Lanzarote Conveyancing Lawyer – Expert Spanish Property Solicitors

Conveyancing Services for Property Buyers in Lanzarote

• Pre-Purchase Checks & Due Diligence: We rigorously investigate the property's legal status before you commit. This includes verifying the seller's title, ensuring the property is correctly registered, and checking for any debts, liens or unpaid taxes on the property. We confirm all necessary planning permissions and licenses are in order (for example, that any extensions or pools were built legally). This thorough due diligence means you won't unknowingly inherit hidden debts or legal problems along with the property. If any issues are found, we advise on solutions or negotiate with the seller to resolve them before you proceed.
• NIE Number & Financial Setup: Foreign buyers in Spain must obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) – a tax identification number required for any property purchase. We assist you in applying for your NIE as early as possible and can often expedite this process. We'll also help you set up a Spanish bank account and ensure you have the necessary funds in place for the deposit and purchase. Being prepared with a NIE and local bank account will enable a smooth transaction when you find your ideal property. (Tip: Having a Spanish account can save money on transfer fees and is useful for paying local bills and taxes.)
• Contract Review & Deposit Handling: Once you've found the right property, we review or draft the private purchase contract (Contrato de Arras) in bilingual form (English/Spanish) for complete transparency. This preliminary contract sets out the terms of the sale and is accompanied by a reservation deposit, typically 10% of the purchase price. We explain all clauses to you and can negotiate terms to include any protections you need – for example, making the purchase conditional on obtaining a mortgage or a satisfactory survey. Nothing is signed or paid until you are comfortable with every detail. If a deposit is placed, we ensure it's held securely (often in the estate agent's or our client account) and that the contract clearly states what happens in the event of either party withdrawing (standard practice in Spain is that if the buyer pulls out without cause, they forfeit the deposit; if the seller pulls out, they must return double the deposit). We make sure you're protected in these scenarios.
• Secure Payments & Escrow Service: When it's time to make payments (such as the 10% deposit or the final purchase amount), we offer the use of our regulated client escrow account for secure fund transfers. You can send the funds to our escrow account in your home currency or in euros, and we will handle paying the seller or their notary at completion. Using our escrow service adds an extra layer of security and can save you money on international bank fees, since we can often avoid costly overseas transfer charges. It also means the seller only receives the money when all agreed conditions are met, protecting you as the buyer.
• Notary Coordination & Completion: We coordinate the final closing at the notary's office. Spanish law requires a notary public to formalize all real estate sales, and we will either accompany you to the notary or, if you prefer not to travel for completion, act on your behalf via a power of attorney. Before the notary day, we double-check that all conditions are fulfilled – for example, that any remaining questions have been answered and any issues uncovered in searches have been resolved by the seller. We ensure the seller has prepared all required certificates (like an Energy Performance Certificate and up-to-date utility and community fee receipts) so that no debts or bills are left unpaid on the property at handover. On the day of completion, we will review the new Title Deed (Escritura) for accuracy, ensure the correct amounts are paid and transferred, and that you receive the keys once the deed is signed. Our presence at the notary ensures your interests are represented during this formal step.
• Post-Sale Registration & Taxes: After the notary signing, our job isn't over. We promptly register the property under your name at the Land Registry and pay the required purchase taxes on your behalf. In Lanzarote (Canary Islands), the main tax on buying a resale property is the Property Transfer Tax (ITP), which is 6.5% of the purchase price (notably lower than the ~10% rate in many parts of mainland Spain). If you're buying a newly built property, we ensure payment of the IGIC (VAT) instead (Canary Islands VAT is 7% for new builds). We also handle the Notary and Land Registry fees (typically around 1–2% combined) and the stamp duty (AJD) on the deed (around 0.75% in this region). We'll provide you with all the final invoices and receipts for these costs. Additionally, we can assist in setting up your ongoing obligations: for example, helping arrange automatic payments for your annual IBI municipal property tax and transferring utility bills into your name. Our comprehensive service means from start to finish, every legal detail is covered – so you can enjoy your new property worry-free.

