Spain Explained

The Spanish government has introduced some new legislation around mortgages – which means your Spanish mortgage calculator may no longer be correct. However, the good news is that it does mean that applying for a Spanish mortgage is clearer and significantly cheaper than before. The new Mortgage Act, or the Law 5/2019 of 15th of […]

The idea of buying a Finca for sale in Spain is, for many, an impossible dream. Many who think about escaping the city’s hustle and bustle to live in the countryside do not make it happen. Peace, tranquility, open space and the possibility of growing your own food. These are some of the many reasons […]

For many non-residents in Spain, the deadline for tax returns will be here by the end of the year. Non-resident tax in Spain amounts to a complicated time for many, so we at Ábaco Advisers try to answer some of your questions.  However, we would like to remind you that taxes in Spain can be […]

When thinking about selling your property in Spain, it is highly probable that you will need assistance with publicising your property and with the finer points of the sale. This means that you will probably be looking for help from Alicante estate agents, instead of looking at the option to sell by yourself, independently.  A […]

Taxes in Spain depend on your residency status. Both resident and non-residents have to pay taxes in Spain and make Spanish tax declarations but they are at different times of the year. We would like to remind you that taxes in Spain can be complicated and you could be subject to fines or penalties if […]

Purchasing large villas in Spain to rent as an investment is a wise financial choice. Here, we explain how it is likely to bring significant and frequent financial returns. Nowadays, most people are booking large villas in Spain for their holidays online. Many sites such as Airbnb and Booking have done away with the need […]

Property sales in Spain are currently enjoying a meteoric rise. The Spanish property market saw an increase of 12.4% on property sales in April and June of 2018 compared to the previous year. This figure of 134,196 properties sold is the highest amount since just before the financial crash in 2008 which saw 152,630 houses […]

Now the Spanish economy is bouncing back, many foreigners are looking for rural Spanish property for sale. And why wouldn’t they? The Spanish campo is filled with stunning period properties set amongst rolling hills, clear blue skies and plenty of peace and quiet. However, investing in a rural property in Spain comes with its nuances. […]

If you’ve invested in property, winter rentals in Spain are a lucrative market.  Therefore, it’s likely that you’re considering renting your home for part of the year. It’s a beneficial arrangement for a number of reasons; not only does it generate income, but it can also ensure your property is secure while you’re away in […]

A buy to sell mortgage is a popular option for those looking to invest in property in the UK.  These loans are issued to individuals who plan to purchase a property and sell it on soon after. Often, applicants will use the money to buy a home that needs some work at a bargain price. […]

Horse riding in Spain conjures images of a lonely beach, virgin sand, and the steady rhythm of a fine stallion galloping along the shoreline. Imagine holding its broad neck with the wind flying through your hair as you breathe the sea air in deeply. All of this is possible in Spain, where there are a […]

If you enjoy golf Benidorm is the place to go. Far more than an ITV series, Benidorm is one of Spain’s, if not Europe’s, most underrated golf resorts.  With gorgeous weather, a wealth of stunning courses and a variety of properties – both traditional and new – Benidorm is the place to be if you […]

If you want to relocate to Spain permanently, it’s important that you understand how to get Spanish residency.  After all, if you’re going to invest in property, it’s essential that your affairs are in order. For instance, if you live in Spain for 183 days a year, then you’re classed as a resident. Many expat […]

If you live in Spain or visit during the springtime, you might have heard people talking about the pine processionary caterpillar.  This specie is often mentioned by dog owners who are warning others of the danger. They’re a real threat too; we don’t usually associate caterpillars with the potential to kill, but this species has […]

Post-2008, the Spanish banking sector made a series of gains from property repossessions. Now, banks are eager to sell these properties to recoup losses from the recession era. These homes are available at extremely attractive prices – however, it is essential to be vigilant when searching for repossessed property for sale in Spain. As is […]

If you have property in Spain you will want to have arrangements in place so that everything goes smoothly when you die. It’s a difficult subject, but failing to look ahead can leave your inheritors with unexpected inheritance tax bills. Nobody is really prepared for a bereavement but unfortunately all legalities need to be completed […]

Did you know that all changes made to your home, however small, need approval from the town hall in Spain? If you go ahead without the proper permission you may have to go through a process of having it legalised. Alternatively, you might even have to restore it to its original state if legalisation’s not […]

Nowadays it is very common for couples to live together without getting married. However, this can have legal and tax disadvantages. If you don’t want to marry but do want to keep your costs down then there is an alternative in Spain. This option rests somewhere between being married and simply living together. If you […]

Imagine that before you die you have the privilege of rubbing a magic lamp, just like Aladdin, to make a wish come true. You perhaps have opportunity to wish for something that you have never been able to do before. A last wish. Four health workers have established in Murcia a scheme that enables people […]

Many people travelling up and down the old Alicante Road or Cortes Valencianas in Torrevieja will never have noticed ALPE (Asociación Comarcal para la Rehabilitación del Discapacitado). It’s on the side of this very popular stretch of road and provides education and life-long learning opportunities for children and adults who have a disability. The facilities […]

As we move closer to the Brexit due date many British people are increasingly anxious about what to expect. However, the reality is that even at this late stage, we don’t really know what will happen once Britain leaves the EU. What we do know is that we can’t expect it to be as easy […]

Between April and June 2018, 134,196 properties have been sold which is 12.4% up on the previous year. This figure is the highest recorded since the same period in 2008 when 152,630 sales were registered in Spain. This renewed interest in purchasing houses is not expected to stop any time soon. The forecast is that […]

Most people are aware of the importance of making a will. Ensuring that those you love receive the inheritance you’ve worked for is recognised as one of those tasks we should do in good time. However not many people are aware that you can also make a living will. A living will enables someone to […]

Now, we interview our expert, María Wiedemann, from our Legal Department to find out just what the advantages are of making a will in Spain and what the disadvantages can be, if you don’t. Maria Wiedemann has been helping foreigners in Spain protect their assets for 16 years. As a qualified lawyer, she understands exactly […]

One thing you will soon become familiar with if you spend time in Spain are the range and variety of taxes. Most of them are the same as you would expect in your home country. However, one or two might take you by surprise. Like all countries, public services in Spain are paid for through […]