1. Using the seller's lawyer
The estate agent's "in-house lawyer" represents the transaction, not you. Always hire an independent Spanish lawyer.
2. Signing in Spanish without a translation
The reservation and Arras contracts are binding. Never sign anything you don't fully understand.
3. Skipping the building survey
On a €1M+ villa, €600 for a qualified survey saves you €60,000 in renovation surprises.
4. Trusting the cadastral square metres
Cadastral and Land Registry m² often differ from reality. Always measure on site.
5. Forgetting community debt checks
A property can carry up to 4 years of unpaid community fees that transfer to the new owner. Your lawyer must request the certificado de deuda.
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Start matching6. Ignoring the Plan General de Ordenación Urbana (PGOU)
A villa in Marbella can be technically "illegal" pending a town-hall regularisation. The lawyer must check planning status and any open expediente.
7. Currency exposure
GBP/EUR or NOK/EUR moves of 8–12% during a 6-month purchase wipe out negotiation margins. Use a forward contract for big amounts.
8. Buying in August
Vendors, lawyers and the town hall are all unreachable. Mistakes compound. Buy March–June or October–November.
9. Underestimating annual ownership costs
Budget 1.5–2.5% of purchase price per year for IBI + community + insurance + maintenance + non-resident tax.
10. Buying before you've lived here a month
Rent first. Watch how summer feels. Check the road home at midnight. Most regretted purchases on the Costa del Sol were made on a 3-day viewing trip.
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Areas in this article
- Marbella guide6,800 €/sqm · +9.2% YoY
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