Situation
The client was purchasing a Costa Brava villa for €1.2M. Legal due diligence before the private contract revealed two critical risks concealed by the seller: (1) part of the plot in a coastal protection zone (zona de protecció del litoral) — all construction is prohibited by law; (2) an outstanding €180,000 mortgage from the previous owner on the Property Registry. Without a lawyer, the client would have signed the notarial deed with hidden liabilities.
Solution
Our lawyers conducted full due diligence: nota simple from the Property Registry, cadastral check, cèdula d’habitabilitat, licences, and urban planning status at the Ajuntament. The mortgage was cancelled before signing via subrogation and early repayment at the seller’s expense. Protective notarial escrow clauses were included. Full support from negotiations through to registration and ITP payment.
Result
Transaction closed without hidden risks. Client holds clean registered title. Legal due diligence saved the client €80,000+ in potential litigation costs. Title registered at the Registre de la Propietat de Girona.
