Property in Barcelona: What to Know

Spain is a beautiful country to buy property as an expat. And of course, many people from outside of the country love Barcelona in particular. Why? It’s simple. The architecture, the people, the food, wine, museums, and culture. What’s not to love?! But, if you want to purchase property in Barcelona, especially as an expat, you want to make sure to keep some things in mind. In short, it’s essential to know the environment, and when you purchase, retain an advocate for real estate.

The Reality of Buying Property in Spain

Again, life in a Mediterranean country, such as Spain, is one of dreams. However, if expats want to buy property in Spain or Barcelona, they must understand the landscape. According to Wise, Spain has one of the highest home ownership rates at 78%. Moreover, because of the beautiful culture and weather, many real estate properties belong to expats and foreign owners.

Barcelona is one of the top European destinations with just over 3 million people and is located in Catalonia. Also, it’s a place where many Europeans want to purchase a property. For property in Barcelona, the average price, according to Coldwell Banker, is 500.000€. Moreover, for mortgages, financing is available as much as 80% for primary residences and 60% to 70% for second homes.

An Expat Couple Decide to Take the Plunge in Barcelona

One such couple that decided to purchase property in Barcelona was Rafik and his spouse, Sirine. From the outset, Rafik understood that buying real estate in Spain was essential. As he said, “A lawyer is a must in any project requiring legal procedures.” Rafik’s sister and husband had already bought a property, which only emphasized for him the need to ensure a lawyer was on hand.

Rafik’s sister and her spouse used a real estate lawyer they trusted. And it was that couple that introduced Rafik and his partner to a bohemian lawyer. However, despite his easy-going style, they knew he was thorough. The couple decided that aside from hiring a lawyer with an excellent reputation and integrity, they needed a trusted solicitor from and in Barcelona proper.

Rafik explained about his decision to hire, “One main reason of working with Hugo, other than trust, was he’s a lawyer from Barcelona and Catalonia. This is an important point because Hugo knows the local regulations perfectly. And he has a huge network in town too, which he has always put his network to our disposal. This is very important since we are not locals of Barcelona. We had zero network or knowledge about the procedures, regulations in the country.

Some Challenges to Buying Property in Barcelona

As Rafik and Sirine, and so many others discovered, having a trusted lawyer on your side is essential for buying property in Barcelona. If you’ve ever considered purchasing real estate in Gaudi’s city, the following represent only a few of the things you need to know.

Language is an issue when purchasing property in Barcelona. The Catalans are proud of their language and culture. And, you may have to deal with legal matters in Catalan or Spanish!

There are plenty of excellent opportunities to buy real estate in the city. However, it’s easy to take advantage of expats and people without excellent attorneys.

When you buy real estate in Barcelona, there are many administrative issues to handle. For example, you must hire a notary, may need to connect with a banker for financing, and you’ll need insurance.

While Barcelona is a safe city overall, it’s a known fact that petty crime does exist. So, it’s vital to have an advocate in your corner to ensure you truly get a great deal!

Foreign Investors Need On-the-Ground Eyes and Ears

When we spoke to Rafik about his experience with a free-spirited (but knowledgeable and tough lawyer), he had the following to say. “We trusted him blindly, and he never failed our trust. Hugo became our extended family and our point of reference in Barcelona. He was our eyes and hands in place, to the extent that we also asked him to manage the rental of our property. It’s become rare nowadays to find honest professionals, skilled, and genuinely helpful.”

If you seek to buy property in Barcelona or Spain, consider an English speaking lawyer in Barcelona.

One Reply to “Property in Barcelona: What to Know”

Pingback: Real Estate: Obtaining Help as a Foreign Investor - Hugo Navarrete

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Antonio Lorente

20:31 15 Dec 24

Friend Hugo, my testimony is not technical, it is what I feel from the heart. You are great, excellent, a great person and a great professional, Hugo, yours is not the result of chance, it is the result of your professional work, with Values, ethics, principles, honest, safe, humane and oriented to the satisfaction of your clients. Having shared a professional experience with you has helped me continue growing professionally. I have been in the real estate sector for more than 30 years and I have had many professional experiences and I can guarantee you that you are the only one I have really seen with these values, which unfortunately are scarce in life. A big hug.

Tino Manso

21:14 08 Dec 24

As a non-resident in Spain, navigating the legal landscape in Spain can be daunting. To ensure the best possible outcome, you need two essential qualities in a lawyer: expertise in Spanish law with the ability to view cases from a broad strategic perspective, dig into the case paying attention to the finest details, and find what others might not; and a lawyer who possesses multinational experience and excellent English communication to grasp every angle when communicating with him/her.Hugo is exactly that lawyer. He expertly handled my complex case, quickly identifying the key issues and securing the right partners to tackle my situation in a way that few others would have managed. His thoroughness, professionalism, and ability to break down intricate legal matters into clear, actionable advice were invaluable. I highly recommend Hugo to anyone needing top-tier legal representation in Spain. He is brilliant!

