DISPUTES AND PROCEEDINGS · RESIDENTS OUTSIDE THE EU
Hidden defects and building problems in Spain
Evidence and time limits are critical when defects appear. We coordinate legal analysis with technical expertise where the condition of the property needs investigation.
THE STEPS INVOLVED
From initial review
to practical completion.
Preserving the evidence
Photographs, dated communications and expert reports help establish the defect and its discovery. Evidence should be preserved before repairs where possible, while urgent safety issues are addressed.
Discuss your situationIdentifying the legal basis
Hidden defects, construction liability and contractual non-performance may have different conditions and deadlines. We identify the appropriate parties and possible legal route.
Discuss your situationQuantifying and notifying
The technical findings, repair estimate and effects on use support a properly framed request. Notices and any required attempt at resolution are prepared under the applicable rules.
Discuss your situationSettlement or proceedings
Repair, compensation and other options are compared against the facts and their feasibility. We consider the steps needed to turn a favourable outcome into practical recovery.
Discuss your situationINITIAL DOCUMENTS
A clear starting point
for your case.
You do not need a complete file to get started. After an initial review, we explain which documents are still needed.
- Deed, contract and specifications
- Photographs and discovery dates
- Expert reports and repair estimates
- Seller or builder correspondence
RESIDENTS OUTSIDE THE EU AND SPAIN
For clients resident outside the EU
We help English-speaking clients living outside the EU manage their interests in Spain. Your specific country, documents and tax residence are assessed individually, rather than applying one rule to every non-EU situation.
- Foreign judgments require a review of the issuing country, subject matter, date and applicable treaty or Spanish recognition rules. Non-EU residence alone does not decide the process.
- Notarial and court documents may require authentication and sworn translation; prepare the originals and certified copies early.
- We organise representation and communications in Spain while identifying any stage that may require your personal involvement.
- Before litigating, we assess the debtor, available evidence and practical recovery in Spain, with your foreign lawyer involved when needed.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What you may want
to know before acting.
Is every defect a hidden defect?
No. Its nature, circumstances and legal basis need to be established before the appropriate remedy is identified.
Can I repair before obtaining a report?
Urgent safety work may be necessary, but preserve evidence wherever possible. Extensive repairs can make the original cause harder to establish.
Do all claims have the same deadline?
No. Time limits depend on the legal basis and the parties concerned. Seek advice promptly so the correct deadline can be checked.
Does living outside the EU always require exequatur?
No. The judgment’s origin and subject matter, and any applicable European or international instrument, determine the route. Your residence alone does not decide it.
Will you work with my adviser abroad?
Yes, where appropriate and with your agreement. We coordinate the Spanish documents and steps with your own qualified adviser, who remains responsible for advice and filings in their jurisdiction.
LET’S DISCUSS YOUR CASE
Would you like us to review your situation?
Tell us about your plans or concerns. We will connect you with the appropriate specialist in our team in Spain.
Send us your question through the contact form. We will connect you with the right specialist.
Go to the contact formThis is general information, to be applied to your circumstances and the rules in force. Sirejacob Legal & Tax advises on your matter in Spain. Foreign law and overseas filings are handled, where needed, with your own qualified adviser.