Do I need a survey when buying in Spain?

Spain’s buying process is different from the UK and Ireland. A traditional homebuyer survey is not automatically included, and several professionals involved in the purchase are checking something other than the property’s physical condition.

There is a legal quirk worth understanding: Spanish property sales operate under the concept of cuerpo cierto — essentially “as seen, as is.” Once you buy, you accept the property with whatever defects it has. If the seller knowingly hid a serious problem, you may have grounds for a claim later, but proving what the seller knew — and then pursuing it through the Spanish courts — is slow, costly, and far from guaranteed. In practice, the protection you actually have is the due diligence you do before completion, not the legal recourse you might chase after.

A mortgage valuation tells the bank whether the property offers enough security for the loan. Your lawyer checks the ownership, debts, licences and paperwork. The notary confirms that the transaction is completed correctly.

None of these checks replaces an independent inspection carried out specifically for you.

A True Casa inspection can highlight concerns such as damp, cracks, roof or terrace problems, ageing electrics, plumbing issues and alterations that may need further investigation. You receive clear photographs and straightforward findings to help you decide whether to proceed, renegotiate or walk away.

The purpose is simple: understand what you are buying before it becomes your responsibility.