Ok, so have found a  property you want to buy in Spain, you now need to prioritize finding a lawyer to help you conduct your purchase. You need to source an English speaking solicitor near where your prospective purchase is, that has absolutely no affiliation with either the estate agent or developer of the property you want to buy.

Many companies will try and recommend someone specific and whilst this isn´t adviseable if you feel confident the lawyer is reputable you must always check previous clients they have helped, to gauge how they handled their purchase. This can be difficult because even bad businesses have some happy clients, so really dig deep with your research. There are many forums available on the web, that will gladly name and shame poor service so make sure you have a good look online, also check with the local branch of the Spanish law society (colegio de abogados).

A great way of identifying lawyers in your chosen area is by contacting the British consulates in the region where you are buying. They can fax or email you a list of  names within  the region your require.

Spanish lawyers, like their English counterparts specialise in various different areas of the law. You require a property lawyer, specialising in real estate law (derecho inmobiliario). Specialist  lawyers will not have to consult Spanish property laws and will be cognecent with the  specific problems you may encounter and will therefore be quicker and more reliable, they may also be able to give you futher insight into the reputation of the agent/developer you are dealing with.

I recommend that you use a lawyer based in Spain, in the region where you are buying. Local solicitors can  visit the town hall in the municipality where you are buying and may know many of the pivotal figures within the local real estate industry. They could also help should any problems arise by exerting influence on their list of local  contacts.

Local solicitors should know about regional urban plans, issues specific to the region. They will be well places to do any of the legal checks that may need to be done, and can  accompany you when it is time to sign the deeds before a Notary.