The following are illustrative cases based on common situations in the Barcelona market — not specific real people. Each ends with the check that would have avoided it. The pattern is always the same: signing earnest money before checking.
In almost every case, the problem existed and was detectable. What failed was the order: paying the deposit before reviewing the nota simple, ITE, minutes, habitability certificate and building condition.
1. The €18,000 façade special assessment
They bought a flat in an old building without requesting the community minutes. Three months later, an extraordinary meeting: a special assessment approved to refurbish the façade. What avoids it: read the minutes of the latest meetings and the ITE before signing.
2. The seizure that appeared on the nota simple… that nobody asked for
They put down earnest money trusting the seller's word. At the notary, the property had a seizure. The deal collapsed and recovering the deposit was a nightmare. What avoids it: a nota simple for €10 before earnest money.
3. The loft that was a commercial space
A beautiful "loft" turned out to be a commercial space with no use change to housing: no habitability certificate and no standard mortgage. What avoids it: verify the cadastral use and the habitability certificate.
4. The aluminosis in the 1965 building
Charming 1960s building. A year later, the ITE detected severe structural deficiencies from aluminosis and a huge special assessment followed. What avoids it: check the year and request a structural report on buildings from 1950–1977.
5. They paid 12% above market
They fell in love and offered without comparing. The flat was worth considerably less according to the area's real €/m². What avoids it: objectify the price with data. How to know if it is well priced.
6. The mortgage that never came
They signed penitential earnest money without a financing clause. The bank denied the loan and they lost the deposit. What avoids it: the financing condition clause in the earnest money agreement.
7. No lift on a 4th floor with no possibility of installing one
They bought a 4th-floor without a lift thinking the community would install one. The building had no space for it. What avoids it: ask the community about the feasibility of the lift, do not assume it.
8. Community debts from the previous owner
The seller owed community fees. The new owner was liable for the current and previous years. What avoids it: require the certificate of being up to date with community payments.
9. The actual surface was 10 m² less
The listing said 80 m²; the actual usable surface was 70. They paid for square meters that did not exist. What avoids it: check the surface in the nota simple and Cadastre, and measure during the visit.
10. Chronic damp hidden with paint
A fresh coat of paint hid structural damp from the courtyard. It appeared in the first winter. What avoids it: a methodical visit (check ceilings, corners and courtyard) and, when in doubt, a technician.
Don't let it happen: analyze before signing, free
The analyzer gives you in seconds the year, use, ITE, aluminosis/asbestos risk, area price and a checklist. The first filter to avoid 8 of these 10 cases. No sign-up.
Analyze a flat →Editorial notice. The cases are illustrative and represent common situations; they do not correspond to specific people or transactions. Informational guide (2026). Listing Barcelona is an editorial and independent platform.