Buying property in Spain? Make sure someone is protecting your interests. Independent legal representation for international buyers in Málaga, Marbella and the Costa del Sol.
Buying property in Spain should be exciting, not risky
Buying a property in Spain is a major financial decision, and everyone else involved in the transaction has an interest in seeing it complete. Your lawyer should look at it from your side.
I review the property, the documentation and the proposed contract, identify potential legal problems and explain them to you clearly, before you commit your money.
You choose the property. I protect your interests.
“I do not represent the estate agent, the developer or the seller. I represent you.”
Why use an independent property lawyer?
I work for you. I do not represent the estate agent, developer or seller. My role is to protect your legal and financial interests.
Independent advice
I give you an independent assessment of the transaction rather than simply helping it reach completion.
Local knowledge
I am based in Málaga and advise international clients purchasing property throughout the Costa del Sol.
Direct contact
You deal directly with your lawyer. No call centres. No passing your matter between different departments.
Clear English
Spanish property law and documentation can be difficult to navigate. I explain the legal position in clear English so you understand what you are signing and what you are committing to.
From first offer to completion
You do not have to navigate the Spanish property system alone.
Initial consultation
Tell me about the property, where you are in the process and what you have been asked to sign or pay.
Legal due diligence
I review the relevant documentation and identify legal, contractual and property issues requiring attention.
Contract review
Before you sign or pay, I review the proposed agreement and explain its legal consequences.
Negotiation
Where necessary, I communicate with the seller, developer or estate agent and negotiate changes to protect your position.
Completion
I coordinate the legal process through to the Notary and, where authorised, represent you at completion.
After completion
I assist with registration and the relevant post-completion formalities.
What I check before you buy
A property can look perfect and still have legal or financial issues that are not immediately obvious.
Ownership & Land Registry
I check the relevant Land Registry information to establish:
Who legally owns the property
Whether mortgages or other charges are registered
Whether there are liens, embargoes or other encumbrances
Whether the registered information is consistent with the transaction
Property & Planning
Depending on the property and circumstances, I investigate:
Planning and urban development documentation
Licences and permits, including first occupation licence
Property description and cadastral information
Works or extensions not reflected in the registry
Community of Owners restrictions, obligations and debts
Contracts
I review and, where appropriate, negotiate:
Reservation agreements
Contratos de Arras
Private purchase agreements
Developer contracts
The final public deed of purchase
Identify problems before they become your problems.
Red flags
That I look for
Unlicensed extensions
Unregistered extensions, pools or terraces built without the required permits.
Missing occupancy licence
No licence of first occupation or habitation certificate.
Registered charges
Mortgages, embargoes or other charges still registered against the property.
Outstanding debts
Unpaid community fees, IBI (property tax) or other debts attached to the property.
Registry discrepancies
Differences between what is sold, what is registered and what is in the cadastre.
Unprotected deposits
Off-plan purchases without the legally required bank guarantee for sums paid on account.
Rental restrictions
Holiday-rental potential that is advertised but not actually permitted.
Exposed deposit terms
Deposit or reservation terms that leave you exposed if the sale does not proceed.
Buying from abroad?
You do not need to travel to Spain.
If you cannot be present personally, a Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial) allows me to represent you and manage the legal process on your behalf in Spain.
How it works & why it is safe:
Flexible signing: Your Power of Attorney can be signed either before a Notary in Spain or with a local Notary in your home country (legalised with the Hague Apostille).
You remain in full control: Granting a Power of Attorney does not mean losing control. The power is specifically drafted and strictly limited to the necessary steps of your purchase (such as obtaining your NIE, managing utilities, and signing before the Notary).
Prior authorisation for every step: No contract is signed and no funds are transferred without your explicit, prior approval and instructions.
100% Remote consultation: All meetings, reviews, and updates are conducted by video call, phone, or email, allowing you to instruct your lawyer with complete peace of mind from anywhere in the world.
I can assist with the relevant stages of the transaction, including:
NIE application.
Contract signing.
Communication with the seller and other parties.
Notarial completion.
Property registration.
Utilities and other post-completion formalities.
Legal support, wherever you are.
Transparent legal fees
Clear, upfront fees are the foundation of a trusted lawyer–client relationship. Before you commit to anything or pay a single deposit, you will receive a personalised, written quotation.
What your fee quote includes:
Fixed professional fees: An agreed fixed fee based on the scope and complexity of your purchase, covering complete legal due diligence, contract review, and support through to completion and registration.
Clear cost breakdown: We strictly separate our professional fees from the estimated third-party transaction expenses, giving you an itemised breakdown of:
Applicable taxes (ITP for resale properties, or VAT & Stamp Duty for new builds).
Notary fees.
Land Registry fees.
Administrative and post-completion costs.
No hidden costs. You will know exactly what you are paying to your lawyer and what goes to taxes and official costs before making any financial commitment.
Request your free fee quote in the contact form below. We reply within 24 hours.
I can also assist with property sales (including non-resident sellers), residential and tourist-rental contracts, NIE and administrative procedures, and post-completion formalities, coordinating with tax professionals where specialist tax advice is required.
About
My name is Gonzalo Echeverría
I am a Spanish lawyer based in Málaga, with 24 years of experience in practice, and a member of the Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Málaga (No. 9694). I advise international clients who are buying property in Spain, providing direct and independent legal representation.
My approach is straightforward: Understand the transaction. Identify the risks. Protect the client.
Buying a property in Spain should not mean signing documents you do not fully understand, or relying on the people who are trying to complete the sale. You should have your own lawyer, one who acts for you and nobody else.
If you are considering a purchase on the Costa del Sol, get in touch before you sign anything. An early conversation can save you a great deal of trouble later.
Whether you have already found your property or are just beginning your search, independent legal advice can help you make an informed decision. Consultations by video call, phone or WhatsApp.