James Trippon

15:02 07 Dec 24

Hugo is amazing. He is extremely smart, a true expert in Spanish law, and he will protect your purchase with wise advice. I cannot think of a better lawyer, or actually a better person to work with on such an important decision as investing in property in Spain. He is a true renaissance man, but fully equipped to do battle for his clients. He is really the best and the only choice for a property lawyer in Spain.

Carolina Soledad Martinez

10:18 27 Nov 24

Veronica Lister

10:22 21 Nov 24

We first met Hugo when my daughter bought a flat in Barcelona in 2017. He was extremely helpful in negotiating the purchase and later helping her find interim accommodation when she sold it. Since then we have consulted him on various matters including debt recovery and advice about property disputes. He is always professional, friendly and responds quickly. I would highly recommend consulting Hugo.

Natasja Westerbeek

17:14 20 Nov 24

Very nice and friendly.Very helpful and thinks along with you to find solutions.

Alejandro

20:07 07 Nov 24

I contacted Hugo about a legal issue. He responded quickly and from the beginning he wanted to help me, to the point of opening his contacts to resolve my matter. Thanks a lot!

Rino Varrella

22:21 06 Nov 24

Great profesional and great person.

Jonathan Flothow

22:18 29 Oct 24

Hugo's the best! Incredible attention to detail, and he smoothed out every part of buying property in Spain: getting the NIE, opening the bank account, setting up utility accounts, etc etc. Absolutely thorough in reviewing & modifying the contract of sale, and in seeing to it that the owner fulfilled their obligations in every detail. Ours was a difficult transaction that took forever, and Hugo stuck with us all the way through.

Anna Theresa Koltes

15:18 15 Oct 24

Hugo helped me buy my first property in Spain. He was knowledgeable, efficient and friendly. I recommend him to everyone!

Laurie D

16:48 14 Oct 24

Do not hesitate for one second to engage Hugo as your lawyer in your next property purchase in Spain. We had what seemed like insurmountable challenges to come to closing and he got us there. Hugo always lead with the most compassionate heart and a brilliant mind, with sound advice and excellent connections to help move through all the complexities. Hugo is an exceptional human who makes taking care of people first priority, while getting the business done with excellence. Can't recommend him enough. Hugo is the best that there is and he is a life changer!

Stephanie L

09:02 11 Oct 24

Really brilliant and attentive lawyer who helps cut through all the confusing challenges that can leave you overwhelmed. Gets things done with dedication, diligence, and a lovely sense of humour if necessary. Supportive of people who are different in various ways, highly trustworthy and able to adapt to various life situations - lots of heart.

Elisa Sassi

11:35 10 Oct 24

Excellent professional, super helpful and competent, clear in his explanations to the customer, strong when he has to assert the customer's reasons when faced with the problem, available to travel even many kilometres. A transparent, close person who inspires trust and who at the same time is extremely competent in his work. Great experience and language was not a problem!

Martin Kelly

18:29 06 Oct 24

Well I have been thinking of what to write here since we signed for our house on Friday but I don't think I have enough characters to convey how much Hugo has personally helped me both legally and mentally through a very challenging house purchase.I have personally known Hugo for about two years as after an initial consultation he invited me to play football which has been a weekly game for us so when we decided to finally take the plunge and buy a property I knew there was only one lawyer that I would be using.Hugo has been amazing at performing due diligence prior to reserving the property and had no issues referring me to excellent architects and accountants through professional relationships that he has built up over more than two decades in the industry.Everything went very smoothly until the signing day when I had issues transferring the money to the seller. I was distraught as there was a very realistic opportunity that I was going to lose a significant amount of money and time. Where I saw a problem, Hugo only saw a solution. In something I can only liken to performance art, he somehow managed to persuade the seller to extend the contract and we successfully signed the following week. No invoice or gratitude will ever repay him for that.As my partner Hayley said, Hugo has a heart of gold and I can only say that if you are looking for lawyer then look no further than Hugo - you won't find anyone better and you never know, you might even make a friend for life in the process.Leo and Hayley are looking forward to seeing you again soon and as always I will see you on Wednesday where we will fight once again until the final whistle. Many thanks for all your help, advice and extremely hard work in the final days leading up to the signing|

Maryam Aleisa

15:13 03 Oct 24

Helped me by giving free advice over a case of stolen security deposit.

Alistair de Invernalia

18:58 27 Sep 24

I hope this review is not a bit long, but I think the case is worth it and can help other people who are in my situation.In 2014, we had the misfortune of the death of my aunt, who lived in Tarragona, where a long inheritance adjudication procedure was opened, of which I was not aware, until they tried to leave me out of the inheritance and they could not close it because there were missing heirs and my share of my deceased mother's inheritance corresponded to me, so they had to process me in the process.It was then that, being very lost and afraid of finding a person who would represent me with guarantees and honesty, (since I reside in Granada and the entire process would be carried out in Tarragona), I came to the hands of the lawyer Hugo Navarrete, beginning a complicated legal journey. and very long, (2014-2024), which has undoubtedly left us with personal and economic enrichment that I am very satisfied with despite the many complications that have arisen, most of them caused by the incompetence of the Notary Office located in Raval. of Santa Anna, n°22, of Reus, to which I would not return even if it were free, (which is not the case). First with the adjudication of the inheritance, where there were many parties involved and where Hugo always sought the most beneficial agreement for his client and second with the sale of the part of the property that corresponded to me in the adjudication and which has been an odyssey of problems, but it has had an ending that I believe has left all parties satisfied.Thanks Hugo for a job well done.

