Are you looking for English speaking solicitors in Madrid? At Property-Lawyers.com you’ll find English speaking professional legal firms with ample experience in all areas of legal matters and property law.
Lexidy Law Boutique is a modern, dynamic, and innovative law firm. The Customer is always at the center of our work and we do our best to enable an exceptional…
Since it was founded in 2001, Mariscal & Abogados has been offering quality legal advice to companies active in different fields either wishing to develop their activity, or with commercial…
Property Lawyers in Madrid English-Speaking Solicitors for Foreign Buyers
By Property-Lawyers.comUpdated June 2026⏱ 9 min read✔ Reviewed by qualified Spanish lawyers
Madrid is Spain’s largest property market and one of Europe’s most sought-after destinations for international real estate investment. Buying property in Madrid as a foreign buyer requires navigating Spanish conveyancing law, the Comunidad de Madrid’s specific tax regime, non-resident regulations, and an increasingly complex urban planning environment. English-speaking property lawyers in Madrid provide essential legal protection throughout this process.
Madrid market insight: Madrid accounts for approximately 15% of all residential property transactions in Spain. The Comunidad de Madrid applies one of Spain’s lowest ITP transfer tax rates — 6% flat — making it significantly cheaper to buy here than in the Balearics, Catalonia, or Andalusia. This tax advantage, combined with strong capital growth and an active international buyer market, makes specialist legal representation essential for protecting your investment.
Why You Need a Specialist Property Lawyer in Madrid
Madrid’s property market moves fast and competition for premium properties is intense. International buyers operating in an unfamiliar legal system, without fluency in Spanish, are at a significant disadvantage without qualified legal representation. A specialist English-speaking property lawyer in Madrid protects your interests at every stage — from initial due diligence through to Land Registry registration.
Verifies the property’s legal status at the Madrid Land Registry (Registro de la Propiedad)
Checks building licences, community fee arrears, and any outstanding mortgage charges (cargas)
Confirms compliance with Madrid’s urban planning regulations (Plan General de Ordenación Urbana)
Calculates exact ITP or IVA+IAJD liability and handles tax payments to the Comunidad de Madrid
Verifies the Valor de Referencia and advises if the declared price is below the administrative value
Manages NIE number applications and non-resident bank account requirements
Represents you at the notary for the escritura pública signing
Handles post-completion Land Registry registration in your name
⚠️
Without independent legal representation, buyers risk signing contracts with unfavourable clauses, purchasing properties with undisclosed debts or planning violations, or missing critical tax payment deadlines that carry automatic penalties.
Comunidad de Madrid ITP Tax Rate
The Comunidad de Madrid applies a flat 6% ITP (Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales) rate on all resale property purchases — one of the lowest rates in Spain. This is a significant advantage compared to Catalonia (10%), the Balearic Islands (8–11%), or Andalusia (7%).
Purchase Price
ITP Rate
ITP Due
€300,000
6%
€18,000
€500,000
6%
€30,000
€750,000
6%
€45,000
€1,000,000
6%
€60,000
€2,000,000
6%
€120,000
New-build properties are exempt from ITP and instead pay 10% IVA (VAT) on the purchase price and 0.75% IAJD (Actos Jurídicos Documentados / stamp duty) on the purchase price plus mortgage amount.
💡
Valor de Referencia: Since January 2022, Spain’s tax authorities use an official administrative value as the minimum taxable base for ITP. If your agreed purchase price falls below this figure, ITP is calculated on the higher Valor de Referencia. In some Madrid districts, the Valor de Referencia exceeds actual market prices, directly increasing your tax bill. Your lawyer checks this value before you make any offer. Read our full guide to Transfer Tax in Spain.
New Build vs. Resale Properties in Madrid
Madrid has an active new-build market, particularly in major development areas like Madrid Nuevo Norte, Valdebebas, Los Berrocales, and Tres Cantos. Legal requirements differ significantly between new and resale purchases.
Resale Property
New Build (Developer)
Transfer tax
6% ITP
10% IVA + 0.75% IAJD
Contract type
Contrato de Arras
Off-plan purchase contract
Bank guarantee
Not applicable
Required by law for off-plan deposits
Completion risk
Low (existing property)
Delays or developer insolvency possible
Building licence
Check existing licence
Verify First Occupation Licence (LPO)
Notary
Buyer’s choice
Often developer’s notary — your lawyer must review
Warranty
None unless negotiated
10-year structural guarantee by law
⚠️
Off-plan warning: For off-plan purchases, your lawyer must verify the developer holds a valid bank guarantee (aval bancario) covering your deposit under Spain’s Consumer Protection Law. Without this guarantee, your deposit is at risk if the developer defaults. Never pay any off-plan deposit without your lawyer first reviewing the guarantee documentation.
Non-Resident Buyer Considerations
Foreign nationals buying property in Madrid face additional legal requirements that Spanish residents do not. Your lawyer manages all non-resident formalities as part of the conveyancing process.
