Once you’ve signed the deed and paid the taxes, the final step is to register the property in your name. Without this step, you won’t appear as the legal owner in the Spanish Land Registry, which can create future problems with sales, inheritance, or ownership rights.
At Borderless Lawyers, we handle the full property registration process for foreign buyers in Marbella — ensuring it’s fast, legal, and error-free.
🏛️ Step 1: Sign the Notary Deed (Escritura Pública)
This official act finalizes the sale:
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Takes place before a Spanish notary
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The seller transfers ownership to the buyer
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Buyer pays the balance of the price
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Notary certifies the transaction
âś… You can attend in person or let us represent you with Power of Attorney.
đź’¶ Step 2: Pay Transfer Taxes
Before registering, you must pay:
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ITP (7% for resale properties), or
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VAT + Stamp Duty for new builds
We file the tax forms and make payments to the Andalusian tax office within the legal 30-day period.
đź§ľ Step 3: Land Registry Filing
We submit your notarized deed to the Registro de la Propiedad in Marbella. The registry will:
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Review the deed for accuracy
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Verify taxes have been paid
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Confirm title transfer and update records
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Issue a nota simple showing you as the new owner
📄 Registration usually takes 2–4 weeks, depending on volume and property type.
🗺️ Step 4: Cadastre Update (Catastro)
The Cadastre is a separate government registry that tracks:
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Square meters
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Property use
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Taxable value (valor catastral)
We update the Cadastre so your IBI (local tax) bills are properly assigned going forward.
đź§ľ Step 5: Update Utilities & Community Records
We assist with:
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Changing water, electricity, and gas contracts
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Informing the comunidad de propietarios (if applicable)
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Setting up direct debits for local taxes and charges
This ensures seamless post-purchase ownership.
❗ Why It’s Important to Register Quickly
Delays or mistakes in property registration can cause:
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Legal challenges over ownership
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Inability to resell or mortgage
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Missed tax notices
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Fines for non-compliance
âś… We register the property immediately after signing and send you proof of ownership.
đź’¬ Final Word
Registering property in your name in Marbella is the final — and crucial — step in becoming a legal owner. It’s not automatic. It must be done properly, on time, and in compliance with Spanish property law.
At Borderless Lawyers, we take care of everything — from deed to Cadastre — so you can enjoy full legal ownership without hassle.
📞 Contact us to complete your Marbella purchase with total confidence.