Barcelona’s property market is attractive to foreign investors — but beneath the sunny facades and beachfront flats lie real legal risks.
At Borderless Lawyers, we’ve helped hundreds of international clients avoid costly pitfalls that could ruin their investment or delay residency plans.
Here’s what you must avoid when buying property in Barcelona — and how we help protect you.
❌ Pitfall 1: Signing the Arras Contract Without Legal Review
The Contrato de Arras (deposit contract) is legally binding. Many buyers sign without realizing:
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It may lack clear exit clauses
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The deposit is at risk if the buyer defaults
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It may favor the seller’s conditions
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It might be written only in Spanish
✔️ Our Solution: We draft or review the arras contract to reflect your interests — and include clauses for due diligence, financing, and fair timelines.
❌ Pitfall 2: Skipping Due Diligence on the Property
Many foreign buyers rely only on what the agent tells them. But common problems include:
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Undeclared square meters or terraces
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Illegal renovations
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Urban planning violations
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Community debt or legal disputes
✔️ Our Solution: We perform full legal checks on land registry, cadastre, HOA status, and zoning.
❌ Pitfall 3: Relying Only on the Real Estate Agent
Real estate agents in Spain are not legally required to disclose all risks. They’re not neutral — they work for the seller or themselves.
✔️ Our Solution: As independent lawyers, we represent only you — ensuring unbiased legal protection.
❌ Pitfall 4: Not Understanding the Property’s Tax Implications
From Transfer Tax (ITP) to capital gains and yearly IBI, buyers often underestimate the true cost of owning Spanish real estate.
✔️ Our Solution: We provide a full tax breakdown and long-term cost analysis, including property income or resale implications.
❌ Pitfall 5: Buying Without an NIE or Bank Account
The NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is required to register property. Not having it delays the process — especially when buying on a short trip.
✔️ Our Solution: We obtain your NIE and set up a Spanish bank account via Power of Attorney, often before you even visit.
❌ Pitfall 6: Attempting to Buy Remotely Without Legal Support
Remote purchases are legal in Spain — but you need:
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A valid POA
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A trustworthy representative
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Notarial coordination
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Post-deed tax handling
✔️ Our Solution: We handle 100% remote purchases for clients worldwide, including notarization, tax filings, and registrations.
❌ Pitfall 7: Underestimating Bureaucracy & Delays
From tax authorities to property registries, Spain’s bureaucracy is complex — and slow. A small error in a document can lead to weeks of delays or tax penalties.
✔️ Our Solution: We anticipate issues, file all documents correctly, and follow up directly with the notary, registries, and tax offices.
âś… Why Work With Borderless Lawyers?
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Independent property lawyers based in Barcelona
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Multilingual (English, French, German, Dutch, Spanish)
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Fixed-fee pricing — no hidden costs
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Full legal due diligence, contract drafting, notary support
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Remote or in-person service for buyers worldwide
📞 Avoid Mistakes — Buy in Barcelona the Smart Way
Buying property in Barcelona is a major investment. Don’t risk it with shortcuts or assumptions.