Glossary of Spanish Property & Legal Terms
A plain-English guide to the key Spanish legal, property, finance and ownership terms buyers are likely to meet when purchasing in Benahavís and the Costa del Sol.
Last reviewed: May 2026. Legal and tax terminology can vary by transaction.
Buying property in Spain introduces a vocabulary that may feel unfamiliar at first. Some terms appear in legal documents, some in tax calculations, and others come up during viewings, mortgage applications or ownership planning.
This glossary explains the most common Spanish property and legal terms in plain English, with a focus on the words buyers are most likely to encounter when purchasing in Benahavís, Marbella and the wider Costa del Sol.
It is designed as a practical companion to your solicitor’s advice, not a replacement for it. If a term appears in a contract, reservation agreement, nota simple or tax calculation, your independent lawyer should always confirm exactly how it applies to the specific property.
How to Use This Glossary
Some Spanish property terms are straightforward translations. Others carry legal or financial consequences, especially around deposits, planning licences, tax payments and ownership registration.
When reviewing documents, pay particular attention to anything connected with ownership, registered debts, building licences, community rules, purchase taxes and payment obligations.
If you are unsure, pause before signing or transferring funds. A good solicitor will explain the wording in context before you commit.
Legal & Contract Terms
These are the terms buyers usually meet during reservation, due diligence, private contract and completion. They matter because they define who owns the property, what is being sold, when payments are due and what happens if either party withdraws.
Arras / Contrato de Arras
A reservation or deposit contract that confirms the buyer’s intention to purchase and the seller’s intention to sell. Your lawyer should confirm the exact type of arras being used, as consequences can differ if either party withdraws.
Escritura Pública
The public deed signed before the notary at completion. This is the formal document that records the transfer of ownership.
Notario / Notary
A public official who certifies the signing of deeds and ensures formal requirements are met. The notary does not replace your independent solicitor, who protects your interests throughout the purchase.
Registro de la Propiedad
The Land Registry, where legal ownership, registered charges and certain encumbrances are recorded.
Nota Simple
A Land Registry extract showing ownership, registered charges, mortgage entries and key legal information. It is one of the first documents your solicitor will normally review.
Poder Notarial / Power of Attorney
Authorisation allowing your solicitor or representative to sign documents and act on your behalf in Spain. This is especially useful if you are buying remotely.
Compraventa
The sale and purchase process, often used to describe the final purchase deed signed at the notary.
Read the buying process guide →
Property & Building Terms
These terms often appear during viewings, due diligence and community-document review. They are particularly important for apartments, townhouses, gated developments and older villas where licences, community rules or shared facilities may affect use and value.
Comunidad de Propietarios
The owners’ community responsible for shared areas such as gardens, pools, lifts, security, façades and communal services.
Gastos de Comunidad
Community fees paid by owners to maintain shared areas and services. These vary significantly depending on facilities, staffing, security and development size.
Urbanización
A planned residential community. Some are gated and highly serviced, while others are looser residential areas with private villas and fewer shared services.
Licencia de Primera Ocupación / LPO
The first-occupation licence confirming that a property was completed in line with relevant permissions and can be legally occupied.
Certificado Energético / EPC
The Energy Performance Certificate required for sale or rental. It confirms the property’s energy-efficiency rating.
Catastro
The cadastral registry showing physical details, plot references and boundaries for tax and administrative purposes. Your solicitor checks this against the Land Registry where relevant.
Trastero
A private storage room, often located in an underground garage or communal basement area.
Terraza / Porche
Outdoor space. A terraza is usually an open terrace, while a porche is generally a covered porch or shaded outdoor area.
Finance & Tax Terms
These terms appear in purchase-cost estimates, tax filings, mortgage documents and notary paperwork. The most important distinction for buyers is whether the property is resale or new build, because different taxes apply.
ITP
Impuesto de Transmisiones Patrimoniales — transfer tax paid on resale property purchases. The general rate in Andalucía is currently 7%.
IVA
VAT. New residential property sold by a developer is generally subject to 10% IVA in Spain.
AJD
Actos Jurídicos Documentados — stamp duty, usually payable on new-build purchases in Andalucía. The general rate is currently 1.2%.
IBI
Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles — annual municipal property tax paid by owners.
Basura
Local rubbish collection fee. In Benahavís, this is known for being low and fixed at €18 per year.
Retención
A 3% withholding applied when the seller is non-resident. It is retained from the sale price and paid to the Spanish tax authority.
Hipoteca
A mortgage loan. Non-resident buyers can often borrow around 60–70% loan-to-value, depending on profile and affordability.
NIE
Número de Identificación de Extranjero — the foreigner identification number required for property purchases and many financial or legal transactions in Spain.
Ownership, Residency & Practical Terms
Some terms become more relevant after completion, especially if you plan to live in Spain, rent the property or carry out renovations.
Empadronamiento
Town-hall registration for residents. It is often needed for schools, healthcare and local administration.
VFT Licence
Vivienda con Fines Turísticos — Andalusian tourist-rental registration for short-term letting where permitted. Community statutes and local rules should always be checked first.
Reforma
Renovation work. Major reforms may require licences depending on the scope and the property type.
Gestor
An administrative agent who can assist with paperwork, tax submissions, residency processes and general bureaucracy.
Procurador
A court representative used in formal legal proceedings. Most standard purchases will not require one.
How Benahavís Collection Helps Buyers
At Benahavís Collection, we help buyers understand not only the properties they view, but also the process, documents and terminology that surround the purchase.
Our website shows a carefully hand-picked selection of homes, but it represents only part of the wider market. We work closely with the major agents and agencies across Benahavís and the surrounding areas. At any one time, we normally have access to more than 600 properties for sale once collaborating agencies and discreet off-market opportunities are included.
We can arrange viewings on virtually any property for sale in Benahavís, build efficient viewing itineraries and reduce the need for buyers to coordinate multiple agents directly. We accompany viewings and remain a single point of contact throughout the search.
We do not charge buyers for arranging viewings or coordinating property searches. When a purchase completes, we receive an introducer’s fee from the listing agent involved in the transaction.
Request a bespoke property shortlist →
Buyer Resources & Related Reading
Buying Process in Spain
Follow the main steps from reservation and legal checks to notary completion.
Buyer’s Checklist
Prepare your documents, budget, viewing questions and next steps before travelling.
Financing & Mortgages
Understand Spanish mortgages, deposits, loan-to-value ratios and bank requirements.
Latest Buyer Articles
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