Sonia Hibbs

13:47 20 Sep 24

Thanks to Hugo we were able to sit in an informal environment and talk through a question relating to a property which we own in Barcelona. His expert knowledge of the local context made it possible for him to give advice on our particular situation. A single consultation has enabled us to put into action a series of practical steps to protect our interests.

Reyhaneh Nikoo

14:02 31 Aug 24

Babak Moghimi

08:49 31 Aug 24

Hugo achieves the perfect balance between absolute professional and stressless but fun person to work with through complicated legal processes. He responds fast to queries and understands timelines and deadlines. Having him as an ally throughout any process just makes it so much easier. Perfect legal support for someone who isn't familiar with the Spanish nuances. Highly recommended.

Simone Parigino

08:36 08 Aug 24

Nowadays it is difficult to find empathetic and prepared professionals like Hugo.I contacted Hugo on a summer Friday afternoon outside of his working hours about an issue related to a real estate agency that wanted to scam me. Despite the situation and the fact that Hugo had already gone on vacation, he helped me immensely with the process by explaining the law, what I had to do, my obligations and my rights. Thanks Hugo for helping me! I will recommend you to friends and acquaintances for your great generosity and professionalism.

Joey Dhaliwal

20:57 23 Jul 24

I called this number randomly trying to get information about agency fees and if they are corrupt or not. Even though this isn’t what Hugo does — he was kind enough to stay on the phone with me and explain me the entire process. Free of charge. Unbelievable kindness. Hugo is one of the most genuine lawyers I’ve ever spoken with.They say every man should always have a reliable attorney in his corner. I’ll definitely be doing business with Hugo going forward 🙌🏼

Doreen Bett

11:24 22 Jul 24

mark crossingham

14:05 17 Jul 24

Hugo made my property purchase in Sitges very straight forward and he gave me complete piece of mind . He even helped me in setting up a Spanish bank account and he’ll continue to help me with certain tax advice. I’d recommend him to anyone. Hugo also got NIE numbers for myself & my wife very, very quickly . It would have taken us far longer personally

Torres Torres

13:00 16 Jul 24

Excellent attention from the first moment. Very helpful, trying to clarify all doubts and with a lot of patience.

Daphne Klok

11:19 05 Jul 24

Hugo is simply a professional lawyer, he helped us buy a property in Spain when our situation was very complicated and the procedures were almost impossible. Great level of communication and very professional, we have had great success together and I recommend Hugo as one of the best lawyers for real estate in Spain. A wonderful person and a professional and honest lawyer. Thank you

R. S.

07:55 30 Jun 24

Fast and certainly reliable communication of his experience in the sector

Adam Giddens

16:46 28 Jun 24

I recently used Hugo to help purchase my first apartment in Barcelona. My Estate Agents advice was to just use a Notary but I am so glad I chose to use a solicitor too. Without Hugo´s help the apartment purchase would not have gone through. There are so many different steps that no one tells you about. Always use a solicitor too and Hugo is great. A really nice guy, knows the process well and was able to fix problems quickly to ensure the purchase happened on time. I am so grateful for his help to for fill what has been a dream of mine for a long time. I hope we stay in touch and I could not recommend Hugo more.

Nick Mott

10:05 21 Jun 24

Hugo was there every step of the way to help me through the (very complicated!) purchase of my new home. Highly recommended. Thanks Hugo!

Seli B

11:11 29 May 24

Hugo is excellent - he is kind, efficient and smart. Hugo helped me with a rental contract ending and negotiating a new apartment contract.He answered his mobile phone the first time I tried to call him and by the next morning I had what I needed.He even followed up with me before my meeting in case I had any questions.I felt very supported by Hugo and he was not annoyed with all my questions, he was so patient.I speak Spanish but spoke to Hugo in English as it’s my native language and I prefer it in legal matters.I highly recommend Hugo!

Ellen Finjord

16:29 28 May 24

We were introduced to Hugo in autumn-23 when we were going to buy an apartment in Barcelona. The ones we bought from had been helped by him for about 13 years. Hugo met us in a professional and dignified manner. He helped us with the acquisition of NIE, was with us and the sellers in the contact meeting at notorius.The help Hugo offers is invaluable. He gives us security in a foreign country with a foreign language. We can ask him for help and advice, and he is more than happy to help us. Hugo has become a good friend and we look forward to the further collaboration.

