Yes. While a notary plays an essential role in the transaction, the notary does not act as your personal legal adviser or carry out the same level of due diligence on your behalf.

An independent property lawyer represents your interests throughout the transaction, reviewing ownership, charges, planning matters, contracts, tax implications and any potential legal risks before you become committed.

Your lawyer can work closely with the estate agency, seller's representatives, notary and other professionals involved while remaining fully focused on protecting your position as the buyer.

A nota simple is a document issued by the Spanish Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad) that confirms the legal status of a property. It shows who owns it, what mortgages or charges are registered against it, whether there are any easements or restrictions, and whether the property's description in the registry matches what is being sold. It is the first document we obtain on any property before proceeding. A nota simple that does not match the physical reality of the property — different square metres, undeclared extensions, missing outbuildings — is one of the most common red flags in Spanish property transactions.

The taxes payable depend on whether the property is new or resale and on the region where it is located.

Resale properties are generally subject to Transfer Tax (ITP), with rates set by each autonomous community. New-build properties are generally subject to VAT (IVA), together with Stamp Duty (AJD), whose rate also varies by region.

In Andalusia, where Marbella is located, the general ITP rate is currently 7% and the general AJD rate is 1.2%. Different rates apply in the Balearic Islands, including Ibiza.

Additional costs may include notary and Land Registry fees, as well as ongoing tax obligations after completion. We calculate the applicable taxes and costs for each transaction before you commit to the purchase.

An asset deal means you buy the property directly. An share deal means you buy the Spanish company (SL) that owns the property. Share deals are sometimes structured to reduce or avoid Transfer Tax (ITP), but they come with significant risks: you inherit all the company's historical tax obligations, undeclared liabilities, unpaid debts and any compliance failures. The Spanish Tax Authority (AEAT) also has anti-abuse rules that can override the ITP exemption if certain conditions are met. Whether a share deal makes financial sense depends entirely on the specific situation. We analyse each case individually before recommending one structure over another.

For a straightforward resale property with no complications, the process from offer to signing at the notary typically takes between 6 and 10 weeks. The main steps are: due diligence review (1-2 weeks), private purchase contract (Contrato de Arras) signature, obtaining or verifying the NIE, final notary signing, and registration at the Land Registry (which happens after signing). For more complex transactions — off-plan properties, share deals, properties with planning issues or foreign corporate structures — the timeline extends accordingly. We always give you a realistic estimate from the outset.

The Beckham Law is a special tax regime that may apply to certain individuals who move to Spain for work or qualifying professional activities.

Under the regime, qualifying employment and certain other income is generally taxed at 24% up to €600,000, with the excess taxed at 47%. Different rates apply to certain savings income, such as dividends, interest and capital gains.

Eligibility depends on the individual's circumstances, including the reason for moving to Spain and whether the legal requirements are met. We assess each case individually before recommending this regime.

In both Marbella and Ibiza, short-term tourist rentals are regulated. In Andalusia, you need a Vivienda con Fines Turísticos (VFT) licence before listing your property on any platform. The requirements vary depending on the property, the community of owners rules and the local urban planning classification. Ibiza has introduced stricter limitations in recent years. If you are purchasing a property with the intention to rent, we check the VFT licence status and local restrictions as part of the due diligence process — before you buy, not after.

Yes — our clients come from across Europe and North America, with a strong base of Belgian, British and Dutch buyers. We work in English, Spanish, Dutch and French. Most of the process can be managed remotely — we handle due diligence, contract review and tax structuring without you needing to be present in Spain. We do recommend being present for the final notary signing, though we can also arrange a power of attorney if that is not possible. Distance is not an obstacle to doing this properly.