The Three Mistakes from Foreign Buyers

Every week at SGM Abogados, we receive calls from international buyers asking an important question:

“Do I really need a lawyer to buy a property in Spain?”

It’s a question we hear quite often.

Our answer is always the same: the most expensive properties in Spain are often the ones purchased without checking the paperwork first.

After many years helping international clients purchase homes across the Costa Blanca and other parts of Spain, we have seen that most problems are not complex legal disputes. In many cases, they are simple mistakes that could have been avoided with the right legal guidance at the beginning.

Buying property in Spain should be an exciting milestone. However, the Spanish legal and tax system can be very different from what many foreign buyers expect.

Here are three of the most common mistakes we see.

1. Buying Without Independent Legal Advice

Many buyers assume that the estate agent will guide them through the entire process.

Estate agents are an important part of property transactions, but their role is to sell the property. Our role as lawyers at SGM Abogados is different: our job is to protect the buyer.

When clients come to us, one of the first things we do is review the legal status of the property. This includes checking the Land Registry, confirming there are no debts attached to the property, and verifying that the property complies with local planning regulations.

These checks may sound simple, but they are essential. They can prevent serious legal and financial problems later.

2. Not Understanding the Real Cost of Buying Property

Another situation we frequently see is buyers focusing only on the property price.

In Spain, purchasing a property involves several additional costs. Depending on the region and the type of property, buyers should normally expect to pay around 10% to 14% on top of the purchase price.

This includes taxes, notary fees, land registry fees and legal costs.

Understanding these costs from the beginning helps buyers plan properly and avoids unpleasant surprises just before completion.

3. Thinking About Taxes Only After the Purchase

At SGM Abogados, many of the tax conversations we have with clients begin after they already own the property.

They often ask what taxes they need to pay.

However, some tax considerations should be discussed before purchasing the property, especially for foreign buyers.

For example:

• Will the property be used only for holidays or also for rental?
  • Will the owner become a Spanish tax resident in the future?
  • What taxes apply to non-resident property owners?

Planning these aspects early can prevent many complications later.

A Final Thought

Buying property in Spain should be one of the most exciting decisions you make.

With the right legal guidance, the process can be straightforward and secure.

At SGM Abogados, our goal is simple:
to make sure the property you buy in Spain becomes one of the best decisions you make, not the most expensive mistake.

If you are planning to buy property in Spain, we invite you to book a free legal consultation with our team here:
https://sgmlegalspain.com/contact-page/

You can also learn more about our services at:
https://sgmlegalspain.com