04
GET A LAWYER
you need a solicitor that speaks your language
Specialist legal firms dealing in Spanish conveyancing laws, many are originally from your home country.
there are five key considerations in your selection
get a lawyer
04
Sandtons can introduce you to specialist legal firms dealing in Spanish conveyancing laws, many are originally from your home country, who like you, chose Sun Living on the Costa del Sol. They will prevent you from walking unsuspectingly into an unfavourable contract with your seller.
The laws in Spain are closer to other mainland EU countries comparable with France, Italy and Portugal and very different from the UK and USA and. Finding a specialist in Spanish conveyancing law is crucial. The benefits of using a bilingual lawyer or a translator will make the administrative legal process crystal clear.
There are three levels of legal structure in Spain; the EU, Spanish national law and individual Autonomous Community laws. You can expect small differences between the regions on everything from taxes to rental agreements. Sandtons cannot legally advise you but can give you indicative examples, will give you an advantage in your property purchase. Having a professional, specialist legal firm will help you to navigate these complexities
buy with assurances
One of the common oversights we see at Sandtons, is the underestimation of the costs of taxes and fees. Our independent network of property lawyers are well versed in Spanish law and could well save you time and money.
You want your lawyer to be independent, and not protecting their relationship to the seller, it will avoid a conflict of interest. In addition to Sandtons network of legal firms, we recommend reading independent reviews or getting a personal recommendation from friends and family, who, like you, have made the move to Sunshine Living.
remove the risk
Sandtons, always seek to ensure there are no pitfalls with the properties and developments we promote. A specialist property lawyer will have a legal insight to any previous complaints or issues with contracts, especially with new developments. Protecting your investment from the get-go.
There have been instances when you find your desired property, to learn that has land access issues such as a public right of way passing through the garden. A legal search can alert you to this and further ensure your right to privacy is protected.
protect from unseen issues
Having uninterrupted views is fantastic and at Sandtons, we usually know what the purpose is of the land around your property is intended to be used for, but it’s worth having your lawyer double-check. Land-related issues such as subsidence or erosion can cause future damage to your property. A simple survey will let you know if your property’s address is safe from potential harm.
Not too common, but not unknown, for sellers to alter their properties after accepting an offer but before completion. For example, removing solar panels, electrical fittings or even windows. Your lawyer can include a binding inventory as part of your contract to protect you against this possibility.
a property lawyer will save you time, money & stress
The notary is a public servant and it’s not their job to ensure the contract you have with your seller protects your best interests. Their role is limited to overseeing signatures and transactions on completion. Many people believe that the notary system in Spain provides enough legal protection when purchasing a house, it doesn’t and why you need proper legal representation.
It’s easy to come to Spain and slip into holiday mode, to relax and get caught in the romanticism of buying abroad and that’s magical. Sandtons are youre trusted professional representatives to run an analytical eye to double check that you are getting what is best for you in the long term. That said, we always recommend using legal representation to futureproof your investment.
Essentially, a property lawyer will save you time, money and stress, along with the help of Sandtons.
HOW TO FIND A PROPERTY LAWYER YOU CAN TRUST
Spanish lawyers are as good as any, but everyone has heard urban legends regarding property scams and rip-offs in Spain. To avoid potential pitfalls, you can get a recommendation from Sandtons, a trusted source, if finding independently, check for qualifications or find a law firm where you’ve already established their reputation.
Getting a recommendation
Nothing beats getting a personal recommendation from someone who has been in your shoes. If you don’t already know someone who has made the move to Spain, then it’s sensible to visit your preferred region to do a little digging. Talk to other expats and see if anyone has had a good customer experience with a local firm.
But, be aware of recommendations from online forums. Because people do not have to declare who they are it’s very difficult to tell if the person giving you advice is a concerned citizen or someone with a vested interest in gaining your trust. However, reading impartial reviews online can help.
There are many ways to find a property lawyer on your own. When it’s impossible to get a friend or acquaintance to give you a sensible reference, then your home country’s local consulate may be able to help. Find the one closest to the region you’re buying and contact them to see if they have a list of local lawyers or law firms they recommend. The British foreign office has a list of English speaking lawyers on their consulate website, North America lists lawyers in Barcelona and Madrid on their embassy website and the EU have a ‘find a lawyer’ portal on their website.
Check out their credentials
Spanish lawyers specialise in different areas of law, and a recommendation from a government source may not be specific to property law. Double check that the lawyer you want to use is specially qualified as a property lawyer. When in doubt, you can contact the Colegio de Abogados (Spanish Law Society) to check your lawyer’s credentials or if you should ever need to file a complaint against an individual or firm.
Choose someone you already trust
Spain is a conservative country, where contacts matter. Using a lawyer with local knowledge means that they will be aware of the reputations and calibre of many of the developers and real estate agents in the region. They may already know the Mayor, a local notary, surveyors and be able to visit the Town Hall in the municipality in which you are buying. Operating with a reputable firm with good relationships with professionals in the local property market will save them time and you money.
Contact Us
Download Property Brochure
Download Living In Report ...
Download Market Report
The form was sent successfully.
