Table of Contents
Buying Property
Why should you buy on Spain’s Costa del Sol
If you are unfamiliar with the Costa del Sol this short article is here to help you understand why so many people from Northern Europe have decide to make this fantastic location their second home. The article will also offer insight in to why this location will continue to be such a popular destination for the long term.
Continue reading »Preparing to Buy Spanish Property
This guide will quickly run through the steps you need to take in order to prepare before and during your hunt for property on the Costa del Sol.
Continue reading »Property Options in Spain
In the previous chapter we discussed the importance of establishing why you are buying to help make the process of selection a lot easier. In this chapter we explain the different types of property available in Spain as well as the important distinction between off-plan and resale.
Continue reading »The Importance of Using a Spanish Lawyer
Once we have helped you to find the property you are looking for the next steps are to reserve it and commission your lawyer to start the background checks. A lawyer’s services are very important for your protection and their counsel will help clarify the more complicated aspects of Spanish property law. This guide has been written to explain the services your lawyer will provide prior to your purchase.
Continue reading »The Process of Reserving your Property
So you have received good advice from your lawyer and we have helped you find the property you want to buy. What’s next?
Continue reading »The Toolbox: Tips for Buying Spanish Property
A summary of some of the more important points that we feel will help you make the right property choice.
Continue reading »Buying an Off-Plan Property from a Developer: How the Law Protects you
When thinking about purchasing a property off-plan it worth understanding that Spanish law has several good provisions that protect you. Your lawyer will advise you accordingly but for your general reference here are the following acts and provisions that have been created to protect your interests.
Continue reading »The Toolbox: Tips for Buying Off-Plan Property in Spain
A summary of some of the more important points that we feel will help you make the right off-plan property choice.
Continue reading »Paying for your Property
You can pay for your property in euros using a banker’s draft, prepared by your Spanish bank, along with a bank certificate that you have imported foreign currency for this purpose.
Continue reading »The Spanish Property Mortgage Guide
With the introduction of the euro, mortgages in Spain have never been easier to obtain. The Spanish system of property finance is rapidly catching up with Northern Europe. Spanish banks are now beginning to release credit on interest only options as well as equity release schemes. However, conditions may be about to change with the recent credit crunch and many banks are now tightening their policies and their minimum standards for the consideration of an application.
Continue reading »Buying Euros to pay for your Spanish property
When you agree to buy a Spanish property you will know the price in euros. The actual cost (in Sterling) of the property depends upon the exchange rate that you achieve to buy the euros. It may seem obvious but people are often shocked by the cost implications of a sharp move in the exchange rate. Once your offer on the property is accepted you are exposed to a currency risk until you secure a price to buy euros. If you wait until funds are actually required in Spain, the cost of the property will fluctuate on a daily basis (either become cheaper or more expensive).
Continue reading »The Guide to Building your Own Property in Spain
For everyone who has ever dreamed of owning and building their own property abroad this article will help guide you through the process of developing in accordance with usual practices here in Spain. If you are not living in Spain and/or do not speak the language fluently, we have included some recommendations that will help you avoid the common pitfalls.
Continue reading »The Toolbox: Tips for Building your Own Property
Here is a summary of some of the more important points that we feel will help you make the right choices while building your own property:
Continue reading »Using a Company to Buy Property in Spain
This article will explain the various methods of owning a property through a company. Choosing a strategy where you buy as an individual or through a Company will depend mainly on the value of the property and your personal circumstances.
Continue reading »Relocating to Spain
Useful Contact Numbers
A complete list of all the important number and websites for finding information quickly. Includes Emergency numbers for police and firebrigade, Airport information, Taxi, Car Hire, Tourist information kiosks, etc.
Continue reading »Spanish Residencia Application Form (Sample)
Here are two completed Residencia application forms to review and download. The forms have instructions on how to be completed, plus a blank copy for printing your own copy.
Continue reading »Applying for your Residency Permit
Applications for residencia are made at your local police station. If you are from an EU member state and you want to live and work in Spain you can apply for your residencia on a Solicitud de autorización de residencia y de autorización de trabajo y residencia. You must provide the following during your application:
Continue reading »The Benefits of Becoming Resident in Spain
This chapter will provide insight into the benefits of having a residence permit while owning a property and living in Spain. Being a resident can be particularly useful in avoiding some of the taxes that non-residents must pay.
