Real Estate Lawyers in Malaga
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Buying a property on the Costa del Sol
Free buyer’s guide
Everything you need to buy safely on the Costa del Sol — explained by real estate lawyers.
- The step-by-step purchase process, from offer to title deeds
- Real costs and taxes — no surprises at the notary
- The legal checks that protect you before you sign
- NIE, Nota Simple and the documents you’ll actually need
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Frequently asked questions
Do I need a lawyer to buy a property in Spain?
It is not legally mandatory, but it is strongly recommended — especially for international buyers. Unlike the notary, who does not check the property’s legal situation in depth, an independent real estate lawyer verifies charges, debts, licences and contracts before you sign, and protects your interests throughout the purchase.
How much does a real estate lawyer cost in Malaga?
Most real estate lawyers in Spain charge around 1% of the purchase price (plus VAT), with minimum fees for lower-priced properties. At Mael Abogados you receive a clear, fixed quote before we start — no surprises. Remember to budget 10–14% of the price for total purchase costs (taxes, notary, registry).
What does a property lawyer check before you buy?
Before you sign anything, we verify the Nota Simple (Land Registry extract), ownership and charges, urban-planning situation and licences, community of owners’ debts, IBI and utility payments, and — for off-plan purchases — the developer’s bank guarantees. Only then do we review and negotiate the private purchase contract.
Can foreigners buy property in Malaga and the Costa del Sol?
Yes. There are no restrictions for foreign buyers in Spain. You will need an NIE (foreigner identification number), a Spanish bank account and, ideally, an independent lawyer. We obtain the NIE, draft or review every contract and can represent you by power of attorney if you cannot travel.
What taxes do you pay when buying a property in Andalusia?
For resale properties, the transfer tax (ITP) in Andalusia is a flat 7%. For new builds you pay 10% VAT plus 1.2% stamp duty (AJD). Adding notary, registry and legal fees, total costs are usually 10–14% on top of the purchase price. We calculate the exact figures for you before you commit.
How long does the purchase process take in Spain?
A typical resale purchase takes 6–10 weeks from accepted offer to title deed, depending on financing and paperwork. Off-plan purchases follow the construction calendar, with staged payments protected by bank guarantees. Your lawyer manages every deadline so you never lose a deposit for a missed date.
How can I get legal help before making an offer?
Book a free first consultation — in person in Fuengirola or by video call in English, Spanish, French or German. We review your case, explain the process step by step and give you a fixed quote. You can also start by downloading our free buyer’s guide on this page.