Trusted by international buyers in Barcelona for over 20 years.
Senior real estate lawyers protecting US and international buyers through every stage of their Spanish property transaction. Boutique. English-speaking. 20+ years experience.
Catalonia-Specific Regulations
Short-Term Rental Restrictions
Illegal Constructions
Remote Purchase Risks
ITP and Catalan Tax Rules
Barcelona operates under Catalan civil law — and its rental restrictions, tax rules, and property regulations catch international buyers by surprise every year. At Paton & Mayr, we have protected international buyers in Barcelona for over 20 years from our office on Passeig de Gràcia.
Select a district to explore verified 2026 prices, property types and buyer profiles
We verify ownership, check for undisclosed debts, confirm planning permissions under Catalan law, and review community charges — including obligations that standard due diligence often misses.
The Contrato de Arras binds you legally and financially once signed. We review every clause before you commit, and negotiate on your behalf where needed.
We represent you at the notary, handle land registry registration, and manage ITP payment to the Catalan tax authority — the Agència Tributària de Catalunya
Our office is on Passeig de Gràcia. We have protected international buyers in Barcelona for over 20 years.
Barcelona operates under Catalan civil law. We know the specific regulations, tax rules, and rental restrictions that affect international buyers in this market.
Your file is handled by a senior attorney from day one. Never passed to a junior. Every decision is made by someone with direct Barcelona market experience.
All client communication in English. No translation risk, no miscommunication, no surprises at completion.
We complete purchases via Power of Attorney for international clients regularly. No travel required — same legal protection, same timeline.
Barcelona operates under Catalan civil law, which differs from Spanish national law in key areas including inheritance, tenant rights, and rental regulations. The city also has some of Europe’s strictest short-term rental restrictions. A lawyer with specific Barcelona and Catalan law experience is essential.
Only if the property has an active tourist rental licence (llicència de turisme). Barcelona has a moratorium on new licences and the existing stock is extremely limited. Buying a property expecting short-term rental income without legal advice is one of the most common and costly mistakes international buyers make in Barcelona.
Barcelona is in Catalonia, where ITP (transfer tax on resale properties) runs up to 10% of the purchase price — among the highest in Spain. On new builds: IVA (10%) plus AJD (Stamp Duty) at 1.5%. Total acquisition costs typically run 12-15% of the purchase price.
Pedralbes (€7,500+/m²), Sarrià-Sant Gervasi (€7,155/m²) and the Dreta de l’Eixample (€7,822/m²) are Barcelona’s most expensive districts. Gràcia, Sant Antoni and Poblenou offer strong investment value at relative discounts to prime central locations.
Yes. Through a notarised Power of Attorney, your lawyer signs all documents on your behalf. This is standard practice for international buyers and fully legally valid. We manage remote transactions in Barcelona regularly.
Our Barcelona office is located at Passeig de Gràcia Nº 12, 1ª — one of the city’s most prestigious addresses, in the heart of the Eixample district.
