It’s easy to fall in love with Alicante’s sun, sea, and real estate prices. But the legal process in Spain can be very different from what you’re used to — and foreigners face specific risks.
Here’s what to watch out for — and how to avoid losing money, time, or legal protection.
⚠️ Top Legal Pitfalls Foreign Buyers Face in Alicante
❌ 1. Signing a Reservation Contract Too Early
Many agents push foreign buyers to sign a contract or pay a deposit before proper legal checks.
Why it’s risky:
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You may lose your deposit if the deal falls through
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Property may have hidden problems (debts, illegal structures)
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Contract terms may be biased toward the seller
âś… Solution: Let us review or draft the arras contract only after full legal due diligence.
❌ 2. Relying Only on the Real Estate Agent
Agents in Alicante often represent the seller — not you.
Risks include:
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Hidden issues are not disclosed
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Pressure to move fast without legal review
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Conflict of interest if the agent earns a commission
âś… Solution: Always work with an independent lawyer, not tied to the agency.
❌ 3. Not Checking Urban Planning & Zoning Status
Coastal and rural homes in Alicante may have:
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Illegal extensions
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No occupancy certificate
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Planning violations
âś… Solution: We conduct a full urbanismo check with the Town Hall and land registry before you buy.
❌ 4. Buying Without NIE or Power of Attorney
You can’t legally buy in Spain without an NIE (Foreigner Tax ID).
Delays in getting your NIE or signing at the notary can cost you the property.
âś… Solution: We obtain your NIE and represent you remotely via Power of Attorney if needed.
❌ 5. Inheriting Unpaid Debts or Community Charges
If the property has:
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Unpaid IBI or utility bills
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Mortgage charges or embargoes
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Outstanding community of owners fees
— these can transfer to you if not caught in due diligence.
âś… Solution: We verify all charges, debts, and tax compliance before signing.
❌ 6. Overpaying on Transfer Taxes
Without proper tax planning, you may:
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Trigger additional tax audits for undervaluation
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Pay excess ITP (Transfer Tax)
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Miss out on deductions or exemptions
âś… Solution: We calculate correct tax based on cadastral value and market norms, and file all taxes for you.
❌ 7. Assuming the Property Is Registered Correctly
In Alicante, it’s not uncommon for:
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Homes to be built but not properly registered
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Land and house titles to be mismatched
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Properties to lack legal description in the land registry
âś… Solution: We perform a full title search and land registry update before completing the sale.
❌ 8. Buying “Under the Radar” or Cash-Only Deals
These deals often:
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Bypass official registration
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Involve underdeclared amounts
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Leave you exposed to legal and tax risk
âś… Solution: We ensure everything is notarized, transparent, and compliant.
🧑‍⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Protects You
Our Alicante-based legal team provides:
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Full due diligence in Spanish & English (or your language)
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Drafting or review of the arras contract
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Coordination with agents, notary, and bank
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NIE, Power of Attorney, and tax filings
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A fixed-fee package — no hourly surprises
Whether you’re buying in person or remotely, we guide you every step of the way.
📞 Avoid Costly Mistakes — Start With a Legal Review
Don’t let legal traps ruin your dream of owning property in Spain.
Let Borderless Lawyers secure your purchase from the first step.