Comprehensive Legal Support for Property Purchases in Barcelona and Across Spain

Key Stages, Legal Nuances, and Buyer Guarantees

Buying property in Spain is a serious and responsible decision involving significant investment, legal complexities, banking procedures, and administrative requirements. Whether it's an apartment in Barcelona, a house on the Costa Brava, or a villa in the Balearic Islands — professional legal support ensures the legality, transparency, and financial security of your transaction.

In this article, we explain in detail the legal services included in the property purchase process, the step-by-step procedure, potential challenges for foreign buyers, and how the experts at GG Real Estate make the journey as smooth and secure as possible.

Why Do You Need Legal Support When Buying Property?

Even if you're buying from a reputable developer or through a well-known agency, the absence of a professional lawyer may lead to serious risks:

• Purchasing a property with debts, liens, seizures, or legal encumbrances
• Signing invalid or poorly drafted contracts
• Denial of property registration
• Issues with fund transfers or opening a bank account
• Tax reporting violations and potential penalties

Your lawyer is your legal safeguard — guaranteeing a clean transaction and protecting your investment at every step.

What’s Included in Legal Transaction Support?

We offer full "turnkey" legal assistance, which includes:

1. Initial Consultation and Buyer Assessment

• Analysis of your legal and tax situation (resident/non-resident, purpose of the purchase)
• Structuring the optimal transaction model — with or without a mortgage, via company, trustee, etc.
• Assistance in obtaining an NIE (Foreigner Identification Number in Spain)
• Advice on currency control and preparation of required documents

2. Property Due Diligence

• Verifying ownership and title history
• Checking for debts, encumbrances, embargoes, or legal disputes
• Reviewing cadastral and Land Registry records
• Examining licenses, technical documentation, and permits (especially crucial for new developments)
• Assessing lease agreements if the property is tenant-occupied

3. Drafting and Reviewing Contracts

• Drafting or reviewing the reservation agreement (Reserva)
• Preparing the deposit agreement (Contrato de Arras) and the final purchase contract
• Translating and notarizing documents (if required)
• Preparing powers of attorney in case you cannot attend in person

4. Banking Assistance and Financial File Preparation

• Help opening a Spanish bank account
• Preparing a financial portfolio for mortgage or compliance (income verification, financial records)
• Support in transferring funds and compliance with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) regulations
• Monitoring transfer of funds to the notary’s escrow account

5. Representation at the Notarial Signing

• Preparing all documentation required for signing before a notary
• Personal attendance or representation via power of attorney
• Ensuring translation and proper understanding of contracts and documents
• Supervising correct formalization and compliance with agreed conditions

6. Post-Transaction Procedures

• Tax payments (ITP, VAT, AJD, and others)
• Registration of ownership in the Property Registry
• Updating municipal records (property tax, utilities)
• Assisting with water, electricity, internet, and insurance setup

Banks and Financial Documentation: A Key Step for Non-Residents

Spanish banks impose strict rules for verifying the origin of funds and buyer solvency. We help foreign clients compile a compliant financial dossier:

• Proving the legal origin of funds (salary, business, rental income, sale of assets, etc.)
• Preparing and translating tax declarations, certificates, and bank statements
• Apostille certification if required
• Consulting on AML compliance

Even if no mortgage is involved, this step is mandatory for international buyers transferring funds from abroad.

Legal Support Costs in Barcelona and Spain

Pricing depends on the complexity of the transaction, type of property, and scope of services. Below are typical rates:

• From €3,500 or 0.8%–1% of the transaction amount
  Includes due diligence, contract drafting, representation, banking and mortgage advisory.

Transparent pricing with no hidden fees. You’ll always know exactly what you are paying for.

We Work Throughout Spain

Although our head office is located in Barcelona, we support clients in Madrid, Valencia, Alicante, Marbella, Seville, Malaga, Tenerife, Palma de Mallorca, and other cities across Spain.

The entire transaction can be completed remotely via power of attorney, meaning you don’t need to be physically present to acquire property in Spain.

Why Choose GG Real Estate?

• Over 30 years of experience in Catalonia and across Spain
• Hundreds of successful deals with international clients from 20+ countries
• Multilingual support: Russian, Spanish, English, French, and Catalan
• In-depth expertise in international banking and compliance
• Clear, honest pricing — no surprises, no fine print

Ready to Take the First Step?

We’ll guide you from your first inquiry all the way to notarial signing, key handover, and post-purchase support.