25/09/2025
Buying a property in Spain as a foreigner: 12 costly mistakes to avoid
Buying a home in Spain is a dream for many foreigners whether it’s for retirement, investment, or a family move. But too often, that dream comes with unexpected costs and legal headaches simply because the right checks weren’t made before signing.
In over 20 years advising expats, I’ve seen it all: people who bought without checking hidden debts, others who later discovered unpaid taxes or disputes in the community of owners, and some who even realized the property on paper was not the one they visited.
All of these mistakes can add thousands of euros to the final cost and endless stress.
That’s why due diligence is essential.
Here are 12 mistakes that can make your purchase more expensive than it should be:
🔸Not checking for outstanding debts or charges.
🔹Ignoring mismatches between land registry and cadastre.
🔸Overlooking community of owners’ rules and unpaid fees.
🔹Forgetting to verify IBI (property tax) payments.
🔸Not reviewing utility contracts and possible arrears.
🔹Failing to justify the origin of funds (required by anti-money laundering laws).
🔸Not securing a NIE (foreigner’s ID number) in time.
🔹Underestimating Spanish tax obligations as a non-resident.
🔸Not clarifying who pays closing costs and notary fees.
🔹Skipping a technical inspection (structural issues, legalizations).
🔸Relying only on the seller or agent for information.
🔹Not hiring an independent lawyer to defend your interests.
At Costaluz Lawyers, we often tell our clients: buying a property is not just a financial transaction, it’s the start of a new chapter of your life. And that chapter should begin with clarity, not with hidden surprises.
A proper checklist of due diligence doesn’t just save money, it gives you peace of mind.
Are you planning to buy in Spain? Let’s make sure your dream home comes with security, not stress.
