Seville is a beautiful place to own property — but many foreign buyers fall into legal and financial traps because:
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They rely solely on estate agents
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They sign documents they don’t fully understand
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They skip independent legal checks
Here’s how to avoid the most common pitfalls with proper legal guidance.
⚠️ Pitfall #1: Signing the Arras Contract Too Early
Many agents rush foreign buyers into signing a Contrato de Arras (deposit contract) without:
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Verifying title
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Confirming urban planning compliance
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Conducting due diligence
đź’Ą Result: You risk losing your 10% deposit if issues arise later.
âś… Solution: Have your lawyer review and negotiate the arras contract before signing anything.
⚠️ Pitfall #2: Skipping Urban Planning or Zoning Checks
Not all homes in Seville are legally habitable. Some:
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Were built without permits
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Are in protected or rustic zones
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Have illegal extensions or renovations
đź’Ą Result: You may be unable to renovate, mortgage, or even live in the property legally.
âś… Solution: Request a full urban planning report (PGOU) and legal use verification before purchase.
⚠️ Pitfall #3: Relying Only on the Real Estate Agent
Agents in Spain represent the seller’s interests — not yours.
đź’Ą Result: You might be pressured into overpaying, signing prematurely, or ignoring legal risks.
âś… Solution: Always hire your own independent lawyer who represents only you.
⚠️ Pitfall #4: Underestimating Closing Costs
Many foreigners forget to budget for:
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ITP transfer tax (7%)
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Notary and registry fees
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Legal and admin fees
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Bank or mortgage costs
đź’Ą Result: Unexpected cash shortfalls or delayed completion.
âś… Solution: Get a written cost estimate from your lawyer before committing.
⚠️ Pitfall #5: No Power of Attorney When Buying Remotely
Foreign buyers without Power of Attorney often:
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Miss deadlines
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Are unable to sign the deed in time
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Face bank and notary issues
âś… Solution: Appoint a lawyer with limited POA to manage your transaction safely from abroad.
🛡️ What We Do to Protect You
At Borderless Lawyers, we prevent all of the above with:
| Service | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Due diligence | We verify title, debts, and registry data |
| Urban planning check | Ensures property is legal and buildable |
| Arras contract drafting | Custom clauses that protect your deposit |
| Full cost breakdown | No surprise expenses |
| POA support | Allows safe buying without travel |
| Legal representation | We work for you — not agents |
📍 Examples of Real Mistakes We’ve Resolved
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A Dutch client nearly signed for a rural home without a habitation license — we caught the issue and renegotiated.
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A UK buyer discovered the seller didn’t have title due to an unregistered inheritance — we fixed it pre-arras.
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An American buyer was quoted 3x legal fees by the agent’s “recommended lawyer” — we took over with transparent pricing.
📞 Buying in Seville? Let’s Make Sure You Do It Right
Avoid losing your deposit, buying illegally zoned property, or facing hidden costs. Our Seville-based lawyers help foreign buyers every step of the way.