Signing at the notary feels like the end of the process. For most foreign buyers, it is actually the beginning of a separate set of legal and administrative obligations that run in parallel, and on strict deadlines.  This article sets out, step by step, everything you need to do after completing a property purchase in […]

Last updated on September 2nd, 2026 at 08:17 am. Over the years, those looking for Spanish banks to finance their property purchase, have seen everything from mortgages being approved almost over the phone all the way up to a perfect financial situation being their requirement for approval. Where are we now if you need to […]

You have agreed a price, signed the arras contract, and booked the notary. Then, at the signing table, you discover that 3% of the total agreed price will not reach your bank account. It goes directly to the Spanish Tax Agency (Agencia Tributaria, AEAT) the same day you hand over the keys.  For many non-resident […]

If you own property in Spain as a non-resident, you may be liable for wealth tax — even if you live thousands of miles away. Spain is one of the few European countries that still levies an annual tax on the net value of assets held within its borders. This article explains how the Impuesto […]

Many countries are prone to wildfires. Long, dry summers and dry, parched foliage can create a tinder box. However, there are ways of ensuring that if you do live in an area which might be affected, that you know how to protect yourself and your property. The risk of being in danger due to a […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

If you are buying property in Spain, one of the most important steps in the process is signing a contrato de arras — a preliminary agreement that secures the transaction through a deposit paid by the buyer. This contract defines the terms of the sale, sets consequences if either party withdraws and acts as a […]

When buying property in Spain, your lawyer should work exclusively for you. This article explains how to verify that your Spanish property lawyer has no conflicts of interest with estate agents, how to check their professional credentials through official channels, and what questions to ask before signing any agreement. You will learn to identify red […]

Spain continues to strengthen its regulatory framework for short-term rentals, particularly those advertised through online platforms. From January 2nd 2026, a new annual reporting obligation is in force, directly affecting many foreign property owners with holiday homes or second residences in Spain. This obligation is established by Order VAU/1560/2025, which develops the Single Register of […]

If you are thinking of purchasing a Spanish property then you could be in luck. From June 1st 2026 buying a home in the Valencia Region (Alicante, Valencia and Castellón) will be a little cheaper due to a reduction in property transfer tax and stamp duty. When buying a property we all appreciate an opportunity […]

Last updated on June 26th, 2025 at 09:21 am. When you are moving between countries, the tax implications of selling your property can be confusing. Typically, this is one of the most common questions that property owners ask and it’s always good to get clarity around these important issues.  Capital gains tax in Spain affects […]

Last updated on June 27th, 2025 at 12:29 pm. Someone wants to buy your property! It’s a great feeling when you can set the conveyancing process in motion. But have you got everything in place so that you can sell a property in Spain without a hold-up? We explain everything you need to know to […]

Last updated on June 26th, 2025 at 09:24 am. Spanish property is a compelling prospect for investors from around the world. In 2025, experts predict the market will continue to be buoyant. In this article, we look at Spanish property price trends to help you decide if now is your time to buy.  Spain is […]

Finding a home does not need to be a permanent decision. Rent to buy in Spain and you can try before you buy. Congratulations! You have decided to move to Spain. Moving to another country, thinking about where to live and how to organise everything is challenging, even for the bravest. Do you have any […]

Last updated on August 28th, 2025 at 09:41 am. If you’re thinking about buying a Spanish property, then it’s likely you may consider getting a mortgage in Spain. A new Spanish home can offer you major benefits, such as opportunities to experience beautiful weather, fascinating culture, and delicious food.   Are you aware of the steps […]

Last updated on June 10th, 2025 at 10:26 am. As you gaze into the estate agents’ window, it’s easy to forget that the price for that property you love is only part of the overall cost. It’s important that you take into account the additional fees that come with buying a property. In this article, […]