Spain Explained

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:25 am. Most of the property sales that Ábaco assists with are for homes. They are on behalf of those residents and non-residents in Spain who recognise the importance of enlisting a solicitor who will look after their interests. However, there are occasions when Ábaco is asked to […]

Last updated on March 19th, 2020 at 02:05 pm. Until recently residents and non-residents inheriting property in Spain were treated differently when it came to inheritance tax. However, following pressure from the European Commission a modified law was passed on the 28th November 2014. This meant that for all inheritance transactions and donations after January […]

Last updated on October 28th, 2019 at 04:02 pm. It’s something that you don’t set out to do, but unfortunately some unions end in divorce and this has repercussions for your property in Spain too. It can be tempting to leave sorting this out until other matters are settled first. However, you shouldn’t leave it […]

Last updated on October 28th, 2019 at 04:01 pm. Buying a property in any country is a big step. If you are thinking about buying in Spain then you will have questions you need answering. Who should you ask? Many of those you come into contact with might have the answers but also have other […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:25 am. If you want to go hiking in Spain then you really are spoilt for choice. Spain has 14 national parks, every one of which can be an interesting alternative for a hike. We mention some of these routes in this article, but it is impossible to […]

Last updated on April 30th, 2020 at 05:39 pm. Renting is a good option if you are looking to make some money out of a property you have bought in Spain. Whether it is a short term or long term let, renting is increasingly popular and many different types of property are in demand. Some […]

Last updated on May 18th, 2020 at 05:59 pm. You’d think with the seemingly endless sunshine in Spain that solar power would be its chief form of energy. However, this is not the case. Why doesn’t Spain invest more heavily in solar power? Spain has a reputation for the number of sunny days that it […]

Last updated on October 28th, 2019 at 04:02 pm. During the very busy years of buying in Spain, mortgages were easy to get hold of. Banks carried out only the most rudimentary of checks and purchasers often knew little about the mortgage they’d taken out. In this article we explain that more protection is to […]

Last updated on March 19th, 2020 at 02:05 pm. Making sure your loved ones benefit from your hard-earned money is a priority for the majority. You can’t take it with you but it’s nice to have control over who you’re leaving it to. For some, ‘gifting’ their property seems like the best option. It means […]

Unfortunately there are less-than-scrupulous builders who will claim they have obtained a building permit on your behalf, when, in fact, they have not. Having the correct building licences is, ultimately, your responsibility. In this article we explain how to make sure your reformed or extended property is legal.

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Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:26 am. Erasmus is a European Union student exchange programme which has built a reputation for being a life-changing and inspirational experience. Not surprisingly, many students want to come to Spain. In this article we consider why and what the benefits are. There are currently more than 4,000 […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:26 am. If you regularly visit Spain during the summer then you really should at least once watch a Moors and Christians parade. This mixture of history, tradition and sheer dressing-up madness is a must for all ages. It can also be a long night ahead if you […]

Last updated on October 28th, 2019 at 04:03 pm. Whether you are able to travel to Spain or not, the power of attorney can make the process of buying a property here a lot easier. In this article we explain what it is and how to go about making one. A power of attorney or […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:27 am. From the homely tapas to the sophisticated Michelin starred restaurant, the food in Spain has something for everyone. If you think of Spanish food, what are the first images that come to mind? It might be garlic, paella, tapas, or the display of hams and cured […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:27 am. Some people think of Torrevieja as just a seaside holiday resort. In the hustle and bustle of the summer season you could be forgiven for this. However, it’s also a town with a history and salt is at its heart. Torrevieja’s population has rocketed in the […]

Last updated on October 28th, 2019 at 04:03 pm. Not everyone selling their property in Spain is leaving the country. There are times when a different type of property, perhaps in a different area, is what’s needed. What should you take into consideration if you’re not only the seller but the buyer too? Emily Clark […]

Last updated on October 28th, 2019 at 04:56 pm. If you are convinced that Spain is your home and you want to take the next step in showing you belong here, you might want to consider becoming a Spanish national. In this article María Wiedemann tells us what it entails. Most people who come to […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:28 am. Most people think of Torrevieja as primarily being a seaside resort. It’s not a package holiday destination as such but, with its prime location on the shores of the Mediterranean, it’s a popular holiday destination for Northern Europeans and Spanish alike. Although this swells business during […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:38 am. This is the fourth article of a series of five articles on Spanish residency for EU and British citizens. David Ruiz of Torrevieja Translations explains the process and what you need to comply.   The table of contents is: Spanish Residency Overview Pensioners Workers Self-employed/business Unemployed Today’s article […]

Last updated on March 19th, 2020 at 02:05 pm. If you have property in Spain you will be keen to ensure that your inheritors are not burdened with a large Spanish inheritance tax bill when you die. Leaving property in Spain brings different tax requirements to what you might be used to in your home […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:39 am. If you buy a property in Spain then you will need to take out insurance. Insurance in Spain works very similarly to that in other European countries, more or less. You pay a Premium and, unless you have to make a claim, that is it. However, […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:39 am. Noisy neighbours, barking dogs, bars and restaurants playing music to the early hours. We’re often asked what can be done about noise in Spain. In this article Marina Lorente from our legal department looks at the issue and the possible actions that can be taken. Spain […]

Last updated on October 28th, 2019 at 04:04 pm. Buying a holiday home in Spain when you retire continues to be a popular option. For Claire a little luck helped her secure the perfect spot to enjoy her free time.   When Claire retired, buying a property in Spain as a holiday home was on […]

Last updated on February 19th, 2020 at 01:34 am. This is the third article of a series of five articles on Spanish residency for EU and British citizens. David Ruiz of Torrevieja Translations explains the process and what you need to comply.   The table of contents is: Spanish Residency Overview Pensioners Workers Self-employed/business Unemployed This article […]