Selling your property in Lanzarote? Here’s what to avoid

Selling your property in Lanzarote? Erardo Ferrer of Lanzarote Abogados tells you how to avoid lastminute surprises with a legal review beforehand.

Selling a house on Lanzarote should be an exciting process, but for many foreign homeowners, the paperwork turns it into a maze of doubts. Often, the main problems don’t arise when you put up the “Se Vende” sign, but weeks later, when a prospective buyer finds discrepancies in the Land Registry or Cadastre. As a lawyer specializing in real estate law on the island, my goal is for you to sell with complete peace of mind and without unnecessary delays.

Why is it vital to review your property before looking for a buyer?

In Lanzarote, it’s common to come across properties with small (or large) administrative and urban planning irregularities that have gone unnoticed for years. Many homeowners don’t realize that what they’ve seen isn’t exactly what the documents state.

These are the critical points we can rectify for you:

– Land Registry-Cadastre Reconciliation: Are the actual square metres the same as those stated in the documents? If the numbers don’t measure up, the sale could be held up at the notary’s office.

– Urban planning compliance: We confirm that any extensions, swimming pools, or renovations have the necessary permits, or are properly established with the required certificates.

– Mandatory certificates: We handle everything from the Energy Performance Certificate to the Occupancy Permit (License of Occupancy). These documents are essential for the buyer to purchase with confidence and connect to utilities.

– Tax representation for non-residents: We advise you on capital gains tax and the 3% withholding tax applied to non-resident sellers, ensuring you don’t pay a single Euro more. Sell with the peace of mind of having everything “in order.”

Don’t wait for the buyer’s lawyer to find a problem. Being proactive not only gives you negotiating power but also projects an image of seriousness and transparency that speeds up the sale. My Legal Housing Audit service is specifically designed for foreign residents seeking a trusted representative on the island who speaks their language and will protect their interests from start to finish.

Shall we talk? Let me handle the paperwork so you can focus on planning your next step.