Best Real Estate Due Diligence Lawyers in Maspalomas

1. About Real Estate Due Diligence Law in Maspalomas, Spain

Real estate due diligence in Maspalomas involves a thorough review of a property’s legal, urbanistic, fiscal, and physical status before purchase. The aim is to uncover issues that could create liability or devalue the investment. In Spain, this process relies on national civil and property law, plus local planning rules administered by the Canary Islands and Maspalomas municipality. A proper due diligence helps buyers avoid hidden encumbrances, non-conforming construction, and tax pitfalls.

Key steps typically include verifying the title with the Registro de la Propiedad, checking for charges or liens, confirming urban planning compliance, and ensuring the property has necessary certificates such as energy efficiency and habitation permits. Because Maspalomas sits within San Bartolomé de Tirajana, local planning considerations may involve municipal PGOU rules and island-level planning guidance that can affect what you can legally do with the property. A real estate solicitor in Maspalomas can coordinate these checks and interpret the results in the local context.

2. Why You May Need a Lawyer

Engaging a lawyer for real estate due diligence in Maspalomas is essential in the following concrete scenarios. Each example shows a real-world risk you may encounter on the island or in the Canary Islands region.

• The Nota Simple shows an encumbrance such as a mortgage or embargo that the seller did not disclose. Without professional review, you could inherit financial obligations when you close.
• The property is advertised as a holiday rental but lacks the required vivienda vacacional license or regulatory approvals. A lawyer can verify licensing compliance and help avoid fines or operational shutdowns.
• The building sits on land with urban planning restrictions or has irregular construction (without the correct obra licencia or cédula de habitabilidad). A lawyer can assess potential regularization steps or risks of demolition orders.
• There are outstanding community charges or restrictive covenants in the régimen de propiedad horizontal that could transfer to you after purchase. A legal review clarifies payment history and future costs.
• The sale involves a complex tax position, such as ITP or AJD implications, and you need guidance on the proper filing and potential tax exposure. A lawyer coordinates with tax authorities to minimize risk.
• You suspect the seller has multiple owners or hidden co-owners and you need a robust chain of title, clear transfer deeds, and proper registration to avoid future disputes.

3. Local Laws Overview

Spain’s real estate framework blends national civil law with local planning and housing rules. The key statutes below govern title, construction, shared buildings, and energy aspects. For official texts, see the linked sources.

• Código Civil - governs property rights, contracts, and transfer of real estate between individuals. It remains the cornerstone for property transactions and secured purchasing interests. BOE
• Ley 49/1960 de Propiedad Horizontal - establishes the regime for multi-unit buildings, including duties of owners, the administration of common areas, and annual charges. BOE
• Ley 38/1999 de Ordenación de la Edificación (LOE) - regulates construction standards and responsibility for building works, with later amendments to strengthen compliance and defect liability. BOE
• Reglamento de Certificación de Eficiencia Energética de Edificios - materia de certificados energeticos obligatorios en ventas y alquileres. BOE
• Ley Reguladora de las Haciendas Locales y regulación de ITP y AJD - impuestos aplicables a la transmisión de bienes inmuebles y actos documentados; consulta con la Agencia Tributaria para detalles y cambios recientes. Agencia Tributaria

Notes on local context: Maspalomas pertenece al municipio de San Bartolomé de Tirajana, con normativas de urbanismo propias del territorio de Canarias. Para verificar que un inmueble cumple las normas urbanísticas y de vivienda vigentes, un abogado local puede revisar el PGOU de la zona y las ordenanzas municipales aplicables. La normativa canaria también puede influir en permisos y ocupación turística de viviendas. Para textos oficiales y actualizados, consulte las fuentes citadas y las guías de las autoridades competentes.

4. Frequently Asked Questions

What is real estate due diligence in Maspalomas?

Real estate due diligence is a structured review of a property’s legal, urbanistic and fiscal status before purchase. It helps you uncover hidden liabilities and confirm market value.

How do I start a due diligence process in Maspalomas?

Begin with a formal engagement of a Maspalomas real estate lawyer. They will request the nota simple, cadastre, building licenses and community documents. A timeline is typically 2-6 weeks.

What documents should I request from the seller?

Ask for the nota simple, escritura de seguridad de propiedad, licencia de obras si relevant, cédula de habitabilidad, certificado energético, and last recibos de comunidad. These show status and obligations.

How long does due diligence take in the Canary Islands?

Typical duration is 2 to 6 weeks, depending on the complexity of the property and the speed of document responses from authorities. Complex cases may extend beyond six weeks.

Do I need a lawyer for a property purchase in Maspalomas?

Yes. A lawyer helps interpret local planning rules, verify title, assess encumbrances, and negotiate protective clauses in the deed. This reduces risk of post-sale disputes.

What is the difference between a Nota Simple and a Title Deed?

A Nota Simple is a summary from the Registro de la Propiedad showing encumbrances and rights. A Title Deed (Escritura de Compraventa) is the formal transfer document signed before a notary.

How much does due diligence cost in Maspalomas?

Costs vary by property value and complexity. Typical professional fees range from 0.5% to 1.5% of the purchase price, plus notary and registry fees.

Can a property have undisclosed charges?

Yes. Charges can include mortgages, liens, and restrictive covenants. A thorough search and registry check helps uncover them before you commit.

Do I need an NIE to buy property in Maspalomas?

Foreign buyers usually require an NIE (foreign identification number) to complete the purchase and related tax procedures. Your lawyer can arrange this if you do not already have one.

Is there a limit on tourist rental properties in Maspalomas?

Canary Islands and local rules regulate Vivienda Vacacional. A due diligence check should confirm license status and compliance with tourist rental requirements.

What is a habitation certificate and why check it?

A habitation certificate confirms the property is fit for living. If absent or expired, you may face occupancy limits or renovation obligations before sale.

What steps should I take after signing the agreement?

Immediately engage a lawyer to finalize the deed, confirm the title transfer, arrange notary and registry steps, and ensure all charges are settled before registration.

5. Additional Resources

• Agencia Tributaria (AEAT) - Official tax authority for property transactions, ITP and AJD guidance. Official site
• Boletín Oficial del Estado (BOE) - Official texts for national real estate law, including LOE, Propiedad Horizontal and energy certificates. BOE
• Registros de la Propiedad (Ministerio de Justicia / Registradores de la Propiedad) - Registry authority for title and lien searches; cooperates with notaries and registrars. Ministerio de Justicia
• Gobierno de Canarias - Canary Islands planning and housing policies that affect Maspalomas and tourist accommodation rules. Canarias Government

6. Next Steps

1. Identify a Maspalomas real estate lawyer who has experience with local planning and title issues. Schedule a consult within 5-10 days of making an offer.
2. Gather initial documents and provide your lawyer with the proposed purchase details, including target price and property address. Allow 3-5 days for preparation.
3. Request a formal due diligence package from your lawyer, including nota simple, cadastre, last recibos de comunidad, and energy certificate if available. Expect 1-2 weeks for responses.
4. Review findings with your lawyer to identify risks, required regularizations, and negotiation levers. Plan contingencies for any red flags. Allow 3-7 days.
5. Negotiate protective clauses in the purchase agreement or addenda to address discovered issues, such as escrow for liabilities or seller commitments to obtain licenses. Target a closing window of 2-4 weeks after signing.
6. Complete the transfer with notary, register the deed, and ensure all encumbrances are cleared or properly indemnified in the deed. Expect 1-2 weeks for registry completion.
7. Confirm tax and post-purchase steps with your lawyer, including ITP/AJD filings and update of cadastral records. Plan 1-3 months for final tax filings and registration confirmation.