BUYING PROPERTY IN SPAIN SHOULD NOT FEEL LIKE TAKING A RISK

Independent legal due diligence for international buyers purchasing property in Valencia, the Costa Blanca and beyond

Buying a home in a country where you don’t fully know the language, the legal system or local practice naturally raises questions. 


It is completely reasonable to want a lawyer working only for you — not for the seller, and not for the estate agent, whose commission depends on the sale going through.


This is exactly what you will find at Abogado Drake, a highly qualified lawyer who will look out for your best interests, from the moment you decide to purchase until the time you are handed the keys, and beyond. 

What gets checked?

  • Ownership and registry status — confirming the seller can legally sell, and that there are no disputes affecting the title deed.


  • Outstanding debts and charges — mortgages, unpaid community fees, unpaid local property tax (IBI), liens or encumbrances that could pass on to you as the new owner.


  • Planning and zoning — building licences, unregistered extensions, and land classification issues that can affect what you’re actually allowed to do with the property.


  • Community issues (HOA) — statutes, pending special expenditure votes, and any structural issues already known to the community.


  • Review and negotiation of the private purchase contract (“contrato de arras”) — the document that commits you before the notary appointment, and the one buyers most often sign without independent advice.

How the process works

  • Initial consultation — where your situation is reviewed (budget, financing, tax implicaitons, plans for future development...) as well as the property, establishing your desired timeline.


  • Legal due diligence - full check of the property before you commit.


  • Negotiation and signing of the private contract (arras) — with your deposit properly protected, no suprises, on your way to purchase.


  • Attendance at the notary signing — so you’re not navigating it alone, in a language that isn’t your own.


  • Registration and post-completion tax — preparation of tax forms and registration of property, so you can rest easy knowing that your property is safely and squarely yours.

Bespoke services, such as mortgage negotiation, estate planning post-purchase, and assistance to sellers are also available.

Book a Property Law Consultation

Abogado Drake, led by Juan Pascual Drake, a native English-speaking lawyer with 15+ years advising international buyers and investors across Valencia, Alicante, Benidorm and the Costa Blanca, as well as most of Spain, combining legal, tax and accounting

expertise in every purchase.

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