How to Choose a Spanish Property Lawyer (and What They Do for You)

Choose a Spanish property lawyer who is registered with a Spanish Colegio de Abogados, speaks fluent English, quotes a clear fixed fee in writing and works only for you. They will get your NIE, check the property and developer, protect your deposits and can sign at the notary for you by power of attorney.

Why do you need a lawyer to buy property in Spain?

Spain doesn't make it compulsory, but almost every overseas buyer uses one, and I'd always recommend it. Buying in Spain is straightforward, but it runs in Spanish, through Spanish systems, with a notary, a land registry and the tax office all involved. A good lawyer handles all of that for you and explains each step in plain English.

For most of our buyers, the lawyer is the person who turns "I've found the one" into keys in your hand, often without you needing to fly back for the signing. Having someone on your side who reads every page in Spanish is what lets you enjoy the buying process rather than worry about it.

What does a Spanish property lawyer do for you?

On a typical new-build purchase in Murcia, your lawyer will:

• Get your NIE. The Número de Identidad de Extranjero is the foreigner's tax identification number you need to buy property, open a Spanish bank account and pay tax. Your lawyer can apply for it on your behalf.
• Open a Spanish bank account, if you need one, or help you arrange it.
• Check the property and the developer. That includes the land registry extract (nota simple), the building licence and planning status, and that the plot is free of charges.
• Protect your stage payments. On an off-plan or under-construction home, deposits must be protected by a bank guarantee or insurance policy under Ley 20/2015 and the Ley de Ordenación de la Edificación (disposición adicional primera). Your lawyer makes sure each guarantee is in place.
• Review the reservation and purchase contracts and explain them to you in English before you sign.
• Sign at the notary on completion, if you give them power of attorney.
• Pay the taxes and register the deeds in your name at the Registro de la Propiedad.
• Set up utilities and direct debits for community fees and local property tax (IBI), so everything runs smoothly from day one.

How do I choose a good Spanish property lawyer?

A few simple checks will tell you all you need.

1. Registration. Every practising lawyer in Spain (abogado) must belong to a regional bar association, the Colegio de Abogados. In this region that usually means the Colegio de Abogados de Murcia or de Cartagena. You can check any lawyer's registration on the Censo de Letrados, the national lawyer search on the Abogacía Española website. 2. Fluent English. You should feel comfortable asking any question, by email, phone or video call. 3. Property focus. Look for a firm that handles residential purchases every week, ideally new-builds in the Region of Murcia. 4. A clear written quote. Ask for an engagement letter (hoja de encargo) setting out exactly what is included and the fee. 5. Professional indemnity insurance. Established firms carry it. It is a sensible question to ask. 6. Responsiveness. Notice how quickly and clearly they reply at the first contact. That is a good guide to how the purchase will feel.

How much does a Spanish property lawyer cost?

Fees vary by firm and by how much work the purchase involves, but for a straightforward purchase a fee of around 1% of the price plus VAT is common, often with a minimum fee. Get the quote in writing before you instruct them.

The lawyer's fee is part of your overall purchase costs. For a new-build in Murcia, allow roughly 12-13% on top of the price. That covers 10% VAT, 1.5% stamp duty (AJD) in Murcia, and the notary, land registry and legal fees.

What is a power of attorney and do I need one?

A power of attorney (poder notarial) lets your lawyer act and sign on your behalf, so you don't have to be in Spain for every step. Most of our overseas buyers use one. It is usually signed either at a notary in Spain while you are here on a viewing trip, or at a notary in the UK or Ireland with an apostille added so it is valid in Spain.

You decide how wide or narrow it is. A power of attorney for a property purchase can be limited to that specific purchase and the related paperwork.

How do I get an NIE?

You can apply for your NIE at the Spanish consulate in the UK or Ireland, or in person at a police foreigners' office in Spain. The simplest route for most buyers is to let their lawyer handle it, usually as part of their power of attorney. It is normally one of the very first steps after you reserve a home.

How does MedSol work with lawyers?

We make this part easy. When you reserve a home with us, we can introduce you to independent, English-speaking lawyers who know the Region of Murcia and handle new-build purchases on golf resorts regularly. They work for you, not for us or the developer, and their fee is agreed directly between you and them.

You are completely free to choose your own lawyer instead. Some buyers already have a Spanish lawyer they trust, or have been recommended one by friends. Either way, we guide you through each step, from reservation right through to completion and handing over the keys.

What happens after I instruct a lawyer?

A typical new-build purchase with MedSol runs like this:

1. Reserve your home with a reservation deposit. 2. Instruct your lawyer and sign the power of attorney. 3. NIE and bank account are set up. 4. Checks and contract. Your lawyer reviews everything and you sign the purchase contract, with stage payments protected by bank guarantee. 5. Completion. The home is finished, you or your lawyer sign the deeds at the notary, and you get your keys. 6. Registration. Your lawyer pays the taxes and registers the property in your name.

Frequently asked questions

Is it compulsory to use a lawyer to buy property in Spain?

No, but almost all overseas buyers use one. A lawyer handles the NIE, the checks, the contracts and the registration in Spanish on your behalf.

How can I check a Spanish lawyer is registered?

Every practising lawyer must be a member of a Colegio de Abogados. You can check their registration on the Censo de Letrados search on the Abogacía Española website.

How much does a Spanish property lawyer charge?

Commonly around 1% of the purchase price plus VAT, often with a minimum fee. Always ask for a written quote.

Do I need to be in Spain to complete my purchase?

No. With a power of attorney your lawyer can sign at the notary and complete the purchase for you.

Can I choose my own lawyer when buying through MedSol?

Yes. We can introduce independent English-speaking lawyers, but you are free to use any lawyer you prefer.

Ready to start?

If you'd like to see the resorts for yourself, I'd love to show you round and talk you through the buying process. Message me on WhatsApp on +44 7424 864 684 or send an enquiry and I'll get straight back to you.

This article is general information, not legal or financial advice. Confirm your own position with a qualified Spanish lawyer or tax adviser before you act.

About the author — Lee Doherty is the founder of MedSol Real Estate. He spent two years researching the region before buying here himself, and now helps UK and international buyers find golf-resort homes across the Region of Murcia.