Spain Explained

Form 210 is the official self-assessment form that non-residents use to declare and pay Spain’s Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR) on property-related income. Whether your Spanish property sits empty or generates rental income, you are legally required to file this form every year with the Agencia Tributaria.  This guide explains who must file, how the tax […]

For most of us, properties with a price tag over a million are simply to be ogled at.  As Place in the Sun presenters share a ‘top end’ property in their location we might dream a little but never consider it within our reach. However, the luxury property market is healthy and growing and those […]

Owning a property in Spain involves annual expenses that go well beyond the purchase price. From local property tax (IBI) and non-resident income tax (Form 210) to community fees, insurance, utilities and maintenance, the yearly running costs typically add up to between 1% and 2.5% of your property’s market value.  This guide breaks down every […]

Although it isn’t everyone’s cup of tea – the beach is a main attraction for many people. The opportunity to keep cool in the sea, relax under a sunshade and watch the world go by. Who can’t resist? Then again there is sand in your sandwich, you missed a patch with your suntan lotion and […]

Nobody enjoys talking about inheritance. It is a conversation that many people prefer to postpone indefinitely. However, if you own a property or any other assets in Spain, planning ahead can make a significant difference for those who may one day have to manage them. The reality is that, sooner or later, your assets will […]

Spain’s economy is doing well in comparison to many other European countries. However, for the average person living in Spain it’s difficult to find an affordable property to rent or buy. Build more! Is the IMF’s advice. Would this solve the problem and if not, what will? If you are landlord of a property in […]

Spain’s Golden Visa programme officially ended on 3 April 2025, but the country’s doors remain firmly open for foreign nationals who want to live here. If you had been planning to obtain residency through a property investment of €500,000 or more, you now need to consider a different legal pathway, and there are several strong […]

We all know that Spain is hot, hot, hot in the summer. For many people this is one of the reasons they come here. However, July and August can see the mercury in the barometer rising to 40 degrees, a temperature which can leave even the most ardent sun lover, wilting. So, what can you […]

If you have some time on your hands, even just a little, we look at some ways in which you can provide very-much needed assistance. From dog-walking to cat-feeding – you can bring some relief to an animal somewhere. If you have some time to spare, then volunteering to help abandoned or mistreated animals is […]

If you’re planning to move to Spain, whether to retire, work remotely, or buy a property, private health insurance is one of the first things you’ll need to arrange. Spanish immigration law requires most non-EU citizens to hold qualifying private health cover as a condition of their visa or residency permit, and getting it wrong […]

How many years have you lived in Spain? And how have your feelings changed over the years? We look at making that one final decision about where you will spend your final years. It’s a difficult decision to make but don’t put it off too long  Think carefully about future planning if you decide to […]

Whatever has been happening in the world at large, it looks as though the Spanish property market is still a popular choice with house prices continuing to increase. Between January and March 2026, house prices have risen by 3.2% The Valencian Community continues to be the second highest region to grow Spain has risen notably […]

The problem started for Mary with a missing water bill. ‘I really didn’t think it would be such an issue,’ explains Mary, who has lived in her property for the last thirty years. ‘But when I went into Águamed I was told that I couldn’t change the name on my contract because I didn’t have […]

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has been live at Spanish airports since October 2025 and will be fully operational across all border crossings by April 2026. For non-EU nationals who own, or plan to buy, property in Spain.  This new biometric border control system brings a fundamental change: the 90/180-day rule is now digitally enforced, […]

Renting a car in Spain is a great way of getting around and seeing more of the country. If you have your own property then it helps you catch up on those jobs you routinely have to do as well as making the most of your stay when you’re out here. However, there are some […]

We take it for granted- the ways in which we say hello to new and known people. Every country has its custom and getting it wrong can be both awkward and embarrassing. So, whether you’re new to Spain or still finding it confusing – here is our guide to getting it right. Spanish greeting protocol […]

The Spanish Notaries Association has released housing purchase figures for 2025. Although house prices are still on the increase and the market is buoyant, there are some trends emerging in the profile of who is buying and where. In 2025 there were 138,254 property purchases made in Spain by a foreign buyer. This is just […]

The High Court of Justice of the Valencian Community has partially overturned a moratorium on new tourist accommodation licences in Valencia. What does this mean for people who rent out accommodation? In 2024, Valencia city council agreed that licences for new tourist accommodation in the city would be suspended. This came amongst nationwide concern about […]

Spain offers foreign buyers one of Europe’s most robust legal frameworks for property investment, backed by a public Land Registry, an independent notarial system and a transparent conveyancing process. This article explains the institutional safeguards, real market data and practical steps that determine whether your purchase will be safe. At Ábaco Advisers, we have spent […]

Have you always had the desire to travel? Spain has so many interesting and varied places to visit and a campervan is a flexible way to reach and enjoy them. So, why not carry your home on your back?    Around Torrevieja you can see them parked up on the coast and in larger car […]

Property due diligence in Spain is the process of verifying a property’s legal status, tax situation, urban planning compliance, and physical condition before you commit any money. For foreign buyers, it covers four critical areas: registry checks, urban planning verification, tax and financial review, and technical inspection. Skipping or rushing this process is one of […]

Do you remember The Flintstones with Fred and Wilma, Barney and Betty? Their cave home was well appointed and benefitted from all the home conveniences you could wish for. Spain is, in fact, peppered with cave homes – but what would it be like to live in one of them? Far from being a stone […]

Every culture has its differences when it comes to being polite and general etiquette. In this article we give you some basic guidelines as to how you should treat others and can expect to be treated. Have you ever been surprised by the abruptness of a phone call greeting or equally impressed by the politeness […]

Illegal construction in Spain is one of the most significant risks foreign buyers face when purchasing property. From unlicensed swimming pools and enclosed terraces to homes built on rural land without planning permission, these irregularities can lead to fines, inability to connect utilities, or demolition orders. This guide covers the most common types of irregularities, […]

Buying property in Spain as a foreigner requires a series of legal verifications that can make the difference between a secure investment and a costly mistake. This guide covers the five essential checks every buyer should complete before signing: land registry verification, cadastral review, urban planning compliance, debt searches, and the deposit contract. At Ábaco […]