07:16 28 May 24

Carl de Jager

08:31 19 May 24

I found Hugo through a Google search for property lawyers who are ethical and speak English. From the beginning, the process of buying property in Spain was very intimidating. My level of Spanish was not sufficient to navigate the complexities of Spanish law and bureaucracy. Hugo was incredibly quick to respond to my initial inquiry, and I soon realized that even when he was not immediately available, he would always call back within a couple of hours. This promptness was very reassuring during such a stressful time.Hugo is not only professional and diligent but also friendly and personable. From our first interaction, I felt confident that I had found someone who genuinely had my best interests at heart. His transparent approach and kindness made me feel supported throughout the entire process. Hugo’s patience in explaining each step in detail was invaluable; he ensured that I understood everything clearly and felt comfortable moving forward.Thanks to Hugo, what could have been a daunting and overwhelming experience was transformed into a smooth and successful journey. His meticulous attention to detail and unwavering support made all the difference. I highly recommend Hugo to anyone in need of a reliable and ethical property lawyer in Spain. He truly made a significant positive impact on my property-buying experience.

Heat Hug

07:39 09 May 24

I have used hugo to help me out with an issue due to property and one thing I was reassured that hugo empathised with my case and really helped calm me down in moments of panic. Great guy.

Manon Maalouf

08:28 07 May 24

Hugo was amazing! He is a very humane person who, in my situation, had no obligation to help me. He did it willingly and without him it would have been much more difficult for me to get my money back after moving. Scams are unfortunately still numerous, and in a foreign country it feels good to be able to count on people like Hugo.Thanks for everything Hugo!

Susita

09:52 30 Apr 24

Hugo is an absolute gem of a lawyer. He was recommended as an English speaking lawyer who handles property transactions in Spain via a FaceBook group. I'm so glad to have had his attentive, detail-focused help al through the process of selling my much-loved place in Catalunya, and it was a pleasure to be accompanied throughout by his knowledge, professionalism and really warm and unpretentious personality, too. His fee included the preparatory work and accompanying me on the day of signing. Excellent. I am very pleased.

emma hughes

22:08 27 Mar 24

Having recently bought a village house in Andalucía, Spain, Hugo Navarrete was recommended by the vendor of the property for the role of conveyancing the property. We were able to instruct Hugo to co-ordinate both the sale and purchase. As both parties were UK based and neither had a fluent grasp of the Spanish language or legal process, communication was paramount. Hugo is bi-lingual and was able to translate documentation, make phone calls and attend meetings on my behalf. He also used email and WhatsApp which speeded the conveyancing up. Hugo really took the stress out of buying, his support and professionalism were invaluable and I am now the happy owner of a lovely house with mountain views. Thank you Hugo!

Matthew Kreger

04:28 22 Mar 24

Hugo managed to get us NIEs in less than a week, and proceeded to hold our hands throughout the process of buying a flat, keeping us from making stupid mistakes and making the whole process go far more smoothly that we imagined possible. He's super responsive, knowledgeable, and friendly. Couldn't recommend him more highly.

Gillian Smyth

09:59 14 Mar 24

We recently purchased a property in Spain, and found Hugo through a Google search. From the outset, we found him to be very upfront and direct, and he had our trust from the start. He was diligent and thorough, and had our best interests throughout. Although we were in Ireland, we were very comfortable knowing that Hugo was watching out for us. We can’t thank or recommend Hugo highly enough, he really looks after his clients. Pat & Gillian

zena khalil

13:36 05 Mar 24

I found Hugo through an Online search and after reading the reviews I met with him. All those positive reviews are accurate and even short to commend on the qualities and service level Hugo provides.First, I am writing this review a little over 6 months from my first interaction with Hugo and after the apartment purchase is completed, all my questions are answered and there is literally nothing pending. And I can tell you that I am grateful to have chosen to work with Hugo. The type of purchase I went for (which is my first apt purchase by the way) was not straight forward as it was Bare ownership/ usufructo type of sale. Hugo let all the effort and discussions with a highly ethical and moral compass that considered the Seller and buyer equally. He was very patient, and really walked us through all the details and legal possible loopholes.He ensured that we are covered, helped negotiate with realtor / buyer and ensured that we are exposed or duped.The real estate agent was not straight forward and hid a few pieces of information that at the time of signing the sale caused a tax issue that risked the sale and exposed financially a little bit. Hugo was on top of it, ensured we know all our rights as buyer and devised a contract with realtor to legally protect us and get back our financial exposure. And imagine, he did all this without asking for a money of his fees!! In fact, I have been chasing him to pay his fees and he has pushing back to ensure everything is complete and we don't have anything pending before sending his invoice.Highly recommended!!Thank you Hugo ❤️🙏

Dennis Krings-Ernst

13:21 29 Feb 24

Hugo is a committed lawyer who gets things done for his clients. He is certainly unconventional, but extremely caring, excellent in execution and absolutely by the book. Highly recommended partner for any business you have in Spain.Hugo is a great lawyer. It's certainly a bit unconventional, but you can tell in every interaction that he wants to achieve the best for his customers and he knows his stuff very well and does excellent work. Highly recommended as a partner in Spanish matters.

Sílvia Requena

10:20 19 Feb 24

Thank you very much for everything Hugo, in addition to being a decisive professional, you are the most supportive person I know. I hope you continue helping many more people with your professionalism and sensitivity.

dannyc831

10:45 08 Feb 24

We highly recommend Hugo as a lawyer for first-time homebuyers like us, expats navigating the Barcelona real estate market. He's professional, responsive, and genuinely cares about his clients. Hugo's proactive approach, including two trips to the municipality at no extra cost, ensured a smooth process. His transparency and commitment make him the perfect choice for anyone navigating a home purchase.

