Do foreigners need a lawyer to buy property in Madrid? Technically, no — Spanish law doesn’t require it. But if you’re not fluent in Spanish or familiar with Spain’s legal system, buying without a lawyer is one of the riskiest moves you can make.
At Borderless Lawyers, we represent international buyers in Madrid with clear legal protection and full-service packages — whether you’re in Spain or abroad.
đźš« What Happens If You Buy Without a Lawyer?
Most mistakes happen before the notary — during:
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The signing of the arras (deposit) contract
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The legal due diligence process
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The review of tax obligations, urban planning records, and debts
Without a lawyer, you might:
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Sign unfair contracts
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Inherit unpaid debts or fines
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Buy illegal or non-registrable property
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Lose your deposit due to small errors
âś… Why Hiring a Lawyer Is Essential
A qualified Spanish property lawyer will:
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Conduct full legal due diligence
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Check urban legality and planning records
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Review and draft contracts (arras, deed)
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Pay taxes and file documents properly
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Represent you via Power of Attorney
💡 Borderless Lawyers handles all of the above — in your language and without you needing to travel.
🆚 Lawyer vs. Real Estate Agent or Notary
| Role | Who They Protect | Legally Required? | Speaks Your Language? | Checks Legal Risks? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lawyer | You | ❌ | ✅ | ✅ |
| Real Estate Agent | The seller or both | ❌ | ❌/Partially | ❌ |
| Notary | The State (neutral) | ✅ (to finalize) | ❌ | ❌ |
Only a private lawyer is truly on your side.
🧑‍⚖️ What Does a Lawyer Actually Do?
At Borderless Lawyers, we:
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Apply for your NIE
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Draft and negotiate the arras contract
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Perform all due diligence (title, debts, zoning, licenses)
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Manage Power of Attorney if you’re abroad
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Sign the deed and pay taxes
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Register the property in your name
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Assist post-purchase with wills, utilities, and taxes
🌍 Can I Buy Property in Madrid Remotely with a Lawyer?
Yes. With a Spanish lawyer and Power of Attorney:
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You don’t need to travel to Spain
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You don’t need to speak Spanish
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You don’t need to deal with banks, notaries, or tax offices directly
Borderless Lawyers offers 100% remote property purchases for foreign clients.
đź’¶ How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Lawyer?
| Service | Price Range (Madrid) |
|---|---|
| Legal property purchase package | €1,500 – €4,000 |
| NIE application | Often included |
| POA & Notary representation | Included |
| Taxes and registration support | Included |
You only pay once — and avoid far more expensive legal problems later.
đź’¬ Final Word
Foreigners absolutely need a lawyer to buy property in Madrid safely. The Spanish system protects you only if you take the right legal steps — and that starts with qualified legal representation.
At Borderless Lawyers, we specialize in:
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Representing foreign buyers in Madrid
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Handling the full process from NIE to deed
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Offering legal support in English, French, German, and more
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Avoiding costly errors that agents and sellers won’t warn you about
đź“ž Contact us today to speak with a lawyer before you sign anything.