Do I really need an independent lawyer if the estate agent says they handle everything?

Yes. Agents have a commercial goal and the Spanish notary is neutral. Only your own independent property lawyer carries out full due diligence, contract checks, debt searches, planning verification and protects your interests before signing.

Can I buy a property in Spain without travelling there?

Yes. With a valid Power of Attorney, your lawyer can obtain your NIE, open a bank account, review contracts, complete due diligence, sign at the notary, and register the property on your behalf.

Is the 3% withholding a tax on top of capital gains tax?

No. It is an advance payment retained by the buyer for non-resident sellers. After filing the corresponding tax return, sellers may receive a refund or pay any difference owed.

What happens if the property has planning issues or unlicensed works?

Your lawyer must check planning files before any deposit is paid. Some works can be legalised or time-barred; others may carry fines or demolition orders. Contract conditions can be negotiated or, in serious cases, the purchase should be avoided.

Do I need a new will when buying property in Spain?

It is strongly advisable. Spanish inheritance law differs from many foreign systems. A Spanish will avoids complications and allows many expats to choose the law of their nationality under EU Regulation 650/2012.

What taxes do I pay annually if I own a holiday home in Spain?

Owners must stay up to date with IBI, rubbish/municipal fees, community fees, utility bills, and non-resident income tax (Modelo 210). Owners who rent must declare rental income and expenses according to residency rules.

Arrange an appointment

Buying & Selling Property Legal Services in Spain

Expert Legal Support

Our Services

Services for Buyers

Services for Sellers

Whether you’re buying your first holiday apartment on the Costa Blanca, selling a family villa in the Costa del Sol, or managing a portfolio of rental properties, having the right legal support in Spain is essential. At Platinum Legal Spain, we provide clear, independent legal guidance for foreign buyers and sellers across Spain — from the first offer right through to notary signing, registration, taxes and utilities.We work in plain English, keep you updated at every stage, and coordinate everything with the notary, estate agent, bank and tax authorities so the process is as smooth and predictable as possible.

✅ How We Help: Contract drafting and review, full due diligence, Power of Attorney for remote purchases or sales, notary coordination, post-completion registration, and all related property taxes.

Choose Your Journey

Select the option that best matches where you are right now. You can switch between buyer and seller information at any time.

I’m Buying a Property in Spain

If you’re planning to buy — whether it’s a resale apartment, a villa on a golf resort, a countryside finca or a new build off-plan — our buyer-focused team will guide you through every legal step. We make sure you know exactly what you’re buying, what risks exist, and what your real costs will be before you commit.

✔️ Independent legal due diligence on the property and seller
✔️ Review and negotiation of reservation and arras contracts
✔️ Checks on ownership, debts, planning and community of owners
✔️ NIE, bank account and Power of Attorney support for remote buyers
✔️ Notary coordination, registration, utilities and direct debits after completion

Start with: our step-by-step buyer guide and detailed checklists.

I’m Selling a Property in Spain

If you’re selling your Spanish property, you’ll want the process to be clean, compliant and tax-efficient. We help you understand your obligations as a seller, avoid common pitfalls in contracts, and plan ahead for taxes like capital gains, plusvalía and the 3% non-resident withholding.

✔️ Review of offers, reservation and private sale contracts
✔️ Coordination with the estate agent, buyer’s lawyer and notary
✔️ Mortgage cancellation and debt clearance on completion
✔️ Capital gains tax, plusvalía and 3% retention planning and filings
✔️ Power of Attorney to complete the sale without travelling

Start with: our 2026 seller guide and tax overview.

What We Cover for Buyers and Sellers

Our Buying & Selling Legal Services are designed as a complete package so nothing important is left to chance. Depending on your situation, we can help with:

✔️ Reviewing and drafting reservation and arras contracts so your money is protected
✔️ Full legal due diligence: ownership checks, debts, mortgages, planning, community of owners
✔️ Tailored Power of Attorney so you can complete without travelling if needed
✔️ Coordinating the notary appointment and preparing you for what to expect on the day
✔️ Post-completion registration, utilities, direct debits and practical admin
✔️ Property-related taxes: ITP, VAT/AJD, capital gains tax, plusvalía, non-resident returns
✔️ Inheritance and estate planning so your Spanish property fits into your wider plan

For a deeper legal overview, you can also read our cornerstone guide: Spanish Property Law 2026 – Complete Guide for Foreign Buyers & Sellers.

Why Work with Platinum Legal Spain?

Platinum Legal Spain is an independent, English-speaking legal team focused on helping foreign clients buy and sell property across Spain. We’re based in Orihuela Costa (Costa Blanca), Valencia and Murcia (Costa Cálida), and we regularly work on transactions in popular areas such as the Costa del Sol, Barcelona, Madrid, the Balearic Islands and the Canary Islands.

✔️ Clear, practical advice in English — no legal jargon
✔️ Fixed-fee quotes wherever possible so you know your costs in advance
✔️ Remote-friendly processes with email, WhatsApp and video calls
✔️ Joined-up support with our tax and inheritance teams where needed

Ready to move forward?

Tell us whether you’re buying or selling, where the property is located, and whether you need us to act under Power of Attorney. We’ll outline the next steps, timescales and fees before we start work.

Talk to an Independent Property Lawyer Today

If you’re at offer stage, thinking about listing your property, or already have documents in front of you, now is the right time to involve an independent lawyer.

📞 Spain: +34 868 480 646
📞 UK: +44 203 603 8635
📱 WhatsApp: +34 659 111 210
✉️ Email: info@platinumlegalspain.com

Share a brief summary of your situation and we’ll come back to you with a clear, practical plan for your Spanish property transaction.

Have a question?

Contact our team with any help or questions that you may have.

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Disclaimer

Disclaimer: The information provided on this page is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration and residency procedures in Spain can vary based on individual circumstances and are subject to change. We recommend booking a consultation with our team for personalised advice tailored to your situation.