Why Due Diligence Matters When Buying in Bilbao
Buying property in Bilbao — like anywhere in Spain — is legally binding and often irreversible. Foreign buyers face added risks from:
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Incomplete or false property records
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Unpaid taxes or hidden debts
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Lack of building or occupancy permits
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Misrepresented ownership
✅ That’s why full due diligence is the cornerstone of a secure transaction.
🧑⚖️ What Is Conveyancing in Spain?
Conveyancing is the legal process of transferring ownership of a property from seller to buyer. In Spain, it’s not handled by default through a solicitor — so you must appoint your own independent lawyer to represent you.
Borderless Lawyers offers complete bilingual conveyancing in Bilbao — for both in-person and remote buyers.
🔎 Step-by-Step Legal Due Diligence in Bilbao
| Step | What We Check | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| 1️⃣ Nota Simple | Registry status, ownership, charges | Confirms seller’s legal right to sell |
| 2️⃣ Cadastral Record | Property size and use | Verifies consistency with title |
| 3️⃣ Urban Planning Status | Local PGOU zoning, licenses, permits | Detects illegal builds or restrictions |
| 4️⃣ Community Debts | Unpaid fees to homeowners’ association | Buyer becomes liable post-sale |
| 5️⃣ Municipal Taxes | IBI and garbage tax payments | Ensures no back taxes are owed |
| 6️⃣ Energy Certificate | Mandatory for sale | Required by Spanish law |
| 7️⃣ First Occupation License | For newer properties | Confirms habitability and legality |
⚠️ We also verify if the seller has mortgages, embargoes, or liens — and we ensure they’re cleared before completion.
✍️ Reviewing the Arras Contract
The arras contract is the reservation agreement — it’s legally binding and often written by the seller’s agent.
Before signing, we:
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Negotiate buyer protections
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Include financing clauses
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Set fair cancellation terms
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Ensure clear timelines and seller obligations
💡 Never sign an arras contract without legal review — or you risk losing your deposit or being forced to close under bad terms.
🧾 Notary & Final Deed Signing
On completion day, you’ll sign the escritura pública de compraventa at a Bilbao notary. We:
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Draft and review the deed
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Translate all key clauses
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Confirm final payment instructions
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Attend on your behalf (if using Power of Attorney)
✅ Once signed, the property is legally yours.
🏛️ Land Registry & Cadastre Updates
After the notary:
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We register the deed with the Bilbao Land Registry
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Update the Catastro (Spanish property mapping system)
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Register your ownership with the local tax authority (Bizkaia)
You receive a full legal file with all certified copies, translations, and registration confirmations.
🌍 Buying Remotely? We Handle It All.
Many foreign buyers prefer to complete the entire process remotely.
We manage:
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NIE application
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Bank setup
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Full due diligence and conveyancing
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Notary attendance via POA
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Post-sale registration and tax setup
💼 100% secure. Fully legal. Trusted by clients worldwide.
📞 Need Legal Help with Conveyancing in Bilbao?
Whether you’re already in Spain or buying from abroad, our Bilbao-based legal team protects your investment every step of the way.