contract with the developer and building specifications
- Handover of keys, snagging and defect claims, handled remotely
Lettings and inherited property
For owners letting their property in Spain from abroad, and for heirs to a property who wish to sell it, keep it or put its paperwork in order.
- Tenancy agreements and deposits
- Holiday lets: tourist licence and registration
- Acceptance of inheritance and inheritance tax
- Sale of inherited property
Inheritance matters are handled by our legal advice department.
Who we advise throughout Spain
Foreign buyers
Who live outside Spain and want to buy with the property properly checked.
Investors
Who are buying several properties or comparing areas of Spain.
Foreign residents
Who already live here and want to move home or buy a second property.
Non-resident sellers
Who are selling their property in Spain and need someone to sign and collect payment on their behalf.
Companies
Who are buying property in Spain to live in or to let.
New-build buyers
Who want to check the developer’s guarantees before handing over any money.
Landlords
From another country, as a long-term let or a holiday let.
Heirs to a property
Who live outside Spain and need to accept the inheritance, pay the taxes and sell or keep the property.
How much does a property lawyer in Spain cost?
The initial consultation is with the property department, at our office or online, including from outside Spain. We review your transaction, tell you what the risks are and what documents we need, and give you a fixed written quote for whatever comes next.
Property consultation
€7545 min
- With the property department
- Online or in Marbella and Madrid
- The risks of your transaction and next steps
Sales, purchases and legal checks
Fixedquote
- Sale and purchase, due diligence and deposit contracts
- Buy remotely with a power of attorney
- Fees in writing before we start
Fees are agreed in writing before we start, based on the value of the property, its location and whether you need a power of attorney or formalities in another province.
Why trust Bocanegra Lawyers with your purchase in Spain
Property lawyers in Spain, from Marbella and Madrid
Offices in Marbella and Madrid
Based on the Costa del Sol and in the capital, and working online for the rest of Spain.
Remote purchases
With a power of attorney and coordinated payments, without you having to travel.
Lawyers, tax, immigration and administrative services in one firm
Taxes, NIE and the formalities of your purchase, handled by the same team, without you having to travel.
44 years with international buyers
We know the pitfalls of buying in Spain from abroad.
Fixed price in writing
Before we start any piece of work, you know exactly how much it will cost.
In your language
Spanish, English and Russian, in Marbella, Madrid or online.
Buying or selling in Spain?
Book your property consultation online or at our office, or message us on WhatsApp and we will reply within 24 working hours.
Your property team
From Marbella and Madrid, the property department works with tax advisers and a chartered administrative agent so that you can buy, sign and register without having to travel.
Lawyer · Managing Partner
- NYU Law School in New York and ICADE in Madrid
- Member of the Madrid Bar Association
- Mediator listed on the Register of Mediators
Property Department
María Bermudo
- Sales, contracts and legal checks on properties
- Support for international buyers
How we handle your property transaction in Spain
From the initial consultation to registration, in four steps.
Initial assessment
We look at your transaction, the area and your goals, and tell you what the legal and tax risks are. Bring the offer, the nota simple or the contract if you already have them.
Legal checks and quote
We check ownership, charges, licences and planning, and give you our report and quote in writing.
Contracts and management
We negotiate the deposit contract and the sale and coordinate the bank, notary, Land Registry and payments, with a power of attorney if you cannot travel.
Completion and after-sales
We sign before the notary, register the property and take care of the taxes and the transfer of utilities and community of owners.
Rules and changes that affect your purchase
May 2026
Single Rental Register annulled
In May 2026 the Supreme Court annulled the national register that required a number to advertise short-term lets (judgment 620/2026). A licence or responsible declaration and registration in the Andalusian Tourism Register are still required. Other regions apply their own register.
3 April 2025
The end of the Golden Visa
On 3 April 2025 the residence visa for buying property was abolished (Organic Law 1/2025, Government press release). If you want to settle in Spain, there are other routes that our immigration department can look into.
Each region
ITP varies by region
The tax on buying a resale property is set by each autonomous region: in Andalusia it is 7%, and elsewhere it may be lower or higher. It has to be calculated for each purchase.
Since late 2021
Plusvalía municipal: two calculation methods
When you sell, the town hall assesses the plusvalía municipal, and you can choose between the objective calculation and the actual gain; if you sell at a loss, you pay nothing. Compare both options before paying.
Client reviews of our property department
Frequently asked questions about buying property in Spain
Do I need a lawyer to buy a property in Spain?
The law does not require you to hire a lawyer, but if you live abroad and cannot check the property in person, your lawyer does it for you: verifying ownership, charges and licences before you pay, and signing by power of attorney if needed.
Can I buy a property in Spain without travelling?
Yes. With a power of attorney, someone you trust or our firm can sign the title deed on your behalf. We coordinate the payment, the signing and the registration and keep you informed at every step.
What does a foreigner need to buy in Spain?
An NIE, which we can obtain for you, and usually a Spanish bank account to pay the taxes and costs. You do not need to be resident to buy.
How much does a property lawyer in Spain cost?
A consultation with the property department costs €75 (45 minutes), online or at our office. Before we start, we give you a written quote for the transaction, which depends on the value of the property and on what needs to be handled remotely.
What taxes do you pay when buying a property?
On a resale property, Property Transfer Tax (ITP), which is set by each autonomous region (7% in Andalusia). On a new build, VAT and Stamp Duty (AJD). On top of that come notary, Land Registry and administrative agency fees. Our tax advisers will calculate it for you before you sign.
What is a nota simple?
It is the Land Registry document showing who owns a property and what charges it carries (mortgages, attachments). It is requested before buying and is the first check in any purchase.
Can I get a mortgage as a non-resident?
Many Spanish banks lend to non-residents, usually for a lower percentage of the value than for residents. We review the offer before you sign and coordinate the mortgage with the title deed.
Does buying a property entitle me to residency?
No. Since 3 April 2025, buying a property no longer gives you the right to live in Spain. To settle here you can apply for other permits, such as non-lucrative residency or the entrepreneur visa; our immigration department can look into them.
Do you handle purchases outside Marbella and Madrid?
Yes. We work online with buyers and sellers all over Spain. For signings and formalities in other provinces, we coordinate with local notaries and land registries.
Property lawyers in Spain: where to find us
Our offices in Marbella (Golden Mile) and Madrid (calle Lagasca) also see buyers from any country by video call.
We are open Monday to Thursday, 9:00–18:00, and on Fridays, 9:00–15:00.
Content reviewed and verified by
Lawyer and Managing Partner of Bocanegra Lawyers. Member no. 133,761 of the Madrid Bar Association (Ilustre Colegio de la Abogacía de Madrid), trained at NYU Law School and ICADE, and a mediator listed in the Ministry of Justice Register of Mediators. She has reviewed this page: remote purchases, regional taxes, legislation cited and prices.
Last reviewed: October 2026