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, […]

You’re probably used to paying some form of tax for your property at home, so the IBI in Spain property tax won’t come as a total surprise if you’re thinking about buying a Spanish property. More or less every country has a procedure for collecting taxes to pay for the local infrastructure. Every day we are […]

Property in Spain should be registered on the Spanish Land Registry or ‘Registro de la Propiedad’. Full of essential information, this is an official record of Spanish land owners. But what exactly is this register and how does it really work? There’s no doubt that owning land in Spain is a very attractive proposition for […]

For more than 25 years, Ábaco has offered empathy, support and emotional help to those who have lost a loved one and are going through the inheritance process in Spain. We consider it to be an important part of our role to accompany you and take the bureaucratic burden off your shoulders. Here we explain […]

Purchasing a home is undoubtedly one of the most significant and expensive decisions anyone can make in their life. If you’re at that stage and plan to carry out renovations—whether to create extra living space, build a pool, or add a garage—it’s crucial to consult the urban planning certificate of the property before moving forward. […]

Buying a property is one of the most important decisions in anyone’s life. Beyond considering factors such as price, location, or condition, there is a crucial element that often doesn’t get the attention it deserves: the legal compliance of the property. Many buyers are unaware of whether the property they are purchasing meets urban planning […]

Last updated on December 29th, 2025 at 09:16 am. Thinking about improvements or extensions to your property? We outline what you need to know.   As we begin 2026, many homeowners may be considering property improvements—whether it’s adding a pool, updating a kitchen, or enclosing a terrace. While these changes can add value, you must […]

Purchasing property in a foreign country can be an exciting yet complex process. Spain, known for its beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and favorable climate, attracts numerous foreign buyers. However, with the increasing reliance on the internet, ensuring cybersecurity during your property purchase is crucial. This article provides advice on safeguarding your financial and personal information […]

We all know how important it is for our own pockets and the environment, to be energy savvy. The energy performance certificate in Spain is one way in which you can check that a property you are buying, or selling, is energy efficient. In this article we explain what it is, how to get one […]

Last updated on February 1st, 2024 at 02:16 pm. Not all countries have a notary to verify documents as they do in Spain. Here the Spanish notary is a very much respected individual whose office carries a clearly recognised ‘Notary’ sign and who trains for several additional years to qualify for the title. Most people […]

¿There are any estate agent regulations? Until recently, there was no official regulation required for estate agents in Spain. Now this is changing in some regions. In this article we explain what the new expectations will be, how your local agent will be held accountable and what this means for buyers and sellers. Estate agents […]

Last updated on March 27th, 2024 at 05:00 pm. The NIE is essential for any major transaction you wish to carry out in Spain. It is your tax number and you will need it for buying a house, car, or even collecting your mail on occasions. In this article we explain in more detail about […]