You have found the house: a stone masía near Pals, or a flat with a terrace in Girona’s old town. The estate agent is ready, the seller is ready, and you are about to transfer a deposit to a country whose legal system you do not know. This is exactly when to call a conveyancing solicitor.
MigratioLex is based in Girona. We help international buyers and sellers across the Costa Brava in English, French and Spanish, from the first offer to the keys, and remotely if you cannot travel.
Agent Support vs. Your Own Solicitor
Estate agent only
Deposit contractStandard template, written for the sale ChecksYou chase certificates yourself CostsGeneric estimate After signingLimited helpMigratioLex conveyancing
Deposit contractBespoke arras with exit clauses that protect you ChecksRegistry, cadastre, debts, licences, coastal and rural zoning CostsItemised tax and fee budget After signingRegistration, utilities, tax and residency adviceThe Process We Manage for You
- Pre-offer reviewA quick red-flag check for seizures, planning issues or tourist-rental limits.
- Deposit contractWe draft or revise the contrato de arras, with deadlines, penalties and inventory.
- Full due diligenceTitle, debts, community fees, habitability, energy certificate, coastal and rural zoning.
- Notary signingIn person or through a power of attorney if you prefer not to travel.
- After completionLand Registry inscription, taxes, utilities and town-hall rates in your name.
Example
A Dutch couple buying a country house near La Bisbal learned from our check that part of the garden was rural land where the existing pool had never been licensed. We negotiated a price reduction and a clause making the seller responsible for any legalisation costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a lawyer to buy in Spain? Not by law, but an independent lawyer protects you, not the seller or the agent.
- When should I call you? Before you pay any deposit.
- Can you do it all remotely? Yes: NIE, bank account, signing and registration, with a power of attorney.
- Does buying give me residency? Not since April 2025. We can advise on other routes, such as the non-lucrative visa or the Digital Nomad Visa.
Before you start, read our guide to the most common pitfalls for foreign buyers.
Why Buying Without a Solicitor Is Risky
- Paying a non-refundable deposit before any legal check.
- Missing coastal-law or rural-land restrictions, common on the Costa Brava.
- Inheriting the seller’s community or tax debts.
- Underestimating the 10 to 15% of taxes and costs.
That masía or that terrace can be yours without surprises. Call us before the deposit, not after the notary.
Talk to a Lawyer Before You Pay a Deposit
Tell us where you are in the process and we will map out the safest route to completion. At MigratioLex, we review your specific case, not a generic checklist. We respond within 24 hours, in English, French or Spanish.
Book Your Initial ConsultationThis article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Costs and timelines are typical ranges for Catalonia and vary by property. The example is illustrative.