Legal Support for Selling Property in Lanzarote

If you are looking to sell your property in Lanzarote, our conveyancing experts offer end-to-end legal assistance to ensure a smooth sale. Spain’s selling process also has unique steps and obligations – we’ve got you covered on those as well:

• Pre-Sale Document Prep & Contract Advice: We guide you through all the paperwork needed to sell your property. This includes verifying your Title Deeds, obtaining an Energy Performance Certificate (legally required to sell in Spain), and gathering other relevant documents (such as community fee statements, latest utility bills, and any habitation license). When you find a buyer, we handle the negotiation and review of the reserve agreement or private sale contract. It’s critical to have your own lawyer draft or check the sales contract, rather than relying on the estate agent’s version. We ensure the terms (sale price, what fixtures/furnishings are included, completion deadline, etc.) are clearly defined and fair to you. We’ll also advise you on any “deposit contract” the buyer might sign. Typically, the buyer will pay a 10% deposit at contract exchange and, if they back out without cause, you keep that deposit; if you (the seller) back out, you might owe them double the deposit as penalty. We make sure you understand these implications before signing, and we can negotiate terms or add clauses to protect you (for instance, if you need flexibility on moving dates or want to sell “as-is” regarding certain property conditions).
• Smooth Deal Management & Communication: Selling a property often involves coordination between multiple parties – the buyer (who may be foreign), their lawyer, estate agents, banks (if there’s a mortgage), and notaries. We act as your central point of contact to liaise with the buyer’s representatives and any third parties. Our team will keep you informed at every stage and handle any issues that arise, such as delays requested by the buyer or questions about the property. By having us manage the communication and paperwork, you avoid misunderstandings and last-minute surprises, ensuring the sale stays on track for the agreed completion date.
• Tax Planning & Calculation (Plusvalía and Capital Gains): We provide expert guidance on your tax obligations when selling. In Spain, the two main taxes for sellers are Plusvalía Municipal and Capital Gains Tax:
  Plusvalía Municipal: A local municipal tax on the increase in the land value during your ownership. The town hall calculates this based on the property’s cadastral land value and the number of years you’ve owned it. We will calculate the expected Plusvalía for you ahead of time, so you know what to expect, and ensure it’s correctly paid to the local council after the sale. (Note: Plusvalía is usually paid by the seller under Spanish law, unless otherwise agreed.)
  Capital Gains Tax (CGT): A tax on the profit you make from selling your property. We help you determine your taxable gain by factoring in allowable deductions (such as the original price you paid, costs of improvements, and legal fees/stamp duty from your purchase). For Spanish tax residents, capital gains are taxed on a sliding scale of 19% to 23%. For non-residents, the rate is 19% if you are an EU/EEA citizen, or 24% if you’re a non-EU citizen (for example, sellers from the UK now pay 24%). Our lawyers explain how these rates apply to your situation and explore any applicable exemptions (e.g. reinvestment in another Spanish property, or age-related exemptions). We aim to minimize your CGT legally by ensuring all eligible costs are deducted. After the sale, we can also help you file the necessary Spanish tax forms to declare your capital gain.
• 3% Non-Resident Withholding Management: If you are not a tax resident in Spain at the time of selling (this often applies to British and other foreign owners who use their Lanzarote property as a holiday home), Spanish law requires the buyer to withhold 3% of the sale price and pay it directly to the tax authorities as a payment on account of your CGT. This is done using form 211 at the notary. We make sure this 3% withholding is correctly handled – protecting you from any liability if the buyer fails to pay it. After the sale, we will file your final capital gains tax return (form 210) to calculate the exact CGT due. If your actual CGT liability is less than the 3% that was withheld, you are entitled to a refund of the difference. We will handle the refund claim process for you, ensuring you get back any excess within the statutory time frame. (If the 3% didn’t fully cover your CGT because you made a large gain, we’ll calculate the additional amount you owe and arrange payment.) This entire process can be confusing, but with Roper Lawyers managing it, you can be confident it’s done right and that you won’t overpay tax.
• Closing the Sale & After-Sale Support: Just as with buyers, we attend the notary with you (or on your behalf) on completion day to finalize the sale. Before the notary meeting, we obtain an updated mortgage payoff figure from your bank (if you have a mortgage) and coordinate with the buyer’s side to ensure the mortgage is discharged as part of the completion. At the notary, we make sure you receive the correct payment for your property – typically in the form of a banker’s draft or transfer for the remaining balance of the purchase price. We’ll oversee the signing of the new deed by you and the buyer, and only once funds are confirmed, you’ll hand over the keys. It’s our job to ensure everything is done correctly and fairly. You will be expected to provide proof that all recurring expenses (property tax, community fees, utility bills) are paid up to the date of sale, so we help gather those receipts for the notary. After completion, we continue to assist you: for example, we can help close out your Spanish bank account or cancel utilities that were in your name. We also verify that the property registry is updated to reflect the new owner (which protects you from any future liabilities on the property). Our goal is to make your exit as smooth as your entry – handling all the final loose ends so you can repatriate your funds or move on to your next venture without worries.

