Buying a property in Spain
Buying a home is usually the biggest investment you make in Spain. Before you pay any deposit, we check who really owns the property, whether it has debts or charges, and whether it is legal from a planning point of view.
We review and negotiate the reservation and private purchase contract (arras), arrange your NIE and Spanish bank account, and attend the signing at the notary — in person with you or on your behalf with a power of attorney.
Selling a property as a non-resident
When a non-resident sells a property in Spain, the buyer must withhold 3% of the price and pay it to the tax office on the seller’s account. We prepare the sale, calculate your capital gains tax and the municipal plusvalía, and file your tax return so you can recover anything you have overpaid.
If the property still has a mortgage, we arrange the cancellation with the bank and in the Land Registry, and we can represent you at the notary if you are not in Spain.
Independent checks before you sign anything
Ownership, debts, planning status and the private contract, reviewed by a lawyer who acts only for you. From €1,990 + VAT.
Renting out your property
We draft long-term tenancy contracts that comply with the Spanish Urban Leases Act and the 2023 Housing Act, and advise on deposits, rent updates and the end of the contract.
If you plan holiday lets, we check the licensing rules of your town and your community of owners. And if a tenant stops paying, we handle the eviction process from the first notice to court.
New builds and off-plan purchases
By law, the money you pay a developer before completion must be protected by a bank guarantee or insurance. We check that it is in place for every payment, review the developer’s contract and make sure the specifications and delivery date are clearly agreed.
If the delivery is delayed or the property has defects, we claim on your behalf under the guarantees provided by Spanish building law.
Inheriting a property in Spain
If you own property in Spain, a Spanish will makes things much easier for your heirs. When a family member dies, we handle the acceptance of the inheritance before a notary, the inheritance tax return and the registration of the property in the heirs’ names.
In Andalucía and Madrid, spouses, children and parents benefit from a 99% reduction in inheritance tax, but the return must still be filed on time.
What our clients say
5.0 on Google · 25 reviews
See all reviews on GoogleIt’s hard to write a review that captures Alejandro’s professional and human quality. He advised us through a very complex property purchase and was with us every step of the way, for months — always with the right answer and the right advice. A specialised lawyer who is much more than that. And not just us: the other parties involved also congratulated him on his active, hands-on role. An adviser for life. Or rather, one who sorts your life out.
Read the original in Spanish
Es difícil poner una reseña que condense la calidad profesional y humana de Alejandro. Nos asesoró en un proceso muy complejo de compraventa. Nos acompañó en todo momento, durante meses. Siempre con la respuesta y el consejo adecuados. Un abogado especializado que es mucho más que eso. Y no solo nosotros, también las otras partes implicadas en el proceso le felicitaron por su papel activo y operativo. Un asesor para toda la vida. O más bien, que te resuelve la misma.
I found SCI online and contacted Alejandro without knowing anything about him, to help me end a rental contract. He replied quickly and within a few days the documents were ready. I really liked that we had a relationship of trust from the very first moment, so the work was done fast. Thank you very much!
Read the original in Spanish
Encontré los datos de SCI en internet y contacté con Alejandro sin saber nada de él para que me ayudara con la terminación de un contrato de alquiler. Me atendió rápido y en unos días tenía los documentos preparados. Me gustó mucho que desde el primer momento tuvimos una relación de confianza y así se pudo realizar el trabajo de forma rápida. ¡Muchas gracias!
Property guides
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to buy property in Spain?
It isn’t compulsory, but the notary does not check everything. Debts, planning problems or the terms of your private contract are your responsibility. A lawyer acting only for you is the safest way to protect your deposit.
How much does a property lawyer cost?
Our fee for a purchase starts at €1,990 + VAT, fixed in writing before we start. Taxes, notary and Land Registry fees are paid directly and we tell you the amounts in advance.
Can you act for me if I live abroad?
Yes. With a power of attorney we can sign the purchase or sale at the notary on your behalf, and we keep you updated by email, WhatsApp or video call.
Do you work with my estate agent?
We coordinate with the agent and the notary so everything runs on time, but we act only for you and check everything independently.
Talk to a property lawyer first
A short call now can save you from buying, selling or renting with problems you didn’t see coming.
SCI Legal · Alejandro Cayuela, abogado · Ilustre Colegio de la Abogacía de Madrid, no. 137442 · +34 664 218 119 · alejandro@scilegal.es