Escalona

10:36 07 Feb 24

Hugo resolved all my queries with great professionalism and preparation. We will contact you in the future. Thanks for your attention.

isabel Onandia

15:59 01 Feb 24

I have had the good fortune to work with Hugo Navarrete on several occasions. He is a professional and very efficient person, he goes out of his way to find solutions and when you contact him he always responds. I would definitely recommend working with him.

Jordi Gonzalez Torrens

18:55 19 Jan 24

Everything perfect Hugo. It was a pleasure, thank you.

23:04 16 Jan 24

johnny jones

17:40 14 Jan 24

Dear Hugo,This is Johnny and Peter and you recently represented us when purchasing our first apartment abroad.We wanted to take a moment to express our sincere gratitude for the legal guidance and support that you provided during the acquisition process.Firstly one of THE most important things for us was how you responded to us as people. This quality is priceless and represents one of your greatest virtues as a lawyer.You helped us navigate our first encounter with the vagieries of the housing market. Plus the fact that we were buying abroad meant that we were doubly in the dark and in need of help!.Your extensive knowledge of real estate law and an acute attention to detail instilled a confidence in us right from the beginning, knowing that we had sound and solid legal representation.Your fastidiousness ensured that all the legal documents produced were thorough and accurate. This was very important as there was an initial problem with the certificate of habitation, which meant that the whole process was delayed. This left us feeling unduly stressed and anxious.Consequently we really appreciated your level of communication which included prompt responses to our inquiries, via both phone and email. This made us feel valued as clients. You made yourself available whenever we had any enquiries or concerns and your down to earth and friendly manner always left us feeling reassured and confident.We also appreciated your clarification skills especially when the owner was behaving in a way that was puzzling to us. There were further delays with the land registry and you persistently chased the Notary on our behalf to iron out all of the problems that were stopping the registration from going ahead. It was evident that our best interests were always your top priority.It was only when everything had been successfully registered that you presented us with your invoice.Thanks to your legal expertise and professionalism we are now the proud owners of the apartment that we have always dreamed of.After a rollercoaster ride with a few bumps along the way we are set to continue onto our next adventure. And for this reason we will be using your assistance again as we consider our next purchase.We would highly recommend your services to anyone seeking legal representation in real estate matters. Especially people who are buying for the first time.Sincerely,Johnny and Peter.14/01/24

Tobias Maier

10:57 08 Jan 24

Hugo helped with the purchase of an apartment on the Costa Brava and I am happy to recommend him!He gave me absolutely professional, efficient and honest advice and support in every step, from searching on the right platforms, to viewing apartments and negotiating with sellers, to the notary appointment and the successful closing.Communication with him is quick and flawless in English. His experience in the Catalan real estate market alone is worth its weight in gold. The security I got from Hugo's help is priceless. I'm looking forward to inviting him to my new apartment!

Pedro Ultraran Lari

08:20 06 Dec 23

I have known Hugo Navarrete for some years, always willing to lend a hand beyond what his profession requires of him. I have to thank you for your human quality and professional dedication. Thank you for the extra effort and impetus in carrying out your work. With people like you, you feel a little more protected from injustice.

Paige Peterson

11:26 04 Dec 23

Hugo was very kind and very professional. He accomplished our task as quickly as possible and kept me updated throughout the process. Whenever I’m in need of a lawyer I will definitely call Hugo again! I highly recommend his services.

donagh houlihan

14:09 02 Nov 23

Hugo was recommended to me by an English friend who had purchased property in Barcelona some years previously. It turned out to be a great recommendation. We did a quick check first and found that he is listed on both the Irish and Norwegian consulate websites, which was a good sign. After we engaged him, Hugo guided us through the entire process and went out of his way to help us with things beyond the purchase of the property, including securing NEIs, getting house insurance and registered with the municipality. We felt that he was very much our advocate and he engaged with the mortgage lender, the seller’s representative, and others (even while he was on holiday!). Our situation was unusual, in that my wife is based in Norway, and I’m Irish, but working in Dubai, and neither of us speak any Spanish, but I always felt sure that Hugo could solve any problem. Not only does he know his stuff, but the man is an absolute gent and will be at our new apartment for cocktails as soon as it is ready. If you need an English-speaking lawyer in Barcelona, you cannot go wrong with Hugo. Can’t recommend him highly enough.

rob sewell

20:09 13 Oct 23

We came across Hugo via the UK Foreign Office list of lawyers for Spain. We were buying a property in Barcelona and Hugo was great; very easy to deal with (in English), calmly helped us through the byzantine (to us) spanish property buying process, pointed us in the right direction when we needed it, was available as needed (even in August) and provided sound commercial advice as we went along. We'd highly recommend him.

