How to Buy an Apartment in Valencia – Legal Assistance

A Complete Legal Guide for Foreign Buyers in Valencia

At Blue Key, we specialize in helping foreigners buy property in Valencia. This article is the second part in our 4-part series about how to buy an apartment in Valencia. In the previous article, we covered how to search for an apartment in Valencia. Now, we’ll focus on the most critical stage of the process: legal assistance during the buying process. Whether you're a first-time investor or an experienced buyer, having a trusted property lawyer in Valencia is essential for a smooth, risk-free purchase.

Why You Need a Property Lawyer in Valencia

Unlike other countries where notaries take on a broad legal role, in Spain, and especially in Valencia, notaries only perform a formal validation of documents. They do not conduct due diligence or verify debts. That’s why it is absolutely necessary to work with an experienced property lawyer who understands the legal and financial intricacies of the Spanish real estate market.

Buying property in Valencia without legal assistance can expose you to major risks—unpaid debts, structural issues, inheritance disputes, and even land ownership complications. Your lawyer is the only person in the process who works entirely in your interest, ensuring that the property you buy is legally sound, debt-free, and ready for ownership transfer.

What Does the Legal Process Look Like?

The 3 Stages of Buying Property in Valencia

1. Reservation Contract – You express your intention to purchase the property.

2. Arras Contract – A private contract between buyer and seller outlining terms and including a deposit.

3. Notary Signature – Official registration of the sale before a notary public.

You must hire your lawyer before the reservation contract is signed. A good lawyer will guide you from the first offer through to the signature at the notary.

What Legal Services Are Included?

At Blue Key, we provide full legal support from the moment you choose a property until the final deed is signed. Our legal assistance package typically includes:

• Nota Simple Check – Reviewing the property’s official record to confirm ownership, size, and encumbrances.

• Due Diligence – Checking for any outstanding debts, legal claims, or irregularities with the property or seller.

• Document Review – Editing and clarifying the reservation and arras contracts to protect your interests.

• Debt Verification – Ensuring there are no community, utility, or municipal debts attached to the property.

• Deed Drafting and Notary Coordination – Reviewing and preparing the official purchase deed and handling final signature logistics.

• Bank Liaison – Organizing payments, preparing cheques, and communicating with your financial institution.

• Assistance on Completion Day – Personal legal support on the day of signing at the notary office.

Optional Legal Services

Additional services may include:

• Obtaining an NIE number

• Opening a Spanish bank account

• Tax registration

• Mortgage application support

• Drafting private contracts or extensions
  These services are billed separately, typically at a fixed hourly rate.

Common Legal Pitfalls When Buying Property in Valencia

1. Seller Is Not the Legal Owner

In Valencia, inheritance issues can complicate ownership. Your lawyer will verify ownership status and identify any unresolved legal matters between family members.

2. Outstanding Debts on the Property

It's common for properties to have unpaid IBI taxes, utility bills, or community fees. These debts can become your responsibility if unnoticed.

3. Structural or Legal Issues

Buildings may have hidden damages or unresolved permits. Your lawyer will investigate with the administrador de fincasand local authorities to ensure everything is in order.

4. The Land Doesn’t Belong to the Owner

Especially in areas like Cabanyal or Nazaret, the land under the building may belong to the city. This means you could be buying the apartment, but not the land beneath it. A lawyer will clarify your rights.

5. Seller Is a Non-Resident

Tax complications arise when the seller is not a Spanish resident. You need a lawyer to handle tax withholdings and prevent post-sale liabilities.

6. Lack of Buyer Preparation

Buyers often forget about essential documents such as the NIE or a Spanish bank account. These are legal prerequisites for property ownership in Spain. Your lawyer will help you obtain them on time.

Cost of Legal Assistance in Valencia

The average cost of a full legal due diligence package with Blue Key ranges between €1,950 (+VAT) and 1% of the purchase price, depending on the property type and complexity. This is a small investment that protects you from major financial and legal risks.

Work with an English-Speaking Property Lawyer in Valencia

Tiscar Navarro, CEO of Globexs and Blue Key, is a highly regarded property lawyer with over 15 years of experience in helping foreign investors. She and her legal team provide complete legal services in fluent English, making the process transparent, understandable, and stress-free for international clients.

Having an English-speaking lawyer by your side ensures that you fully understand every step of the buying process, every document you sign, and every potential risk.

Why Foreign Investors Prefer Valencia

Compared to Madrid or Barcelona, Valencia offers better value, a higher quality of life, lower crime rates, and a friendlier expat community. The cost of living is reasonable, the weather is excellent year-round, and the property prices are still attractive. That’s why more and more international buyers are choosing to invest in Valencia instead of Spain’s larger cities.

The Blue Key Full-Circle Investment Support

At Blue Key, we don’t just help you find a property—we guide you through every stage of your real estate journey in Valencia.

1. Property Search – Tailored advice and support to help you find the right apartment or investment property.

2. Legal Assistance – Full legal due diligence, contract management, and risk mitigation.

3. Return on Investment – Our partner Globexs helps you rent out your apartment to expats for mid-term stays, maximizing your ROI.

4. Property Management – Our sister company Nestor manages cleaning, maintenance, and tenant services to keep your apartment in top shape.

Contact Your English-Speaking Lawyer in Valencia

Are you planning to buy an apartment in Valencia and need legal assistance? We’re here to help.
Contact Blue Key Homes for expert guidance and full-service support with your real estate purchase in Spain.