Buying property in Spain continues to be one of the most exciting and lucrative investments for international buyers. Whether you’re searching for a holiday home on the Costa del Sol, relocating from the UK, or expanding your global property portfolio, Spain offers unbeatable lifestyle appeal and long-term investment potential.
However, navigating the Spanish property buying process can feel complex — especially when dealing with legal checks, contracts, taxes, notary procedures and language barriers. Without expert legal guidance from an experienced real estate lawyer, buyers risk costly mistakes, delayed transactions, or purchasing issues such as unresolved debts, planning violations, or incomplete documentation.
To ensure a safe and stress-free property purchase, working with a specialist English-speaking Spanish conveyancing lawyer is essential. A trusted real estate solicitor protects your interests, performs in-depth legal due diligence, and ensures your property transaction complies fully with Spanish law — from initial searches to final registration.
PCC Legal are the leading conveyancing experts on the Costa del Sol. Our experienced property lawyers provide clear, tailored support for UK buyers, expats and international investors, safeguarding every purchase with industry-leading legal expertise. From obtaining your NIE number and opening a Spanish bank account, to reviewing contracts, checking land registry records and completing at the notary, we deliver a seamless, secure and transparent buying experience.
If you’re searching for a step-by-step legal guide to buying property in Spain, you’re in the right place. This guide explains the full process, key documents, taxes, timelines, legal safeguards and practical insights to help you buy with confidence, backed by the trusted experts in Spanish conveyancing.
Begin by deciding what kind of property you want—apartment, villa, penthouse—and your maximum budget. Consider location, property features, and your investment or lifestyle goals.
Work with a local real estate agent, like PCC Property, who knows the Costa del Sol market. Appoint an experienced property lawyer early in the process. It is also advisable to make sure the real estate lawyer you contract can also speak English to avoid any misunderstandings, delays and unnecessary hassle. PCC Legal offers expert buyer-side conveyancing tailored to UK clients.
If you require financing, start your application as soon as possible. Mortgage options and approval timelines vary for non-residents.
All foreign buyers must acquire a Spanish tax ID (NIE). PCC Legal’ real estate lawyers handle the application quickly, so you’re ready for contracts and banking.
A local account is essential for payments, taxes and utilities. Once you have obtained your NIE, PCC Legal will help you choose the right lender from a choice of reputable banks and set up your account, even if you’re not residing in Spain full-time.
Once you’ve found your ideal home, make a formal offer. On acceptance, you will pay a reservation deposit to remove the property from the market, at this stage your property lawyer will review the agreement to avoid common pitfalls.
After you have paid the reservation deposit, your real estate lawyer, PCC Legal, conducts rigorous checks to ensure everything is correct:
With due diligence complete, you will need to sign the binding contract and pay a 10% deposit. This secures the property and sets out terms for completion.
Together with your property lawyer, you will attend the notary’s office (or grant power of attorney if abroad to PCC Legal) to sign the Escritura (title deed), pay the balance and taxes and receive ownership. PCC Legal oversees the official registration so you’re protected from start to finish.
Your lawyer arranges for utilities and services to be transferred to your name. Final steps include arranging insurance and receiving all necessary property documentation and keys.
In conclusion, buying property in Spain should be an exciting milestone and with the right legal support, it can be a smooth, secure and rewarding experience. From initial checks to notary completion and final registration, having an experienced Spanish conveyancing lawyer by your side is the smartest way to protect your investment, avoid delays and navigate the process with total peace of mind.
If you are ready to buy in Spain, PCC Legal, specialises in guiding UK buyers, expats and international investors through every legal stage of a Spanish property purchase, ensuring the complex process, seamless, simple and stress- free.
No—as your real estate lawyer, PCC Legal can act on your behalf via power of attorney, making the process easier for international and UK buyers.
Typically 1–2 months, depending on funding and NIE approval. PCC Legal coordinates all steps to meet your preferred timeline. Acting as your property lawyer, PCC Legal can help you with all of these steps, ensuring that the process runs as quickly and smoothly as possible.
While not legally required, appointing an experienced conveyancing lawyer, like PCC Legal, is strongly advised. This is the best way to avoid risks, as Spanish law is nuanced, and issues like debts or unauthorised extensions can be expensive to fix later.
As a general rule you should budget for between 10% to 12% on top of the property price, including property transfer tax, legal, notary and registration fees. PCC Legal, as your real estate lawyer, will provide you with a clear fee outline at the start, including conveyancing costs.
Yes, both options are possible—but involve slightly different tax and compliance processes. Ask PCC Legal’s experienced real estate lawyers, for tailored advice.
Contact PCC Legal—the Costa del Sol property conveyancing experts—for a free chat or your next step. Your dream home starts with expert advice and a secure process.
Get in touch now and secure your Spanish property, the safe way!
Contact PCC Legal today for expert conveyancing advice and start your journey with confidence.
At PCC Legal, we strive to exceed your expectations.
Our core values are reflected in our dedication to Excellence, Transparency, Service, and Efficiency.
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We’ve Moved Offices on 1st August 2025!
Private Client Consultancy is excited to announce that we have moved to a brand-new office space, designed to better serve our clients and reflect our continued growth.
Effective Date: Friday, 1st August 2025
New Address: Urb Jazmin De Miraflores, C. Jazmín, 2, Mijas Costa 29649, Malaga, Spain
Our phone numbers and email addresses remain unchanged.
All in-person meetings scheduled from 1st August onwards will take place at our new location. Please update your records accordingly.
We look forward to welcoming you to our new space!