jo platt

17:03 10 Oct 23

Well what can I say, Hugo is just exceptional professional caring lawyer with great passion for the work he does, he is a rare find in my experience, how fortunate We were to have found him, from start to finish he worked so hard to get us the right outcome, and believe me this was not a easy transaction, when me and my partner decided to move to Catalonia we new that properties in rural parts have many problems, like unregistered buildings, lost paperwork etc…. so eventually we found our forever home We decided to appoint a lawyer called Hugo, this was the best thing We could of done, The estate agents who was selling the property to us said that we do not need one as the sellers pay for the notary and We would be wasting our money, how wrong she was, so never listen to them. I’ve learnt so much through this transaction but what I can say On the day of the signing Hugo our lawyer travelled 2 hours 30 mins to attend the notaria with us, on the last hour the estate agent produced a document which deeply concerned Hugo, all I want to say on this matter that we did not sign……on the advice of our lawyer, and how right he was,. Hugo sat with the notary for many hours, had lengthy phones calls emails to try & resolve the issues with the deeds & wording of the documents, the amendments were finally agreed to our advantage with the hard work and determination of our lawyer Hugo, buying this property with no lawyer would of been a absolute disaster, we would of been left with a property which had many problems regarding being unregistered paperwork etc….we would of been throwing our money away, Hugo argued strenuously over weeks to get all the paperwork in good order, and after a long 3 weeks he git what we wanted, but believe me it was very stressful, but at all times Hugo reassured us, always kept us updated with e mails and phone calls,. The day came again to sign, we attended the notary , this time Hugo was happy with all the amendments on the documents, he saved us from buying a property that was unregistered & if we later in the future tried to sell we would of had difficulties without Hugo intervention. Hugo you was worth every single penny of your fees and so much more, you went above and beyond your duties, and for that I will always be grateful and again thank you for everything you done for us , I can only say through my experience Hugo is a rare find, compassionate and never stops fighting the clients corner, to find a lawyer who deeply cares and one that will fight your corner on every level is exceptional,I will recommend all day and every day.Thank youJojo & Ever

Gail Ocallaghan

15:33 02 Sep 23

Gail..As an American it was hugely important for us to find an English speaking attorney who would calmly walk us through the whole process. We had some legal difficulties transferring funds from the United States and it was causing us acute timeline anxieties, so much so that we almost called off the purchase until we found Hugo online.. From the start he was incredibly warm, attentive and professional, he was able to put all the right people in contact for the sale to finally go through on time and without a hitch.. We were so grateful and will most certainly be using his services again, he has quickly become a valued personal friend to us both.. We will happily recommend him to anybody ...Gail and Eddie

M R

13:20 30 Aug 23

Hugo helped me with the entire process of the purchase of my apartment in Barcelona.He was patient, thorough, organised with great attention to detail. Hugo was there for me whenever and he really cared about making sure I knew everything.He went above and beyond for me to help me with anything I needed and I feel extremely lucky to have found him!He made everything so easy and things went smooth with him in charge.Thanks for helping me with something so stressful! Thank you thank you thank you!!!I can recommend Hugo a 1000000% !

Ms Phillips

11:35 24 Aug 23

Attention to detail and true customer care. Hugo was integral in our journey to purchase our house. I cannot recommend him highly enough. Thank you Hugo for all your excellent work.

Peter Gannon

11:58 16 Jun 23

Hugo is a gem! I have relied on Hugo for over 17 years with a difficult house purchase and obtaining residency, amongst other services. He is not just a great lawyer but he's a real good coach and a calming influence. I also regard him as a great friend. I can recommend without hesitation.

Lucia Uebelacker

14:19 13 Jun 23

Mr Navarrete is a very competent and trustworthy lawyer. I felt very comfortable and understood. He is personally responsive to the needs of his clients. He knows his job very well and is also extremely pleasant and helpful as a person.I can recommend him 100 %. I will definitely contact him again if I need help again. All the best and thanks so much for your help, Mr Navarrete!Saludos Lucia

Corey M

17:02 30 May 23

I cannot recommend Hugo highly enough. He helped me with buying my first property here in Spain. As an Irish person I needed someone who not only knew all about purchasing property but could speak English. Hugo was great at keeping me in the loop and communicating what was happening during the signing for the property. When an unexpected discrepancy was found in the contract on the day which we had not been told about, he argued very well in my favor and secured a great outcome. He offers excellent legal support and I'll have no trouble recommending him in the future.

Gerard Tolan

17:25 09 May 23

I highly recommend to work with Hugo. We are so happy that we found him, thanks to the reviews here, he got our attention very quickly. Every step was perfect and he was on top of everything. It is really important to have someone like Hugo that takes control, but also makes sure to assist and keep you informed during every stage.

Amy McCabe

10:39 09 May 23

We contacted Hugo in a stressful and time sensitive situation where we’d already signed a reservation contract on a property and the clock was ticking to complete our due diligence but our previous lawyer had become unresponsive.Hugo jumped into action immediately, asking to be introduced to our agent, the sellers agent and our architect. He was proactive and decisive in informing us on which documents we needed to start requesting. He kept us informed and up to date on the conversations he’d been having with the involved parties.From the first moment, Hugo conveys a sense of calm, respect, trustworthiness, diligence and professionalism. This was apparent to the other parties involved also. It is clear that Hugo enjoys and cares about his work and cares about your satisfaction as a client.We’re very happy with the choice we made to retain Hugo’s services to help us purchase our property and we would absolutely recommend him.

