Buying in Marbella?
Have a Spanish lawyer on your side.

It isn't legally compulsory, but in Marbella it is strongly advisable. The estate agent and the notary don't represent your interests — the notary only confirms the signing is formally correct, not that the Marbella property is free of debts, planning problems or licence defects. An independent buyer's lawyer is the only party working solely for you.

For a Marbella purchase our fees are agreed in writing before we start, so there are no surprises. The exact amount is to be determined for your specific case — it depends on the property, the price and the checks involved (a straightforward resale, an off-plan, or a property needing extra due diligence). Tax (ITP or VAT), notary and Land Registry fees are separate, and we set all of it out for you up front.

Yes. We obtain your NIE and act under a power of attorney, so the searches, contracts and the signing before the notary serving Marbella can all be completed without you travelling. Most of our international clients complete their Marbella purchase entirely remotely.

It applies when you later sell a Marbella property as a non-resident: the buyer withholds 3% of the price and pays it to the tax office on account of your capital-gains tax, via Modelo 211. We make sure it is calculated correctly and reclaimed where too much has been withheld.

On Marbella's higher-value villas this is the question that matters most. Pools, guest houses, terraces and garages added over the years frequently lack a licence or were never declared. We reconcile the registry against the built reality of your Marbella property and confirm each element is legal before you complete.