Valencia’s property market is booming — and foreign buyers are jumping in. But many get burned by avoidable legal mistakes that cost thousands in losses or delays.
Here’s what you need to watch out for — and how to protect yourself with legal support from day one.
🚨 Top Legal Mistakes Foreign Buyers Make in Valencia
❌ 1. Signing the Arras Contract Without Legal Review
The arras contract (deposit agreement) is legally binding. If you cancel after signing, you could:
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Lose your deposit
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Be sued by the seller
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Have no protection against hidden property issues
âś… Always have a lawyer review or draft the contract.
❌ 2. Not Conducting Proper Due Diligence
Many buyers skip legal checks and trust the agent. This is risky — especially in Valencia, where we’ve seen:
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Illegal home extensions
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Planning violations
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Hidden property debts
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Unregistered ownership
âś… Get a full due diligence report from an independent lawyer.
❌ 3. Using the Seller’s or Agent’s Lawyer
This creates a conflict of interest. Their priority is closing the deal — not protecting your rights.
âś… Always hire your own independent legal counsel.
❌ 4. Paying Money Directly to the Seller
We’ve seen cases where:
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Buyers sent thousands to personal accounts
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Deposits were lost due to fraud
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No formal documentation existed
âś… Use an escrow or lawyer-managed payment system.
❌ 5. Assuming Taxes and Fees Are Included
The purchase price is not all you’ll pay. Buyers often forget:
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ITP or VAT
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Notary and registry fees
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Legal costs
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Property transfer taxes
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PlusvalĂa municipal (sometimes passed to the buyer)
âś… Get a full cost estimate in advance.
❌ 6. Buying Without a Spanish Will
Foreign buyers often assume their home country’s will covers Spanish assets. That’s not the case.
âś… Draft a Spanish-compatible will and choose applicable inheritance law to protect your heirs.
❌ 7. Believing You Must Be in Spain to Buy
You can complete the entire transaction remotely with a power of attorney. Many foreigners miss out due to this myth.
âś… We help clients buy 100% remotely from anywhere in the world.
🧑‍⚖️ How Borderless Lawyers Protects Foreign Buyers
✔️ We draft and review all contracts
✔️ Conduct thorough due diligence before any deposit
✔️ Explain every step in plain English
✔️ Offer remote purchase with POA
✔️ Provide fixed-fee legal packages — no surprises
💡 Real Case: €42,000 Deposit Lost by Buyer Who Skipped Due Diligence
An overseas buyer signed an arras without legal review.
The property had unpaid IBI taxes and no habitation certificate.
The buyer tried to cancel — but lost the deposit and still faced fines.
âś… A 5-day legal review would have prevented the entire issue.
📞 Don’t Let Legal Mistakes Cost You in Valencia
Our bilingual legal team specializes in helping foreigners buy property in Valencia safely and confidently.