Matt

13:14 03 May 23

Hugo helped me complete a property purchase which was not so straightforward, but I felt confident and reassured throughout the whole process.As you can imagine It’s not easy buying a property 🏡 in another country, there’s many pitfalls and unknowns but Hugo was always quick to answer any questions or fears which is exactly what I needed during this long process. I can highly recommend him to anyone that needs a property lawyer you won’t be disappointed. 😀

Adelmo Faccini

14:04 20 Feb 23

Hugo Navarrete - EsquireIn the past, I have dealt with many European professionals. As an American citizen, the issue, really, is the lack of promptness. You never really know what they are doing, if they are working on your case. You have to do this carousel of inquiries to find the status of your case. Communication which needs to be essential is non-existent.Our fellow Esquire Hugo Navarrete, has none of the aforementioned qualities.A good man, who takes care of business. Most recommended.

Patrik Kovács

18:39 17 Jan 23

I had problems with my tenants in my rental apartment, so I was looking for a property lawyer in Barcelona and discovered Hugo 's profile. I asked some highly specific questions and I can tell he is quite knowledgable in this field. He is direct, precise, professional and more than anything, approachable. Highly recommended.

Zoe Simmons

10:23 03 Nov 22

We recently bought a property in Sitges and needed a lawyer. My husband found Hugo recommended on the British Consulate website. We were living in Germany and found Hugo very responsive via email in the run up to coming over here. He very diligently and expertly dealt with the very complicated paperwork and accompanied us to both of our appointments with the notary. We consistently felt that Hugo was on our side and working very hard in our best interests, through some complicated negotiations with the notary. We trusted him completely to do what was best for us, and to know the exact details of the laws. Moreover, Hugo gives a very personal service; he is kind and open, and even wowed our sons with his magic tricks! He shared our special first afternoon in our new house with us, something we will always remember. We could not have completed the house purchase without him, and feel very lucky that we found him. Thank you, Hugo!

Nicole Clarke Boulongne

16:05 30 Sep 22

When leaving our prior rental apartment, our landlord tried to mandate we pay a penalty that the rental agent told us at contract signing was not applicable to us. This resulted in a contractual dispute which required legal expertise; this is how we ended working with Hugo. His help was exactly what we needed, and he was very effective at negotiating with the landlord’s legal team to resolve our issue. Ultimately, it was a favorable outcome for us, and this is primarily due to Hugo’s efforts. We would highly recommend him to any that could need similar legal support.

Mariano Carballal

17:49 13 Sep 22

After a bad experience with a well-known lawyer buffet, we found Hugo on Google. We've read all reviews and decided to hire him to help us purchase our first flat in Barcelona. We can't tell how fortunate we were.He guided us through the whole purchase process. He is not only an outstanding lawyer but an excellent person. I can't recommend him highly enough.With his support, buying a flat in Barcelona was a stressless experience! He became our point person for legal advice.

William Poiuy

14:13 10 Aug 22

Hugo is the best! It has been priceless to have hugo’s help for buying my first flat, he spotted correctly some important problem and advised me correctly to do the right decisions at the right time! Thanks again for everything and hope to work with you again next time!

Pavlo Seimskyi

16:37 08 Aug 22

I was struggling to get an answer to a simple but quite specific question about taxes when purchasing a property in Barcelona. Many lawyers made me wait for 1+ months for what was a matter of 3 minutes max. Thank god I found Hugo. I was hoping for a timely paid consultation with him but he simply responded to my email with the answer I was looking for! Just this shows that Hugo is a professional that does not look to take advantage of clients but is actually eager to help and do quality work. Thanks!

paul mason

16:29 04 Aug 22

Excellent service. Professional. Helpful (read my blog on his website) and a very good English, Spanish and Catalan speaker

