Spain Explained

A guide for foreigners on every aspect of safe property ownership in Spain

Posts filtered by Spanish Law

Do I really need a habitation certificate? – Case Study

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 […]

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EES rules in Spain: what property owners need to know in 2026

The EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) has been live at Spanish airports since October 2025 and will be fully operational across all border crossings by April 2026. For non-EU nationals who own, or plan to buy, property in Spain.  This new biometric border control system brings a fundamental change: the 90/180-day rule is now digitally enforced, […]

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Property due diligence in Spain: the essential checks every foreign buyer should make

property due diligence Spain

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 […]

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Illegal construction in Spain: how to verify your property and what you need to know about the AFO

illegal construction Spain property

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, […]

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What is an arras contract in Spain and how does it protect your property purchase?

arras contract Spain

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 […]

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New Annual Reporting Obligation for Short-Term Rentals in Spain: What Property Owners Need to Know

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 […]

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Good news for property buyers in the Valencia Region

Spanish Property Tax

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 […]

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Sell a property in Spain: How to get everything ready

Sell a property in spain

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 […]

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The Spanish Land Registry: what you need to know

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 […]

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Your Digital Key to Spain: Why You Need a Digital Certificate and How Ábaco Advisers Can Help

In today’s increasingly digital world, having secure and efficient access to public services is no longer a luxury—it’s essential. If you are a foreign resident or non-resident with interests in Spain—whether you own property, pay taxes, or simply need to manage official paperwork—a Digital Certificate (Certificado Digital) is one of the smartest tools you can […]

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Have you got an unregulated funeral plan?

Last updated on January 19th, 2026 at 03:24 pm. Do you pay into a funeral plan? Many foreigners living in Spain have a plan that is pre-paid and includes details of how and where they would like their funeral to take place. Recent news has shone light on the vulnerability of some of these plans. […]

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Should you make a will in Spain? You decide

Will in Spain

Do you own a Spanish property? Do you know who you would like to inherit it when you die?  We all understand that making a will is part of the process of ensuring that our assets are passed on to those we love. It isn’t an easy step to take, none of us likes to […]

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Applying to live in Spain as a Digital Nomad

Digital Nomad Visa

If you are working in a remote capacity and for a foreign employer or are self-employed with foreign clients, then you may be eligible to apply for a Digital Nomad Visa (DNV). This is one way in which people of working age who are a national of a country outside the EU can still make […]

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The Non-Lucrative Visa explained

Non Lucrative Visa

If you live in a non-EU country, such as the UK, then you will need a visa to entitle you to live in Spain. There are different options available, one of which is the Non-Lucrative Visa or NLV. In this article we explain who can obtain this and how to get one. The Non-Lucrative Visa […]

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An essential tool to determine what renovations you can make to your future home

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. […]

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Avoid Surprises, protect your investment: The importance of requesting an Urban Certificate before buying a property in Spain

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 […]

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New year, new look!

Building Licenses

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 […]

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Planning your financial future as a couple

Partners

Last updated on May 30th, 2025 at 09:21 am. Nowadays, it is increasingly common to see couples who, although they live together and are happy, choose not to formalize their relationship legally. For many of these couples, commitment does not necessarily involve signing a contract or a legal document, either because in their countries of […]

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Updates on tourist rental regulations in the Comunidad Valenciana

tourist rental

Last updated on April 16th, 2025 at 10:22 am. The Comunidad Valenciana implemented new tourist rental regulations on August 2, 2024, under Decreto Ley 9/2024. These changes aim at balancing tourism growth with housing availability and urban planning. Here are the main highlights, enriched by additional perspectives: Key Changes on tourist rental in Valencia License […]

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There are no longer seven, now there are eleven reasons why a donation is really interesting in the Valencian Community (And another advantage in ISD for inheritances).

Donation in Spain

Last updated on November 29th, 2024 at 11:20 am. As you might already know from our previous publications, we can finally speak of a major modification to the inheritance and gift tax which implies an unquestionable improvement for the taxpayers of this tax and which undoubtedly favours and encourages donations in the Valencian Community, thanks […]

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The Energy Performance Certificate in Spain

Energy Performance Certificate in Spain

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 […]

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The Spanish Notary: What it is, role and fees

spanish-notary

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 […]

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Estate agent regulations: What are they?

Regulations for Estate Agents

¿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 […]

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Your guide to becoming an expat in Spain

becoming an expat in spain

Last updated on April 19th, 2023 at 02:57 pm. Are you thinking of becoming an expat in Spain? You might be on the verge of retirement and wanting a fresh start somewhere warm and sunny. Perhaps you are a remote worker who would enjoy the Spanish lifestyle of outdoor living and fiestas. Spain has many […]

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Top three requirements to obtaining a Spanish residency permit

spain residence permit

Last updated on April 19th, 2023 at 02:59 pm. No matter whether you are from an EU country or a non-EU country, you will need to apply for a Spain residence permit to live in Spain long-term (more than 90 days). The way to apply for residency will be different depending on the country of […]

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