Property & Real Estate Law · Spain
Connect with Property & Real Estate Law lawyers in Spain
Buying, selling, leasing or inheriting property in Spain involves notarial deeds, Land Registry entries, regional civil-law differences and tax duties. We match you with a specialised lawyer who handles your matter end-to-end.
- Free, no-obligation lawyer matching
- Lawyers familiar with Spanish notarial and registry practice
- Support in English for buyers, sellers, landlords and heirs
No legal advice — just the right lawyer for your situation.
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Why local expertise matters
Buying or selling property in Spain? Start with the right lawyer.
In Spain, property transactions rely on public notarial deeds, Land Registry entries and a civil-law framework that can differ by region. Whether you are buying a home in Valencia, selling an asset in Barcelona or negotiating a lease in Madrid, you need Property & Real Estate Law lawyers in Spain who understand the formalities and the practical steps. We match you with a vetted lawyer who handles purchases and sales, mortgage guarantees, lease disputes, inheritances affecting real estate, and registration questions. Tell us your location and matter, and we will connect you within 24–48 hours — free of charge. You then speak directly with the lawyer, agree the fee and next steps, and decide whether to proceed. There is no obligation and no hidden cost.
Local specifics
How property law works in Spain
Spanish property law combines mandatory notarial intervention, Land Registry protection and regional civil-law variations. The lawyer we match you with can guide you through each formal step and the relevant tax and inheritance rules.
Notarial public deed is mandatory
Under Article 1280 of the Civil Code and Article 3 of the Mortgage Law, any transfer or encumbrance of real property requires a public deed (escritura pública) executed before a notary. The notary verifies identity, capacity and legality, and the deed is a precondition for registration and third-party protection.
Land Registry works on the folio real system
Spain’s Registro de la Propiedad is organised property-by-property, not person-by-person. Each finca has its own folio recording successive rights and charges. Registration confers a presumption of accuracy and protects good-faith third parties, making a title check essential before purchase.
Regional civil-law variations affect property matters
Catalonia, the Basque Country, Navarre, Galicia and the Balearic Islands have their own civil-law rules that coexist with the common Civil Code. These differences can affect matrimonial property regimes and inheritance shares in real estate, so local advice is often decisive.
Non-resident owners face specific tax duties
Non-resident owners of Spanish property are subject to the Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR). The general rate is 19% for EU/EEA residents and 24% for others, and unrented property generates deemed income based on a percentage of cadastral value. A lawyer can help you meet these obligations.
Court fees are waived for individuals
In civil proceedings, the court fee (tasa judicial) is owed only by legal persons; natural persons are exempt under Law 10/2012. Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed, though losing parties may be ordered to pay costs subject to a cap of one third of the amount in dispute.
Key time limit — Property & Real Estate Law
Rent arrears recovery (lease) — 5 years. Actions to recover periodic payments such as rent, child support or other yearly-or-shorter instalments prescribe after five years (Article 1966.3 of the Civil Code); eviction for non-payment follows the special fast-track verbal procedure (juicio verbal de desahucio) of the Civil Procedure Act.
- European e-Justice Portal — National justice systems (Spain)
- European e-Justice Portal — National ordinary courts (Spain)
- BOE — Código Civil (Real Decreto de 24 de julio de 1889), texto consolidado
- BOE — Real Decreto 135/2021 (Estatuto General de la Abogacía Española)
- BOE — Ley 36/2011 reguladora de la jurisdicción social
- BOE — Ley 39/2015 del Procedimiento Administrativo Común
Common property challenges
Where things can go wrong without local help
A Spanish property transaction looks different from many other countries. These are the points where an experienced lawyer saves time and money.
Unfamiliar notarial and registry steps
If you are not used to Spanish conveyancing, you may struggle with the escritura pública and the Land Registry. A lawyer checks every document and ensures your purchase is correctly registered.
Regional inheritance and matrimonial property rules
Community property and forced-heirship rules can change what you actually own or inherit. A local lawyer clarifies whether Catalonia, the Basque Country or other foral rules apply.
Tax exposure for non-residents
Non-resident owners often overlook IRNR filings and deemed income on unrented property. A property lawyer helps you comply and avoid unnecessary penalties.
Why use our matching
A simpler way to find the right Spanish property lawyer
We focus on the match, so you can focus on the property.
Free 24–48h matching
Tell us your matter and location. We connect you with a suitable Property & Real Estate Law lawyer in Spain within one to two working days, at no cost.
Lawyers vetted for local practice
Our network includes lawyers admitted to a Spanish Colegio de la Abogacía and experienced in conveyancing, leases, inheritances and civil litigation involving real estate.
Clear next steps from the start
You talk directly with the lawyer, agree the fee and the actions to take. There is no obligation to instruct after the first conversation.
Support in English
Communication with our service is in English, and we can match you with lawyers who work with international clients on Spanish property matters.
Nearby legal markets
We also cover other European countries
If your matter touches another jurisdiction, we can help you find a lawyer there as well.
Frequently asked questions
Answers about Property & Real Estate Law in Spain
Why do I need a notary for a Spanish property purchase?
In Spain, transferring or encumbering real estate requires a public deed (escritura pública) before a notary to be registered in the Land Registry. The notary checks identity, capacity and legality. A lawyer helps you prepare and review the deed.
What is the folio real system in the Spanish Land Registry?
The Registro de la Propiedad is organised property-by-property. Each finca has its own folio recording rights and charges. Registration protects good-faith third parties and gives a presumption of accuracy, making a title search essential.
Are there regional property rules I should know about?
Yes. Territories such as Catalonia, the Basque Country, Navarre, Galicia and the Balearic Islands have their own civil-law rules that coexist with the Civil Code. These can affect matrimonial property and inheritance rights in real estate.
How does non-resident income tax affect my Spanish property?
Non-resident owners pay IRNR. The general rate is 19% for EU/EEA residents and 24% for others. Unrented property generates deemed income based on a percentage of cadastral value. A lawyer can help you meet these duties.
What are the costs of hiring Property & Real Estate Law lawyers in Spain?
Lawyers’ fees are freely agreed; there are no binding tariffs. Court fees are waived for natural persons, though legal persons pay. The losing party may be ordered to pay costs, capped at one third of the amount in dispute in declaratory proceedings.
How quickly can I be matched with a lawyer?
We aim to connect you within 24–48 hours, free of charge. You then speak directly with the lawyer and decide whether to proceed. There is no obligation to instruct.
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Find your Property & Real Estate Law lawyer in Spain
Tell us about your property matter. We will match you with a lawyer within 24–48 hours, free of charge. You agree the next steps directly.