01
NIE Number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero)
Every foreign buyer must obtain a NIE number before completing any property purchase in Spain. Applications take 2–6 weeks — your lawyer applies on your behalf with a power of attorney.
02
Non-Resident Bank Account
Completion funds must be transferred from a Spanish bank account. Your lawyer assists with opening a non-resident bank account, which is typically required before any contract can be signed.
03
Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR)
If you rent your Madrid property or leave it unoccupied, Spanish non-resident tax obligations apply. Your lawyer explains your annual filing obligations under the Modelo 210 before completion.
04
Plusvalía Municipal Tax
A local capital gains tax on the increase in urban land value, paid by the seller on completion. Your lawyer verifies the seller has settled this liability — if unpaid, it can attach to the property.
05
Post-Brexit Considerations for UK Buyers
Since 2021, UK citizens no longer benefit from EU residency rights. Property purchases in Madrid are unaffected, but residency, rental income taxation, and estate planning are subject to different rules for British nationals.
Popular Areas for Foreign Buyers in Madrid
🏛️ Salamanca
Madrid’s most prestigious neighbourhood. Elegant 19th-century architecture, designer boutiques, and diplomatic residences. High demand from international buyers keeps prices firm and transactions competitive.
🌳 Chamberí
Authentic Madrid neighbourhood with art nouveau buildings. Popular with European professionals. Heritage building protections require architect sign-off for renovations.
🏢 Chamartín / Paseo de la Castellana
Business district with high-end new-build developments. The Madrid Nuevo Norte megaproject will transform this area. New-build legal requirements apply.
🌿 La Moraleja (Alcobendas)
Madrid’s most exclusive residential urbanisation — a gated community of large villas north of the city. Popular with senior executives, diplomats, and international buyers.
🏙️ Pozuelo de Alarcón
Most affluent municipality in Spain by average income. Family-oriented with excellent international schools. Mix of villas and modern developments.
⛪ Majadahonda / Las Rozas
Popular with British and international families due to proximity to international schools and good transport links to central Madrid.
🏘️ Retiro / Jerónimos
Historic central district adjacent to Buen Retiro Park. Mix of classic and modern apartments with strong rental demand. Popular with buyers seeking personal use and rental investment.
Need a vetted property lawyer in Madrid?
All lawyers in our network are English-speaking, experienced with foreign buyers, and independent from any estate agent or developer.
Madrid has thousands of lawyers, but relatively few with genuine specialist experience in international property transactions. The right lawyer combines conveyancing expertise with specific knowledge of non-resident tax law, the Comunidad de Madrid’s regulatory framework, and experience working with clients who cannot attend in person.
Registered with the Madrid Bar Association (Ilustre Colegio de Abogados de Madrid — ICAM)
Demonstrates specific experience with foreign buyer transactions in Madrid
Fluent English throughout the entire process — not just at the initial consultation
Independent from the estate agent, developer, or seller — works solely in your interests
Experienced with non-resident NIE applications and tax filing obligations
Verifies Valor de Referencia before you make any offer
Familiar with Madrid’s urban planning regulations and building licence requirements
Carries professional indemnity insurance (seguro de responsabilidad civil) of at least €1 million
Provides a clear written fee agreement before engagement
Can represent you via power of attorney if you cannot attend in person
💡
Ask the right questions: Before instructing a lawyer, ask specifically: “How many international buyer transactions did you handle last year?” and “Do you handle NIE applications and post-completion IRNR filings?” Their answers reveal whether they offer a genuine full-service for foreign buyers, not just basic conveyancing.
Legal Fees and Costs in Madrid
Cost Item
Typical Amount
Notes
Lawyer’s fees
0.5–1.5% + 21% IVA
Fixed fee options available for straightforward purchases
Land Registry searches
€200–€400
Nota simple + full registration extract
NIE number application
€150–€300 per person
Required before any contract is signed
Notary fees
~0.5% of purchase price
Regulated by the Spanish state
Land Registry registration
€400–€900
Registers title deed in your name
ITP transfer tax (resale)
6% of purchase price
Paid to the Comunidad de Madrid within 30 days
IVA + IAJD (new build)
10% + 0.75% of purchase price
IVA to developer; IAJD to Comunidad de Madrid
Mortgage costs (if applicable)
€500–€1,500
Bank valuation, mortgage deed stamp duty
Total purchase costs
Budget 9–12% on top of the purchase price
ℹ️
Madrid’s 6% ITP rate makes total purchase costs lower than most other Spanish regions. On a €600,000 Madrid property, expect €54,000–€72,000 in additional costs. For a full breakdown see our guide to buying property in Spain.
The Purchase Process Timeline in Madrid
Before you search
Instruct your lawyer and apply for NIE
Engage your lawyer before making any offer. Apply for your NIE number immediately — the process takes 2–6 weeks and is required before any contract can be signed. Open a Spanish bank account for completion funds.
