Buying a new build property in Spain is a dream for many international buyers. Areas such as San Juan de los Terreros and Mar de Pulpí are becoming increasingly popular thanks to their exceptional climate, quality of life, and modern residential developments by the Mediterranean.
However, the legal process involves several important steps that must be carefully followed to ensure a safe investment. At Imont Legal & Taxes, we guide you through the entire process from our new office in Mar de Pulpí, providing peace of mind at every stage of your purchase.
In most cases, the process begins with signing a reservation agreement. This document removes the property from the market and secures it while the legal and contractual procedures begin.
A reservation deposit is usually required, typically between €3,000 and €10,000. From that moment, your lawyer starts the legal checks and the developer prepares the private purchase contract.
One of the most important stages when buying a new build property in Spain is the legal due diligence. This is essential to ensure that your investment is fully protected.
Your lawyer will verify:
Skipping this step can expose you to unnecessary risks.
Once the legal checks are completed, the private purchase contract is drafted. Although many developers provide bilingual contracts, the Spanish version is always legally binding.
Your lawyer will:
The contract must include essential elements such as the delivery date, technical specifications, and payment schedule.
If you have the opportunity to visit Spain during construction, it is highly recommended. This allows you to monitor progress and deal with practical arrangements.
At this stage, many buyers choose to grant a power of attorney to their lawyer, enabling them to handle legal and administrative matters on their behalf.
Granting a power of attorney is not mandatory, but it is strongly advised. It allows your lawyer to:
This is particularly important in new build properties, as water and electricity connections can take several weeks. Without this arrangement, you may not be able to use the property immediately after completion.
In addition to the purchase price, buyers should consider the associated costs. In regions such as Almería and Murcia, these mainly include VAT and stamp duty.
Typical costs include:
If you apply for a mortgage, additional bank-related costs will also apply.
Once the property is completed, a meeting is arranged at the notary to sign the title deed (Escritura). This is when ownership is officially transferred.
The deed is always drafted in Spanish, so legal assistance is essential if you are not fluent in the language. Your lawyer will ensure you fully understand the document before signing.
At this stage:
After signing at the notary, the process continues with tax payments and registration of the property at the Land Registry.
This usually takes between two and three months. Once completed, you will receive the final registered title deed.
When purchasing a new build property in Spain, there are several important aspects to keep in mind.
For example:
In addition, Spanish law provides protection for buyers through construction guarantees, including up to ten years for structural defects.
Imont Legal & Taxes brings over 20 years of experience supporting international clients in achieving their dream of owning a home in Spain.
Although the firm was officially established in 2004, its origins go back to 1999, when its founder, Isabel Montesinos, lived in the United States with her family. During that time, she experienced first-hand how complex and stressful it can be to purchase a property abroad, especially when navigating a foreign legal system and language.
Upon returning to Spain, she founded Imont Legal & Taxes with the mission of guiding international buyers through every step of the property-purchase process, offering them confidence, clarity and full legal assurance.
Today, Imont Legal & Taxes is a consolidated firm of lawyers and tax specialists in International Real Estate Law, with offices in Murcia, Costa Blanca North, Costa Blanca South, Almería and Madrid. Our team is composed of multilingual professionals who can assist clients in their own language and understand their specific needs.
We are proud that a significant part of our client base comes from referrals and recommendations—testimony to the trust, professionalism, and long-term relationships we have built over the years.
Buying property abroad requires trust, experience, and local expertise. At Imont Legal & Taxes, we combine in-depth legal knowledge with a personalised approach.
From our office in Mar de Pulpí, we assist international clients in their own language and ensure that every step of the process is handled professionally and securely.
Buying a new build property in Spain is a fantastic investment opportunity, but it requires careful legal guidance. By understanding the process and working with a specialised law firm, you can avoid risks and enjoy your new home on the Spanish coast with complete peace of mind.
