Legal Fees When Buying a Property in Spain: What to Expect in Valencia and Málaga
Introduction
When purchasing a property in Spain—particularly in regions with high foreign demand such as Valencia or Málaga—legal representation is highly advisable, if not essential. The role of a solicitor or lawyer (abogado) goes far beyond contract review: it includes due diligence, tax review, registration, negotiation, and protection of your rights as buyer.
But how much does this legal support cost? The answer varies depending on multiple factors such as the location, complexity of the transaction, property value, and whether the lawyer adheres to the official fee scales approved by the regional Bar Associations.
This article provides an in-depth comparison of lawyer fees for real estate transactions in Valencia and Málaga, explaining how these fees are calculated and what buyers should expect to pay.
General Cost Range in Spain: 1% to 2% of the Property Value
In most cases, lawyers in Spain charge between 1% and 2% of the property value for real estate purchase services, plus VAT (currently 21%). However, the final cost may exceed this range for high-value or complex transactions, or when the services provided are extensive (e.g. urban planning checks, tax structuring, international coordination).
Contrary to other countries where legal professionals may charge by the hour, Spanish lawyers often apply a percentage of the transaction value based on historical guidelines set by the Bar Associations (Colegios de Abogados) in each province. While these “fee scales” are not binding anymore, they continue to be used as a point of reference for structuring quotes, particularly for complex or high-value operations.
Lawyer Fees in Málaga: According to the Málaga Bar Association
The Bar Association of Málaga approved its official fee scale on 18 September 2006. Legal actions are assigned a number of points, and each point has a monetary value. For 2023, 1 point = €71.50 + VAT.
Sample Legal Services and Fee Values in Málaga:
Short consultation (<1 hour): 2 points = €143 + VAT
Long or complex consultation: 4 points = €286 + VAT
Phone consultations: 1–2 points = €71.50–€143 per call
Emails: 3–6 points = €214.50–€429 per email
Legal reports or due diligence documents: 10 points = €715 + VAT
Meetings with other parties: 3–5 points = €214.50–€357.50 per meeting
Notary, Land Registry, or Town Hall paperwork: 2 points = €143 each
Drafting and Negotiating Contracts in Málaga:
Based on the property value:
Up to €30,000: 2%
Up to €60,000: 1%
Up to €150,000: 0.7%
Above €300,000: 0.5%
These percentages increase if:
The contract involves a foreign buyer or seller
The document is drafted in a language other than Spanish
The lawyer is asked to negotiate contract clauses (increases fee by 100%)
Fee Simulation: Property Purchase of €500,000 in Málaga
3 complex consultations: €858
10 phone calls: €715
30 emails: €2,145
3 legal reports: €2,145
13 procedures (Notary, Town Hall, Registry, utilities): €929.50
Subtotal Pre-contract: €6,792.50 + VAT
Now add fees for contract drafting and negotiation:
Drafting fee (0.5%): €2,500
+50% complexity (foreign buyer): €1,250
+100% negotiation: €3,750
Subtotal Contract Work: €7,500 + VAT
Total Estimated Legal Fees in Málaga: €14,292 + VAT
This is approximately 2.85% of the property value, well above the typical 1–2% guideline, but justified through official scales and itemized services.
Lawyer Fees in Valencia: According to the Valencia Bar Association
The Bar Association of Valencia published its own fee scale on 9 September 2007, which establishes legal fees based on the price of the transaction and the nature of services required.
Sample Legal Services and Fee Values in Valencia:
Consultations, calls, and emails: €60–€200 each
Complex contract drafting (e.g., foreign parties or translation): +50%
Notarial support: +30%
Contract negotiation: +50%
If the contract exceeds €600,000, supplemental fees apply:
Up to €1.2 million: +25%
€1.2M–€1.8M: +50%
€1.8M–€2.4M: +75%
Over €2.4M: +100%
Fee Simulation: Property Purchase of €500,000 in Valencia
3 complex consultations: €300
10 phone calls: €600
30 emails: €1,800
3 legal opinions: €600
13 procedures (Notary, Town Hall, Registry, utilities): €1,300
Subtotal Pre-contract: €4,600 + VAT
Now add fees for contract and documentation work:
Base fee (Scale I): €11,113
+50% complexity (foreign buyer): €5,556.50
+30% for notarial acts: €3,333.90
Subtotal Contract Work: €20,003.40 + VAT
Total Estimated Legal Fees in Valencia: €24,603.40 + VAT
This represents almost 5% of the property value, but again, this is based on the strict application of the Bar Association scale. In practice, most solicitors apply 1–3% standard rates for real estate transactions.
Why Do These Fees Vary So Much?
Lawyer Experience, Skill and formation: Senior partners charge more than junior associates
Transaction Complexity: Rural properties, inheritance issues, or urban planning reviews increase fees
Bilingual or International Contracts: Multilingual negotiations and translations raise costs
Bar Association vs. Market Price: Official scales are often higher than typical market quotes
✅ Practical Conclusion: What Should You Expect?
Although official fee scales can suggest figures close to 3–5% of the property value, most reputable lawyers in Valencia and Málaga offer flat quotes ranging from 1% to 2%, especially when the transaction is straightforward.
Here’s what you should do before hiring a lawyer for a property purchase in Spain:
Request a Written Quote: Ask for a breakdown of services (due diligence, contracts, taxes, Land Registry, NIE, utilities)
Clarify Scope: Does it include negotiations, after-sale support, or tax filing?
Check Credentials: Make sure the lawyer is registered with the Colegio de Abogados in their region
Agree on Flat Fee or Cap: Especially if hourly billing is not used
About Us: TLA CORP SLP
At TLA CORP, we have over 20 years of experience assisting international buyers in Spain. We serve clients across Málaga, Valencia, Alicante, Barcelona, and Madrid, offering transparent, fixed legal fees and comprehensive legal representation for property purchases. Whether you are buying a holiday home or investing in real estate, we protect your rights and your investment.