English
Español 
Deutsch Buying Property in Spain
Independent due diligence should be completed before paying a non-refundable deposit on Spanish property. Ownership, charges, planning status, occupancy, community debts, taxes and the physical description must agree.
Verify seller, title and charges
A current Land Registry extract identifies registered owner, mortgages, embargoes, easements and other recorded rights.
The seller's identity and authority must be verified, particularly for companies, estates and powers of attorney.
Planning, occupancy and physical condition
Registry, Catastro and the actual building should be compared for area, boundaries, extensions, pools and use.
Licences, occupancy status, planning infringements, community restrictions and pending works affect legality and cost.
Documents and checks
The deed, registry extract, cadastral data, IBI, community certificate, energy certificate, licences and technical reports form the file.
Land Registry extract
Cadastral and IBI records
Community and planning certificates
Draft contracts and deed
Survey, valuation and finance documents
Contract, completion and registration
Reservation and arras agreements should contain due-diligence, finance, possession and refund protections before deposit becomes non-refundable.
At notarial completion the price, mortgage cancellation, taxes, keys and documents are coordinated, followed by tax filing and Registry inscription.
Risks and next steps
The notary does not perform the buyer's full technical and planning due diligence, and using the seller's adviser creates avoidable conflict.
Regional and municipal rules, contractual wording and the property's registry and planning history can change the result. We verify the current file before any payment, signature or enforcement step.
Useful official resources
Official requirements, fees and procedures can change. The competent authority and current rules are checked for each individual case.
Questions about Buying Property in Spain
Does the notary check everything?
No. The notary controls the deed and legal formalities, not full buyer due diligence.
Should I pay a reservation deposit first?
Only after verifying authority and written refund conditions.
Can purchases be completed remotely?
Often through a sufficiently specific power of attorney.
What taxes apply?
Resales generally involve ITP; developer first sales generally involve VAT and AJD.
Continue with FLIN
All administrative services
Return to the overview of English-speaking administrative assistance throughout Spain.
View all services →Contact FLIN
Describe the matter, location and relevant deadline so that we can assess the appropriate next step.
Contact us →Discuss your case in English
Send us the relevant documents and tell us the location, circumstances and any deadline. We will confirm the next practical step and whether specialist legal, tax or technical advice is required.
Important: This page provides general information and does not replace individual legal, tax, labour, medical or technical advice. Authorities decide applications and disputes independently. Requirements and practice may change.