Lawyers in Costa Blanca

The Costa Blanca region of Spain is among the most popular for expatriate buyers seeking a holiday getaway, a retirement home in the sun or an investment property opportunity.

The climate in the region is reputedly the best in Spain and the inimitable and perfect lifestyle achievable on the Costa Blanca is of appeal to us all.  But if you’re thinking of venturing into the property market don’t make a move until you’ve secured the services of reputable and experienced lawyers in Costa Blanca.

Of the 500,000 British who own properties in Spain, a high percentage of these own homes in the Costa Blanca region; and of those expatriates who bought successfully and now live a comfortable life in Spain you can guarantee that 100% of them spent sufficient time locating the best lawyers in Costa Blanca to assist them with the purchase process. 

The first job your lawyer should do for you is to conduct the land registry searches of the title and property you’re interested in, this is to ensure that the vendor who is selling it has permission to sell it - i.e., he is actually the current owner! - and also to check that there are no debts or issues relating to the property or the land it sits on.

This is essential work that can only be conducted properly by a lawyer in Spain or a lawyer who deals with Spanish property sales and purchases regularly.  If you’re buying through a real estate agent or from a developer they may recommend the services of a lawyer to you, but beware, the lawyer may also service their interests as well which will mean he cannot be unbiased or be relied upon to act in your best interests 100% if the time.

Once your appointed lawyer has conducted all the searches for you and he is satisfied with the outcome he will draw up preliminary contracts for you.  Final contracts will be singed at a later date and if you cannot be in the Costa Blanca at that time you can grant your lawyer power of attorney to act on your behalf in your absence.  You should discuss this option and the implications of it with your lawyer and make sure that you are comfortable with any decision you are asked to make.  You have to trust in your lawyer and be sure that he will always act with your best interests in mind and not act without speaking to you first and receiving your direct instructions.

At all times through the purchase process - or any legal process you become a part of once living in Spain - your lawyer should explain both the intricacies and implications of every stage and every outcome.  Ideally you will find a lawyer in the Costa Blanca who is as fluent in your mother tongue as he is in Spanish and who will be able to effectively communicate with you and translate things for you.

Many people feel slightly intimidated when instructing a lawyer as they have limited dealings with them, simply remember that you are employing them to act on your behalf and you are paying them for the weight of their professional education and experience.  Make sure whoever you choose is licensed and qualified and that you actually feel happy with them and can establish a professional relationship with them.  There is nothing worse than being made to feel intimidated by someone who has a superior attitude and there is no need to work with someone who makes you feel like this!  If you’re introduced to a lawyer with whom you feel uncomfortable simply walk away and begin your search again.

There are many expatriate organisations in the Costa Blanca and you can find forums with expatriate residents now living in Spain on the Internet.  Consider approaching these people for direct advice and recommendations for lawyers, alternatively your country’s embassy in Spain should have a list of registered lawyers in the country and you can begin your search for the best lawyers in Costa Blanca in this way.

Whatever you do, before beginning your new life in Spain, don’t buy or sell a house without one!