Buy your Home with an Independent Property Lawyer in Tenerife
Buying your dream home in Tenerife shouldn’t be a nightmare of paperwork and hidden risks. As an independent lawyer I specialise in representing non-resident buyers in Tenerife. I handle everything by power of attorney and deliver a clear risk and taxes report in English before you sign anything.
Your peace of mind when purchasing your property is my sole priority.
Independent Lawyer | Bilingual Service EN/ES | Fixed-Fee Quote Provided | All managed by Power of Attorney
Buying Property in Tenerife? Don't Let Legal Complexities Ruin Your Dream
The excitement of finding the perfect apartment in Los Cristianos or a beautiful villa in Adeje is unparalleled. Yet, for many foreign buyers, this excitement is often clouded by a nagging feeling of uncertainty. The Spanish legal system is complex, the language is a barrier, and you need to be absolutely certain your investment is protected.
✓ NIE & Bureaucracy: The notorious Spanish bureaucracy can feel overwhelming. You’ve heard stories about NIE numbers and appointments – will it delay your plans?
✓ Hidden Debts: How can you be 100% sure the property is free from mortgages, charges, or unpaid taxes left by the previous owner?
✓ Confusing Contracts: Reservation agreements and private purchase contracts are legally binding. Will you fully understand every clause written in Spanish?
✓ Unexpected Taxes: You’ve heard of ITP and IGIC, but what do they mean for your purchase? What are the total, final costs you need to budget for?
✓ Remote Management: You can’t be in Tenerife for every step. How can you possibly manage the process securely from your home country?
At ICP Abogados we handle every step of your property purchase, from due diligence and contracts to completion and taxes, ensuring your investment is 100% safe and stress-free.
No agencies, no hidden fees, no conflicts of interest. Just clear, transparent legal guidance tailored to foreign buyers.
Ingrid Castillo, Your Independent Solicitor for a Safe Property Purchase
My name is Ingrid Castillo, and I founded my property specialised law firm in Tenerife with one mission: to provide foreign buyers with the independent legal protection that real estate agencies cannot offer. My loyalty is exclusively to you, the buyer.
Too often, buyers are encouraged to use the agency’s recommended lawyer. This creates an inherent conflict of interest. My role is different. I work only for you, ensuring every detail is scrutinised and every decision serves your best interests.
We have developed a unique playbook for conveyancing adapted specifically to the Canary Islands’ regulations, ensuring you are always one step ahead.
Our Guarantees for Your Peace of Mind
100% Independent Representation
We don’t work for real estate agents or property developers. We work for you. Our advice is impartial, objective, and focused solely on protecting your investment.
Bilingual Clarity at Every Step
From our first conversation to the final deeds, every report, contract, and email is provided in clear English and Spanish. You will never feel left in the dark.
Tenerife Specialist Knowledge
We have an in-depth, practical understanding of local regulations, council procedures, and the most efficient notaries for handling non-resident purchases. This local expertise saves you time and prevents costly mistakes.
Reviews from People Who Have Bought a Property with ICP Lawyers Tenerife
Our reputation is built on the peace of mind we provide to clients. Here is what non-resident buyers like you have to say about our meticulous, independent service.
How can an Independent Lawyer help you Buy a House in Tenerife
Our conveyancing service is all-inclusive. We handle every legal detail from start to finish.
Initial Formalities
- Guidance and support for your NIE application.
- Drafting of a bilingual Power of Attorney for our representation.
- Assistance with opening a Spanish non-resident bank account.
Due Diligence Checklist
- Obtaining and analysing the Land Registry File (Nota Simple).
- Verifying the seller’s title and legal capacity.
- Confirming the property is free of mortgages, liens, and charges.
- Checking for unpaid IBI (council tax) and community fees.
- Reviewing the property’s urban planning status with the local council.
- Verifying the Energy Performance Certificate and Certificate of Occupancy.
Contracts & Negotiation
- Drafting or reviewing the initial reservation deposit contract.
- Negotiating and drafting the main private purchase contract (Contrato de Arras).
- Adding protective clauses (e.g., subject to financing, penalties for seller withdrawal).
- Ensuring all clauses are fair and legally sound.
Closing & Post-Completion Services
- Coordinating with the notary and reviewing the final public deed (Escritura).
- Representing you on the day of completion.
- Calculating, preparing, and paying the property transfer taxes (ITP or IGIC).
- Submitting the deed for registration at the Land Registry.
- Managing the change of ownership for council tax (IBI) and community fees.
- Arranging for the transfer of utility contracts (water, electricity).
Visit Us at Our Law Firm in Tenerife Sur
We are not an impersonal and anonymous company, we are right here in Tenerife, on the ground, working for you. Our local experience gives us an unrivalled advantage in administrative and notarial matters. This means that we have established relationships with the key parties involved in any property transaction.
Clear & Transparent Property Solicitors Fee from the first meeting
Transparency is fundamental to trust. We believe you should know exactly what your legal costs will be from the very beginning.
In our initial consultation, we will assess your specific case and provide you with a fixed-fee quote for our complete conveyancing service. This quote covers all the legal work detailed above. No hourly rates, no hidden charges.
You will know the full cost of your legal protection from day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need an independent lawyer if the real estate agent provides one?
Absolutely. An agent’s primary legal duty is to the seller, and their main goal is to ensure the sale goes through. The lawyer they recommend, however professional, is part of their ecosystem. An independent solicitor, like us, has only one duty: to protect you, the buyer. We will highlight risks and issues that an agent-affiliated lawyer might overlook or downplay.
Can I complete the entire purchase without travelling to Tenerife?
Yes. The vast majority of our clients complete their purchases remotely. By granting us a specific Power of Attorney, we can legally carry out every step on your behalf, from signing contracts and deeds at the notary to managing tax payments and registrations. We keep you fully informed with reports and updates throughout.
What is the difference between ITP and IGIC for a property purchase?
ITP (Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales) is a transfer tax that applies to the purchase of resale properties. In the Canary Islands, the general rate is 6.5%. IGIC (Impuesto General Indirecto Canario) is the Canary Islands’ equivalent of VAT, and it applies when you buy a new-build property directly from a developer. We will calculate exactly which tax applies and how much it will be in your “Risk & Taxes Report”.
How long does the conveyancing process usually take in Tenerife?
A typical purchase, from signing the reservation agreement to completing at the notary, takes between 6 to 12 weeks. This can vary depending on the complexity of the property, the seller’s situation, and administrative timelines like obtaining an NIE. We will provide you with a realistic timeline from the outset.
Ready to Buy Your Dream Home in Tenerife with the Best Legal Advice?
Your dream property in Tenerife is within reach. Let’s secure it, the right way.
Take the first step towards a safe and stress-free purchase. Contact us today to schedule your consultation, where we can discuss your plans and provide you with a transparent fixed-fee quote. We are here to help you.