Weeks 1–3
Due diligence
Your lawyer conducts Land Registry searches, checks for outstanding charges and mortgages, verifies building licences with Madrid City Council, reviews community fee status, and confirms urban planning classification. The Valor de Referencia is also checked against the agreed price.
Weeks 3–5
Contrato de Arras — 10% deposit
Once due diligence is satisfactory, the private purchase contract is signed and a 10% deposit is paid. Your lawyer reviews all clauses carefully. If the seller withdraws, they return double the deposit. If you withdraw, you lose the deposit.
Weeks 5–10
Mortgage and final preparation
If applicable, mortgage application and bank valuation are processed (allow 3–5 weeks). Final property inspection carried out. Completion funds transferred to Spain and to your lawyer’s client account.
Weeks 8–12
Notary completion
Escritura pública signed before the notary. Remaining funds paid. Keys handed over. Your lawyer pays ITP within 30 days and registers the property at the Madrid Land Registry on your behalf.
Weeks 12–18
Land Registry registration
The Madrid Land Registry registers the title deed in your name. This takes 4–8 weeks in central Madrid but does not affect your ownership or occupancy rights — you have the keys and can use the property immediately from completion day.
⚠️
Fast market warning: Madrid’s premium property market moves quickly. Well-priced properties in Salamanca, Chamberí, or La Moraleja often receive multiple offers within days. Having your lawyer instructed, your NIE obtained, and your funds ready before you make an offer significantly strengthens your negotiating position.
Frequently Asked Questions — Property Lawyers in Madrid
Yes. While Spanish law does not legally require buyer representation at the notary, operating in an unfamiliar legal system without independent representation is a serious risk. Your lawyer conducts due diligence that the notary does not — checking building licences, outstanding debts, community fee arrears, and urban planning compliance. For foreign buyers especially, independent legal representation is essential.
The Comunidad de Madrid applies a flat 6% ITP rate on all resale property purchases — one of the lowest rates in Spain. There are no progressive bands; 6% applies to the full purchase price (or Valor de Referencia if higher). New-build properties pay 10% IVA plus 0.75% IAJD instead of ITP. Your lawyer calculates the exact liability and handles Modelo 600 payment within the 30-day deadline.
Expect 8–12 weeks from offer acceptance to completion for standard Madrid purchases. This includes 2–6 weeks for NIE processing, 2–3 weeks for due diligence, and 3–4 weeks from Arras contract to notary completion. Purchases involving mortgages, off-plan properties, or complex legal situations may take longer.
Yes. Your lawyer can manage the entire process on your behalf via a power of attorney (poder notarial). You sign the power of attorney either at a Spanish notary or at the Spanish consulate in your home country. Many international buyers complete Madrid purchases without visiting Spain at all.
The Valor de Referencia is an official administrative property value published by the Spanish tax authorities. Since January 2022, ITP is calculated on the higher of the agreed purchase price or the Valor de Referencia. If the administrative value exceeds your purchase price, you pay ITP on the higher figure. Your lawyer checks this before you make any offer.
Yes — every foreign national buying property in Spain must obtain a NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero). The NIE is required for the purchase contract, notary completion, tax payments, and any future property-related administration. Your lawyer applies on your behalf using a power of attorney. Allow 2–6 weeks for the process.
Budget 9–12% of the purchase price for all taxes and fees. On a €500,000 property: ITP €30,000 (6%), notary fees approximately €2,500, Land Registry registration approximately €600, legal fees approximately €3,750–€7,500 + IVA, NIE approximately €300. Total approximately €37,000–€41,000. Madrid’s lower ITP makes total purchase costs significantly less than in most other Spanish regions.
Legal disclaimer: This guide is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or tax advice. Laws and regulations in Spain change frequently and vary by autonomous community. Always consult a qualified Spanish property lawyer before signing any contract or transferring any funds. Property-Lawyers.com connects buyers with legal professionals but does not itself provide legal advice.
PL
Property-Lawyers.com Editorial Team
Spanish Real Estate Legal Specialists · Updated June 2026
Our editorial team collaborates with vetted English-speaking property lawyers and tax advisors across Spain to produce accurate, up-to-date legal guides for international buyers. All content is reviewed by qualified legal professionals with active practices in the Spanish real estate market.
Real Estate Lawyers in Madrid
Members of Property-Lawyers.com are specialized in Real Estate Law in Spain. Member solicitors will give you advice in all questions that are involved when a property is to be sold. Land survey, Council licenses, Due Diligence, checking that the property has all of the correct paperwork, that there are no legal issues, such as debts attached to the property and checking that ownership, permits and Title Deeds all have the correct legal status.
Join property lawyers
Become a partner
Are you a professional Lawyer in Spain and want to promote your firm?
