Buying Property in Valencia? Legal Due Diligence Is Not Optional
Valencia is one of the most dynamic real estate markets in Spain, but buying property without full legal due diligence can lead to costly surprises.
At Borderless Lawyers, we handle comprehensive due diligence for foreign buyers — before any deposit is paid.
🔑 Why Due Diligence Matters in Valencia
Unlike some countries, Spain does not guarantee clean title at the point of sale. Even newly built or recently renovated properties can have:
-
Unpaid debts
-
Unlicensed extensions
-
Ownership disputes
-
Zoning violations
📌 Once you sign the arras contract, it’s often too late to recover your deposit if something goes wrong.
📋 What Our Due Diligence Covers
1. Ownership Verification
We check:
-
Who legally owns the property
-
That the seller is authorized to sell
-
That the property matches what’s described in the Land Registry
2. Debts, Mortgages & Liens
We confirm the property is:
-
Free from outstanding mortgages
-
Not subject to embargos or judicial claims
-
Not carrying unpaid IBI (property tax) or community fees
💡 All debts stay with the property — not the seller — unless cleared before the deed.
3. Land Registry & Cadastral Check
We cross-check the:
-
Registro de la Propiedad (Land Registry)
-
Catastro (Cadastral Office)
To confirm:
-
Square meters
-
Legal boundaries
-
Consistency with title deed
4. Urban Planning & Zoning Compliance
In Valencia, certain areas are under strict planning controls.
We verify:
-
Whether the building has a license of first occupancy
-
That there are no pending urban infractions
-
That it complies with Valencia’s local development plans
5. Licensing and Habitability
We check for:
-
Cedula de habitabilidad (Habitability Certificate)
-
Licenses for renovations or pools
-
Vacation rental registration (if buying for tourism)
6. Community of Owners (HOA) Debts
We contact the community to check:
-
If there are unpaid fees
-
If there are upcoming special assessments
-
Whether short-term rentals are allowed
❌ Common Risks If You Skip Due Diligence
-
❌ You inherit the seller’s unpaid taxes or debts
-
❌ Illegal renovations make the property unregistrable
-
❌ Rental license can’t be obtained
-
❌ Surprise zoning restrictions prevent planned use
-
❌ You lose your deposit after discovering issues post-arras
🧑⚖️ What Our Valencia Lawyers Do
✔️ Request and review Nota Simple and land registry records
✔️ Contact the City Hall for urban checks
✔️ Review planning files and legal status
✔️ Flag any red flags before the deposit
✔️ Deliver a full legal due diligence report in English
📊 Timeline: How Long Does It Take?
-
Standard due diligence: 5–7 business days
-
Urgent review: 2–3 business days (express option available)
📌 We always complete due diligence before you sign the arras contract.
📞 Need Legal Due Diligence for Your Valencia Property?
Don’t gamble with your investment. Our bilingual legal team ensures your Valencia property is clear, compliant, and safe to buy.