Yes, foreigners can freely buy property in Marbella and throughout Spain. There are no restrictions on property ownership for non-residents, whether you are purchasing as an individual or through a company.
However, international buyers must obtain a Spanish tax identification number (NIE), open a local bank account, and comply with legal and tax requirements during the transaction.
Working with an independent Marbella property lawyer is strongly recommended to carry out due diligence, verify ownership, and ensure the purchase is secure. This is particularly important for buyers unfamiliar with the Spanish legal system.
When buying property in Marbella, buyers should expect to pay several taxes and costs in addition to the purchase price.
For resale properties, the main tax is Transfer Tax (ITP), which in Andalusia is generally around 7%. For new-build properties, buyers pay VAT (IVA) at 10%, plus Stamp Duty (AJD), typically around 1.2%.
In addition, you should budget approximately 10–12% of the purchase price to cover legal fees, notary, and land registry costs. Understanding these taxes in advance is essential to avoid unexpected expenses during the transaction.
The process of buying property in Spain typically takes between 4 and 8 weeks, depending on the complexity of the transaction.
Once a reservation agreement is signed, your lawyer will carry out legal checks, review documentation, and prepare contracts. After due diligence is completed, the purchase is finalised by signing the title deed before a notary.
Delays can occur if there are legal issues, financing requirements, or missing documentation, which is why having an experienced property lawyer in Marbella is key to ensuring a smooth and efficient process.
Most property lawyers in Marbella charge between 1% and 1.5% of the property purchase price, depending on the complexity of the transaction.
Yes, it is strongly recommended to work with an independent lawyer who represents only your interests, rather than one recommended by the seller or developer.
A property lawyer handles legal checks, verifies ownership, ensures there are no debts on the property, reviews contracts and oversees the entire purchase process.
Yes, a lawyer will check the Land Registry and other official records to confirm whether the property has any outstanding debts or legal issues.
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Marbella is one of the most popular destinations in Spain for international property buyers, attracting investors from the UK, Germany, Scandinavia and other European countries. The local real estate market is dynamic and, in many cases, complex, which makes working with an experienced property lawyer in Marbella essential for a safe and successful transaction.
Buying property in Marbella involves much more than signing a contract. A qualified solicitor will carry out detailed legal checks, verify ownership, review the Land Registry, and ensure the property is free from debts or legal issues.
In prime areas such as Nueva Andalucía, Puerto Banús or Marbella East, it is not uncommon to encounter properties with administrative or legal irregularities. Having an independent lawyer ensures that your interests are protected throughout the entire process.
Foreign buyers are often unfamiliar with the legal framework in Spain, which can lead to costly mistakes. Some of the most common risks include properties with outstanding community fees, hidden debts, illegal extensions or planning issues.
A property lawyer in Marbella will conduct full due diligence, ensuring that the property is legally registered, compliant with local regulations, and free of charges before completion.
Legal fees in Marbella typically range between 1% and 1.5% of the purchase price, depending on the complexity of the transaction and the services included.
While some buyers consider using lawyers recommended by developers or estate agents, it is always advisable to choose an independent solicitor who represents only your interests.
Below you can compare trusted property lawyers in Marbella, review their areas of expertise, languages and services, and contact them directly.
Choosing the right legal advisor is one of the most important steps when buying property in Spain, helping you avoid risks and ensuring a smooth and secure purchase.
Buying property in southern Spain involves different legal considerations depending on the location. While Marbella is one of the most sought-after areas, some buyers also look at nearby regions, making it useful to compare property lawyers in Malaga before making a decision.