Why Choose Roper Lawyers for Lanzarote Conveyancing?

• Deep Experience & Local Expertise: We have been practicing Spanish property law for over 14 years with a focus on the Canary Islands. Our track record includes hundreds of successful transactions in Lanzarote, from holiday apartments to luxury villas. This experience means we know the ins and outs of local regulations and common issues in Lanzarote (like tourist license requirements, coastal property rules, etc.). We use this knowledge to anticipate issues and solve them proactively, ensuring your transaction stays on course.
• English-Speaking & Bilingual Service: Our firm is built to serve English-speaking clients. Olivier Roper (principal lawyer) is a native English speaker and fluent in Spanish, and our staff is fully bilingual. All communication, contracts, and advice will be provided to you in clear English. You'll never feel left in the dark due to language – we translate and explain everything. This bilingual ability also means we can effortlessly communicate with Spanish parties on your behalf, avoiding miscommunications or delays.
• Independent and Trustworthy Advice: We are independent conveyancing solicitors – we work only for you, the client. We do not have any conflict of interest with estate agents, developers, or banks. Our job is to protect your legal and financial interests in the transaction. Roper Lawyers is a fully regulated Spanish law firm: Olivier Roper is a registered member of the local Bar Association (Colegio de Abogados, reg. no. 507). We carry professional indemnity insurance for your protection. Above all, we value honesty and integrity – we will always give you straightforward advice, even if it's not what others want to hear. Our reputation is built on trust and transparency.
• Responsive & Personalized Service: We pride ourselves on providing a bespoke, hands-on service. Unlike bigger firms, we limit the number of clients we take on at any one time to ensure we can respond quickly and personally to each client. You will have a dedicated point of contact who keeps you updated frequently. If you call or email with a question, you'll get a prompt response – no more chasing lawyers for updates. Our existing clients often commend us for our speed and communication. Buying or selling abroad can be stressful, so we make sure to be available and proactive in keeping you informed every step of the way.
• Security of Your Investment: Our meticulous approach offers security and peace of mind. We perform comprehensive checks (legal, structural if needed, and financial) to ensure the property is debt-free, fully legal, and ready to transfer without issues. We also ensure that all taxes are paid and no liabilities will fall on you after purchase. If any problems arise, we handle them promptly – protecting your deposit and rights. Additionally, our client escrow account adds financial security for both parties during the transaction. When you work with Roper Lawyers, you can be confident that your investment is in safe hands from start to finish.
• Local Connections & Knowledge: As a long-established Lanzarote law firm, we have excellent working relationships with local authorities, reputable estate agencies, notaries, and other professionals on the island. This network can be invaluable – for instance, knowing which notary has sooner appointments, or which bank managers are efficient with foreign buyer mortgages. Our on-the-ground presence and local insight help prevent delays and smooth out the inevitable bureaucratic hurdles. We also leverage our local knowledge to advise you on related issues (for example, understanding community rules if you buy in a complex, or guidance on getting a holiday rental license if you intend to rent out your property).
• Comprehensive Services (One-Stop Shop): Real estate transactions often involve more than just conveyancing. At Roper Lawyers, we can assist with all the ancillary matters that British/Irish buyers and sellers might encounter. Need to form a Spanish will to cover your new property? We can draft one. Want to set up a Spanish company to hold your property? We have the expertise. If you plan to rent out your property to tourists, we can guide you through obtaining a Vivienda Vacacional (VV) license (see our Vacation Rental License Services page) so you remain compliant with local rental laws. By choosing us, you get the convenience of a full-service firm that can handle any legal issue related to your property ownership in Lanzarote, now or in the future.

Lastly, our commitment to client satisfaction is evident from the feedback we receive – we are proud to have a multitude of 5-star reviews and testimonials from clients who have successfully purchased or sold properties with our help. We strive to make the process as easy as possible for you, going the extra mile to ensure you feel supported and secure at all times.