Only a few years ago the Spanish land registry issued quite a warning: drones and satellites had picked up more than 3 million irregularities in residential homes across Spain.

The lack of appropriate planning permission is not unique to this country. But its effects show up in 90-95% of every real estate purchase process I have been involved in – as I mentioned, I have overseen more than 2,000 purchases in Alicante in the last 18 years. 

The most common issues picked up by conveyancing solicitors in Spain are unlicensed extensions, home reforms, renovations and swimming pools in resale properties. These make up 62% of irregularities. It’s not uncommon to find demolition orders for walls and fences, unlicensed terraces.

And these are just the preliminary checks!

A property lawyer will also make sure the former owner is fully up to date on all utility bills and council tax payments (IBI in Spanish) and that any mortgages are cancelled and any other debts or irregularities are settled with the local town hall

Conveyancing solicitors not only pick up on these legal issues but we prepare contracts obliging a seller to fix them by the purchase completion date

As you can imagine, a property lawyer saves you time, money and many unhappy moments on your journey to buying your dream home in Spain.

There are typically three stages in the property purchase process in Spain where contracts are exchanged.

These are:

• Contrato de Reserva – The reservation contract removes the property from the market, usually with an escrow payment of €5,000.
• Contrato de Arras – The deposit contract confirms the purchase details, conditions and completion date. This contract usually mandates a deposit payment of 10% of the asking price.
• Escritura – The deed of transfer is signed on the completion date and takes place at the notary’s office, with the final payment made to the seller.

Most of our clients will request conveyancing services after the reservation contract is signed but before the deposit contact. This is important because the deposit contract agrees the terms and conditions of the purchase, and must include the resolution of any outstanding debts or legal irregularities concerning the property.

If you ask me, you will save more time and money the earlier you request conveyancing services. You can start this process today by booking a 15-minute consultation.

All our conveyancing clients are British or English-speaking foreign buyers purchasing a property in the Costa Blanca North.

Why do they choose us?

First of all, clients appreciate the representation from someone who is both an expert in Spanish real estate law and fluent in English (and English legal terminology). I am one of few Spanish property lawyers to receive a diploma from the prestigious College of Law of England and Wales. My career also began as a trainee lawyer in the City of London back in 1995.

Second of all, our clients appreciate our rapid response to enquiries. We respond to all conveyancing-related emails within the same day (if sent between 9am to 4:30pm Monday to Thursday and 9am to 3pm on Fridays).

Finally, we provide an itemised quote upfront so you are fully aware of costs before proceeding.

If you would like to receive a quote for conveyancing services in the Costa Blanca North then please click the button below. After leaving us your contact details, we will be in touch to send a quote or ask for further information.