Frequently asked questions

While it is not a legal requirement, Canary Islands Estates strongly recommends that every buyer appoints an independent lawyer when purchasing property in Spain. Your lawyer should be locally based and fully qualified in Spanish property law. They will conduct all necessary searches, review contracts, and protect your interests throughout the process — it is one of the most important decisions you will make.

We personally escort you to every viewing and take the time to show you not just the property itself but the surrounding area — nearby amenities, local towns, beaches and facilities. We believe understanding the location is just as important as understanding the property, and our 40 years of island knowledge means we can give you context no online listing ever could.

Both options are worth exploring and the right choice depends on your personal circumstances and the rates available to you at the time. That said, there are often advantages to financing in the country of purchase. In Spain, Canary Islands Estates are official agents of Banco Sabadell — a well-established, multilingual bank with extensive experience working with international buyers. We can connect you directly with their team to discuss your options with no obligation.

If a problem is identified during the legal search process that cannot be resolved, you will receive your full deposit back. In Spain, Canary Islands Estates acts as the depositario — meaning your deposit is held securely by us as the agent, not transferred to the vendor, until all legal searches are complete and the final signing has taken place. This gives you full protection throughout the process. No funds are released to the vendor until everything is legally in order.

A Notary (Notario) is a state-appointed legal official who has undergone specialist training and examinations qualifying them to oversee a wide range of legal matters, including property transfers. Once a document is signed before a Notary, they become legally responsible for its accuracy and are obliged to enter the details into the official public records. Their presence at completion is a legal requirement in Spain.

Yes, you can sell a tenanted property in Spain. However, prospective buyers will need to view the property, so we recommend informing your tenant early, ensuring they understand the situation, and agreeing on reasonable access for viewings. There are also legal considerations around existing tenancy agreements that your lawyer should review. Contact us for advice on how to handle this situation correctly from the start.

As the vendor you will be liable for two main taxes. First, Capital Gains Tax on any profit made from the sale. Second, Plusvalía Municipal — a local tax based on the increase in the cadastral value of the land during the period you have owned it. Additionally, if you are non-resident in Spain, 3% of the sale price will be withheld by the buyer and paid directly to the Spanish tax authorities as a security against any potential tax liability. We strongly recommend taking independent tax advice before proceeding with a sale.

No — if you are unable to attend in person you can grant Power of Attorney (Poder Notarial) to your lawyer or another trusted representative to sign on your behalf. This is common practice for overseas buyers and is a straightforward legal process your solicitor can arrange.