Common Real Estate Scams in Barcelona (2025 Guide)
Before you sign or transfer a euro, know the common real estate scams in Barcelona and how to avoid them. Below you’ll find the usual tricks, the red flags, the documents you should always see, and the safe process for deposits and due diligence—whether you’re buying or renting.
How scams happen (and why they’re convincing)
Most bad actors rely on urgency, confusion, and “this deal will disappear” pressure. They use legit terms (arras, reserva, notarized cheques) but skip the checks that keep you safe: identity, title, debts, licensing, and the correct account to hold your deposit. If something feels rushed or opaque, slow down and verify.
New to the process? Read our Barcelona buying guide and the companion article on common pitfalls. Financing abroad? Start with mortgage pre-approval for foreigners and your NIE.
Yes, there are some shady characters out there!
Common Real Estate Scams in Barcelona
Common scam types in Barcelona property
- Fake or “bait-and-switch” listing: Photos of a great flat at a too-good price. When you call, it’s “just gone,” but there’s a worse one at a higher price. Goal: harvest deposits or personal data.
- Phantom owner / identity fraud: A “seller” or “landlord” who can’t prove ownership or won’t show ID that matches the nota simple (title extract).
- Deposit to a personal IBAN: You’re told to wire the reserva or arras to a private account. Legit deposits go to a registered agency/notary trust or are clearly documented to the named owner.
- “Black money” request: Part cash under the table to “save taxes.” Illegal—and you lose all legal protections.
- Illegal tourist-license claims: A flat “with short-stay license” in a zone where new licenses are banned. Verify with the city registry; don’t rely on marketing copy.
- Usufruct / lifetime occupancy “surprise”: Property encumbered by rights of use or debts not disclosed in the ad. Shows up on the nota simple and community docs.
- Area/condition misrepresentation: Quoting built area as usable; hiding internal rooms with no ventilation; “recently refurbished” = new paint only.
- Rental sublet fraud: A “tenant” posing as owner, collecting “first month + deposit” then vanishing. Common in hot rental seasons.
Red flags to watch for
- Pressure to “send money now” or lose the deal.
- Refusal to show ID that matches the title, or to provide a recent nota simple.
- Deposit requests to personal accounts, or through payment apps/crypto.
- Meeting off-site and avoiding the notary “to save time.”
- No certificado de eficiencia energética (energy certificate) or cédula de habitabilidad (habitability certificate) where required.
- Inconsistent floor areas (usable vs built) and evasive answers on community works/debts.
Documents you should always see (buyers & renters)
- Nota simple registral: owner(s), charges, liens, and usufructs.
- Seller/landlord ID: DNI/NIE matching the title (and POA if an attorney-in-fact signs).
- Community docs (for flats): debt-free certificate, recent minutes, monthly fee proof.
- Energy certificate and, in Catalonia, the cédula de habitabilidad.
- ITE/Certificado de aptitud for older buildings (technical inspection status).
- IBI (property tax) receipt and utilities for proration/identity checks.
Cross-check these with your lawyer and the notary you choose. Learn the typical flow in our Buying Guide and the Pitfalls article.
How to protect yourself (buying or renting)
- Pick the notary and lawyer yourself. Don’t rely solely on the seller’s choices.
- Verify ownership + identity with a recent nota simple and matching DNI/NIE (or verified POA).
- Pay deposits correctly: via notary escrow or registered agency account (with CIF invoice and a clear contract). Avoid personal IBANs.
- Put conditions in writing: Arras/reserva should include documents to be delivered, deadlines, and refund triggers.
- Avoid “black money.” Illegal and destroys your legal protections.
- For rentals: meet at the property, see ID and ownership, insist on a proper contract, and pay by bank transfer.
If you’re targeted or scammed
- Stop transfers immediately and notify your bank’s fraud team.
- File a police report with the Mossos d’Esquadra (bring all emails, WhatsApp, contracts, bank receipts).
- Contact a real estate lawyer to assess civil/criminal action and preservation of evidence.
- Report the listing on the portal and to the platform’s trust/safety team.
- Inform your notary/agency if they’re involved so they can block future dealings.
Useful resources
- Spanish Property Registry (Registradores) — obtain a nota simple.
- Barcelona City Council — housing/licensing info and neighborhood services.
FAQ — Barcelona property scams
1) Is it safe to pay an arras (reservation) before the notary?
Yes—if it’s done correctly. Use a written contract, verify owner identity/title, and pay to a notary escrow or registered agency account with invoice and CIF. Avoid personal IBANs.
2) What’s the right size of deposit in Barcelona?
Commonly 1,000–5,000€ for a simple reserva, and ~10% at arras signature—after basic checks. The contract should define refund/penalty conditions.
3) How do I confirm the owner really owns the flat?
Request a recent nota simple and match the name(s) to government ID. If someone signs by power of attorney, verify the POA at the notary.
4) The agent says there’s a tourist license. Believe it?
Never on marketing alone. Verify in the city registry and ask your lawyer. New licenses are tightly restricted; many claims are outdated or false.
5) Is “black money” common?
Declaring a lower price and paying the difference in cash is illegal and risky. It voids protections and can trigger serious penalties.
This article is general information, not legal advice. Always consult a qualified lawyer and your chosen notary.
