Property for international buyers
Real Estate Lawyer in Bilbao: Buying Property in Spain with Advice in English
Buying a home in Spain is a big decision, and the process is different from the UK, Ireland or the US. As your English-speaking real estate lawyer, I act only for you, the buyer, and guide you in plain English from the first offer to the signing at the notary and the registration of your property.
Who I help
International buyers
Purchasing a home or holiday property in Northern Spain.
Buyers from abroad
Clients who cannot travel to Spain for every step of the purchase.
Spanish buyers with common-law ties
Spanish buyers with connections to the UK, Ireland or the US.
Where I work
My property practice covers Northern Spain. If you are buying a home anywhere in this region, I can act for you.
- Bilbao and the Basque Country
- Cantabria (including Castro Urdiales and Santander)
- Burgos
- Navarra
The process
How the buying process works
A clear, step-by-step view of a Spanish property purchase, from our first conversation to the keys in your hand.
Initial consultation
Your plans, budget, timescale and how you will pay for the property.
NIE and bank account
The foreigner identification number you need to buy in Spain, and a Spanish bank account.
Legal checks before you commit
Who owns the property, debts or charges registered against it, planning status and licences, community fees, and local taxes.
Reservation or deposit contract (arras)
I review or draft it, so you know exactly what happens to your deposit if the sale does not go ahead.
Mortgage, if needed
I work with your bank or broker on the documents.
Signing at the notary
I review the deed beforehand and can attend with you, or sign on your behalf with a power of attorney.
After completion
Payment of taxes, registration at the Land Registry, and changing utilities and local taxes into your name.
Common problems I help you avoid
These are the issues that most often catch foreign buyers out. Checking them before you commit is the point of having an independent lawyer.
Costs to plan for
On top of the price, buyers usually pay purchase taxes (transfer tax on resale homes, or VAT and stamp duty on new builds; rates depend on the region), notary and Land Registry fees, and mortgage costs if any. I give you an estimate at the start so there are no surprises.
- Purchase taxes — transfer tax (resale) or VAT and stamp duty (new build), set by the region.
- Notary and Land Registry fees.
- Mortgage costs, if you are financing the purchase.
Buying from abroad
If you cannot be in Spain for the signing, you can give me a power of attorney, signed in Spain or at a notary or consulate in your country, and I complete the purchase on your behalf.
Case study
Buying a Property Through a Foreign Company
A foreign company wanted to buy a rural property in Spain from sellers who had inherited it but were not yet the registered owners.
- Checked the title, the Land Registry and the Catastro
- Obtained the company’s Spanish NIF and prepared a Power of Attorney
- Drafted the arras contract to deal with the unregistered title
Frequently asked questions
“I couldn't have bought my house in Spain without Eoin's help! From day one, he was extremely helpful, answered all my questions and put my concerns at ease. Eoin opened my Spanish bank account, obtained my NIE, switched utilities into my name, registered me for property tax, handled all communication with the seller, and handled everything on completion day.”
Paul B.
Google review
Why work with me
Direct contact with me throughout, not a case manager.
Advice in English and Spanish.
Former English barrister, so I understand how buyers from common-law countries expect the process to work.
Reviewed by Eoin McGirr, abogado. Last updated October 2026. This page is general information, not legal advice for your specific case.