Continue reading »Registering at your Local Town Hall for your Enpadronamiento
Registering allows you to send your children to local schools, apply for your residencia and many other important things. To register all you have to do is go to your local Town Hall and ask to empadronarse, fill out the form with your name, place of birth, parents’ names, age, address, marital status, and studies along with a copy of your passport. You may also need a copy of a utility bill, gas, electricity, water or telephone bill.
Continue reading »Applying for your NIE Number
As a foreigner in Spain you will need an NIE number (Numero deI identificacion de Extranjero ). This identification number is used to track your financial and official activities in Spain. The NIE always starts with “X” and is followed by seven numbers and a letter. NIE Numbers are needed to:
Continue reading »Contracting your Utilities
Your lawyer will normally contract your utilities on your behalf for a small fee, however if you want to set this up yourself then read the following article. Electricity You will have to buy your electricity from Endesa, they can be contacted online at http://www.endesaonline.com or by calling 900 848 384. Bills are paid bimonthly; they come in Spanish […]
Continue reading »Health Care in Spain
Public health care in Spain is freely available and there are also excellent provisions for private medical insurance as well. If you are intersted in moving to Spain read this report and find out what provisions best suit you.
Continue reading »Banking in Spain
To open either a savings or a current account with any bank in Spain you will need either your passport or your residencia. There is very little form-filling, and most of this is done by the manager or a member of staff at the bank. Having a Spanish bank account is very convenient as many of your household bills can be direct debited from it. Nearly all banks offer debit and credit cards which allow you to shop and pay directly from your account and most also supply internet banking, allowing you 24 hour access to your money.
Continue reading »Education and Schooling in Spain
Quality education is available in Spain with a wide selection of both private and state schools.
Continue reading »Owning Property
Taxes and Other Costs Associated With Owning a Property and Living in Spain
This article examines your obligations as a Spanish property owner in terms of taxes and ongoing costs that need to be paid. For more information on Tax Rates in Spain, consult the English language section of the Hacienda (tax authorities) site: http://www.aeat.es. There are certain benefits to being a resident, non resident or owning a company we suggest you read this article and the next (read article: Comparing the Costs of Owning Property) to gain a better understanding of your liabilities.
Continue reading »The Spanish System of Inheritance Law
The Spanish inheritance law emphasises the protection of the rights of the deceased’s direct descendents. If you already own, or are seeking to own, a property in Spain, take the time to speak to a lawyer and a qualified financial advisor. This will help you ensure that your assets are in order, and the correct provisions have been made so that your inheritor(s) pass through the process of probate easily.
Continue reading »The Guide to Renting your Property in Spain
With today’s low interest rates your rental return from your property could easily go towards paying most if not all of the costs, while you still have use of it for part of the year. With this obvious benefit in mind you should be aware of various important considerations while attempting to do this. This quick guide has been written to inform you about how you go about letting your property. As a landlord you have certain obligations to your tenants and renting is not without its pitfalls.
Continue reading »The Toolbox: Renting your Property - A Shortlist of Recommendations
Here is a summary of some of the more important points that we feel will help you make the right choices while choosing and renting your property:
Continue reading »Comparing the Costs of Owning Property
This report shows what it costs to buy, own and sell property in Spain it’s designed to give an overview to help make easy comparisons for the taxes paid by residents, non-residents and Spanish companies.
Continue reading »The Seller’s Guide to Spanish Property
Selling your property is about your strategy and network of contacts. Depending on what you choose greatly affects the length of time it takes to sell, and the potential returns you could make. This guide has been written to offer advice on how to maximise your chances of selling, and ensure that the process goes smoothly for all of the parties involved.
Continue reading »The Toolbox: Tips for Offering your Property for Sale
Here is a summary of some of the more important points that we feel will help you establish the best stratedgy to help you sell your property:
Continue reading »The Spanish System of Capital Gains Tax
When you sell a property in Spain you will be liable to pay capital gains tax on the profit you make. This article will demonstrate how the tax is currently calculated for residents and non-residents as well as discuss some of the proposed changes to the system that are due in 2007.
Continue reading »