Spain Explained

Donating property in Spain is still a good option

Last updated on March 19th, 2020 at 02:05 pm.

We have written before about the benefits of donating or ‘gifting’ your assets rather than bequeathing them when you die. ‘Donación de bienes’ is an alternative way of handing over your property which has a number of benefits. Arranging this handover sooner rather than later means you can be sure that you are avoiding inheritors having awkward arrangements to make when you should die. It can also be very beneficial cost-wise too.

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Following an EU ruling, Spain had to bring its donation tax for non-residents in line with that of residents. As things stand at the moment, if a parent donates a property valued at €100,000 to their child in the Valencian Community, the Spanish donation tax would be €0. This is one example and it does depend upon where you are located and the relationship you have to those you wish to donate to. However, it represents a very good opportunity to reduce the amount of tax payable at handover. Particularly with Brexit on the horizon.

It is possible that when the UK leaves the EU, Spain reverts to its previous tax rules regarding donation and inheritance tax for British non-residents. This could mean the preferential rates currently available being removed and reverting to the level prior to the EU ruling. On a donation from parent to child of €100,000   that could mean a cost to the child of €12,415. A big difference.

If you take the decision to donate now, your children will be charged under the current arrangements. This removes any uncertainty from what the future cost to your inheritors might be when you die.

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In January 2017 some amendments were made to Spanish donation tax laws that have led to people querying whether donating property is still a good option. It is true that there are some changes but they are small and should not be a deterrent to anyone considering donating their property now. The only real changes apply to inheritance worth more than €600,000 when the benefits to handing over property in this way diminish.

However, overall, donating your property in Spain still remains a good option and will enable people worried about the impact of the referendum to avoid the possibility of tax hikes following Britain’s exit from the EU.

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4 comments

June

1 October, 2020 6:34 pm

Hello
I live in the UK, am non resident owning an apartment in Spain that was purchased by my husband and myself in 1974. Alicante 03560 postcode. In 2015 I inherited my husbands half of the apartment as he had died.
Now I am thinking of donating the apartment to my daughter who is 18 years younger than her oldest brother and 16 years younger than her second brother.
Could you tell me an approximate cost of donating procedure.
Would you also know if donating is the same as gifting in the UK where I would need to live for seven years before it didn’t show as my asset.
I would appreciate your comments

Oscar Paoli

2 October, 2020 7:19 am

Hi June,
Thank you for contacting us.
Someone from our legal department will get back to you as soon as possible to give you futher information regarding the donation process and its costs.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers

Philip Lynch

2 October, 2023 7:43 pm

Could you send Information Donating the property presently owned by my wife and me to our 6 children ? If you could send it in paper form as i have no printer to down load
Thank you
yours Faithfully Philip Lynch 3 Old Yellow Walls Road Co. Dublin Ireland k36tv20

Oscar Paoli

3 October, 2023 7:49 am

Dear Philip,

Thank you for reaching out to us regarding the donation of your property to your six children. Our legal department will be in touch with you shortly to provide the information you requested.

Thank you for your patience, and please feel free to contact us if you have any further questions or concerns.

Best regards,

Ábaco Advisers