Abi Fantastic

09:59 20 Jul 22

Testimonial for Hugo Navarette 19/07/2022My name is Abbie Nisbet- although better known as Abi Fantastic- An English Artist now living in Spain!I have recently been though the whole process of buying my new home in Premia de Mar, on the coast just upfrom Barcelona. I thought and heard from other people that the whole experience of buying property in Spaincan be a very stressful, taxing and a very frustrating thing. Thanks to Hugo this was not the case!Hugo came from a recommendation from a good friend of mine who has used his services in the past- so Iknew from the beginning I was going to be in safe hands. From the first time we met, Hugo’s attitude andpersona was relaxed as well as very professional. Just what I needed!I am now 33 and this is my first time stepping on the property ladder, so all a bit daunting. The money alsocame from the loss of my Father- my best friend in the world, which made the whole thing a very emotionaljourney for me. Hugo was aware of this and I remember the first contract I signed, Hugo was there with me,which made me feel reassured I was signing the right thing- as my Spanish is not the best. I was so elated andhappy after that first meeting with him and he even said how proud my Father would be of me! Very kindindeed. The property is perfect for me- with a lovely big roof terrace I will be building my new Art Studio on.When Hugo came to see the property for the first time, he was so excited for me and could see exactly thepotential I could see, which again made me feel very reassured!Of course, at this point I was thinking things were going a bit too smoothly- even though I believed my Fatherwas watching over me- making this dream of mine come true! So, as I mentioned I had the money there readyand waiting to transfer and pay off the previous owner's mortgage as well as giving him a nice lump sum! - Butthis caused a bit of a stir with the estate agents and especially the Notary. They questioned where my moneyhad come from and just seemed like all round difficult people to deal with. This made me very nervousespecially with the communication barrier. Hugo was there with me every step of the way... to keep me calm,translate wherever necessary and help guide me through the process. When it actually came to sitting aroundthe table with the previous owner and transferring the money... my hands were shaking and just wantedeverything to go as smoothly as possible. Of course, it did not. There was a massive delay with my moneygetting across and there seemed to be no proof coming through that the payment had been made. The Notarywas NOT happy and was saying she may even refuse the sale all together. Hugo was the man of the hour. Hekept me calm, he kept the Notary calm(ish) and suggested we all go for lunch to take some time and comeback and see if the money had cleared. I was getting a flight out of Spain the next day so it really had to be thatday! Thankfully the money did clear but still with no receipt. With thanks so Hugo the Notary let us exchange, Iwas allowed to take my new keys and promise the Notary I would go straight to my bank in the morningbefore heading to the airport to get them to send over the official receipt and proof of payment. This reallywas all thanks to Hugo’s calm persuasion! I would have been very lost in this moment without him!Since then, Hugo has kindly helped me with the final bits.... organising the last fees and payments... and I canhonestly say I now have a new lovely friend in him after all of this!I will be highly recommending him to any family and friends who may need his lovely calm, professionalexpertise in the future!BIG THANKS Hugo!My sincerest gratitude..... Abi Fantastic

Kate Busby

14:34 19 Jul 22

Made time for me and gave great advice. Thanks, Hugo.

Katie Andrews

19:20 02 Jun 22

Hugo is an excellent lawyer. He helped me to get the entire deposit back on my flat. He is brilliant at what he does and his ability to always remain so calm was very impressive. I highly recommend Hugo. He is a very kind, caring person and it was a pleasure to meet him. Thank you so much for your help Hugo! Katie

A Google User

Vernon Lacey

09:01 08 Apr 22

Hugo managed the conveyancing of my flat in Poble Sec in Barcelona. He also managed the original purchase of the property and I had no doubt I wanted Hugo to complete the legal part of the sale. There were some tricky issues with the sale but Hugo managed each step efficiently and creatively, advising about the Cedula de Habitibilidad and liaising with the buyer's lawyer throughout the process. As I live in Germany Hugo acted for me using powers of attorney which meant I did not have to come to Barcelona. This was a great help. Hugo is the ultimate professional. He has a deep knowledge of the legal system and advises you at every stage what is required and where you are with the process.

Megha Chadha

14:13 04 Mar 22

Hugo is amazing, very approachable and helpful. He cleared all the doubts I had regarding the TIE, student visa and work permit and guided me with approaches to take both on a short and long term basis. Highly recommended.Thanks, Hugo!

Alexandra Baker

09:17 31 Jan 22

Hugo gave me a second opinion on my current case and I got answers and solutions, which I wasn’t given in 18 months! Apart from Hugo being very knowledgeable, he is easy to talk to (regardless of the seriousness of the topic) and his heart is in the right place. I am very pleased I came across him and I definitely 100% recommend his services. 5 stars are nearly not enough! Thank you Hugo!

Graham Eisner

16:27 29 Nov 21

Great to work with Hugo, great legal advice and very much enjoyed the professional relationship we have developed.

Kevin Tracey

11:38 07 Sep 21

Exceptional service. Quick, clear and concise communication.

Barbro Hansen

12:51 25 May 21

We hired Hugo as our lawyer in 2017 in connection with an apartment purchase in Spain.It turned out to be a wonderfully good choice.For four years he has worked for our cause and been our connection with the real estate developer and the bank in Spain.The case was happily resolved in our favor this May.We are so deeply grateful for Hugo's unstoppable commitment - we would have felt completely helpless without his efforts.We can warmly recommend Hugo to whoever it is, he kept our hopes up with good, useful and constructive communication in an always pleasant way.We give him our best recommendations.

Simon Xu Horner

19:19 01 Apr 21

If you are purchasing a place in Barcelona then you need Hugo by your side - I'd give him 6/5 if I could. I absolutely cannot recommend his services more - as an expat living and buying in a language I'm less than perfect in, having Hugo there to make sure everything was done correctly as well as giving sound advice was exactly what we needed.

Sarah McCrea

09:06 24 Mar 21

Hugo was extremely quick and efficient when helping me with a legal issue regarding a residence in Barcelona. He dealt with my problem with great professionalism and he pursued my claim with great importance and acclaim. Hugo speaks in fluent English, therefore he was able to assist me with great precision and efficiency. He made me feel confident and respected as a client and I would highly recommend him to others. An all round great professional!