Why Legal Protection Matters in Bilbao
Bilbao is one of the most desirable markets in Spain — but foreign buyers face unique legal and practical risks, especially if:
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They don’t speak Spanish
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They rely on agents or sellers to draft contracts
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They buy remotely or without visiting the property
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They assume processes are like their home country
âś… Without proper legal guidance, you risk losing your deposit, buying with debts, or purchasing an illegal home.
🛑 Common Pitfalls When Buying Property in Bilbao
❌ 1. Signing a Reservation or Arras Contract Without Legal Review
Agents often rush buyers into signing early contracts — but:
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These are legally binding in Spain
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You can lose your deposit (typically 10%) if you withdraw
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Clauses rarely protect the foreign buyer
➡️ Solution: Always have a bilingual property lawyer review the contract.
❌ 2. Not Verifying Legal Ownership or Urban Status
Some properties:
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Are not properly registered
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Are built on rural land without licenses
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Have zoning conflicts or pending fines
➡️ Solution: Full due diligence and urban planning checks are essential before committing.
❌ 3. Buying With Outstanding Debts or Mortgages
In Spain, debts like:
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Community fees
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IBI property tax
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Utility bills
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Mortgages or liens
…can be transferred to the new owner if unpaid.
➡️ Solution: Your lawyer must check for hidden liabilities and ensure they’re cleared before completion.
❌ 4. Relying on the Seller’s Agent Alone
Real estate agents represent the seller — not the buyer.
Foreign buyers are often misled about:
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Market values
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Legal procedures
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What’s included (e.g., parking, furniture, licenses)
➡️ Solution: Work with your own independent legal team, not just the agent.
❌ 5. Underestimating Total Costs
Buyers often budget for the sale price, but forget:
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Taxes (ITP, PlusvalĂa, etc.)
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Notary and registration costs
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Lawyer fees
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Ongoing taxes as a non-resident
➡️ Solution: Get a full cost breakdown before signing.
❌ 6. No Power of Attorney When Buying Remotely
Without a Spanish POA:
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You may have to fly in just to sign
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You can’t handle last-minute issues
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You risk losing deals or delaying registration
➡️ Solution: Set up a limited Power of Attorney through your lawyer early.
❌ 7. Failing to Register the Property Properly
If the title isn’t updated:
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You won’t be legally recognized as owner
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You can’t sell, rent, or modify the property
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You risk inheritance issues later
➡️ Solution: Post-sale registration must be completed with the Land Registry and Catastro.
🧑‍⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Protects You
Our Bilbao legal team offers:
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Full contract and title reviews
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Due diligence on debts, licenses, and zoning
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Tax analysis and planning
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Remote representation with POA
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Transparent pricing and flat-fee packages
We help you avoid legal traps, speed up the process, and buy with confidence.
đź“ž Ready to Buy Safely in Bilbao?
Don’t risk your future home or investment — let our independent lawyers secure every step of your property purchase.