It’s likely that you’re aware of various types of legal property transfers, like inheritance, gifting property to a spouse or other party, and naturally, sales. However, another type of transfer that is often of interest to our clients is the “extinction of co-ownership”, or for example, the transfer of property to an ex-spouse. Within the Spanish legal system, this type of transfer applies in the case of jointly owned property, where one party takes over the other’s share. In this article, we outline the process and how it operates under Spanish law.
Transferring property as part of a divorce agreement
Typically, this situation plays out when divorced couples choose to assign the property over to one individual. Certainly, some changes in life aren’t always pleasant or particularly welcome – such as a separation or divorce – so it’s important you get the legal support you need. In emotionally draining situations such as these, an experienced lawyer is essential. From the divorce agreement (Consent Order) to the transfer of property, a trustworthy legal adviser is key to navigating this tricky terrain.
Generally, the Consent Order is obtained from the court of the country where the marriage was registered. However, these documents tend to only stipulate the necessary steps for when the marriage is dissolved. For instance, the distribution of assets between ex-spouses, such as property or financial assets. The next step is to actually legally action these stipulations.
As with any other kind of change of ownership, the transfer of property to a spouse requires you to sign a new Title Deed in the presence of a Public Notary. Finally, this Deed has to be inscribed in the corresponding Land Registry. In this scenario, the Consent Order serves as evidence to the Notary, the Land Registry and the Tax Authority as the “extinction of co-ownership” or the transfer ownership of a house to a spouse.
Other scenarios where you might want to transfer property
The re-distribution of matrimonial assets after a divorce is a typical example of the extinction of co-ownership. However, it’s not the only possible scenario. For instance, should you have a stake in a Spanish property with a friend, sibling or any other party, you may find yourself in a situation where you wish to sell your share. Equally, it is possible you are thinking about gifting property to a spouse.
Be aware, removing a co-owner isn’t just a case of getting gout the Tippex. What can seem like quite a straightforward transaction or addition actually requires proper legal advice. As in any other kind of property transfer, the process has to be observed by a Public Notary and recorded with the Land Registry.
Get the right guidance about the transfer of property
The dissolution of joint property ownership in Spain must be completed formally and legally. If it’s not, it can lead to difficulties when you come to sell or bequeath your property. Should you find yourself in a situation where you want to transfer ownership of a house to a spouse or ex-spouse, or any other scenario described in this article, it is essential to seek legal advice. For more information, contact us here. No matter your situation, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.
10 comments
30 May, 2020 11:19 am
Hej!
Jag läste lite angående överföring utav ägande av hus i Spanien. Min bror och jag äger ett radhus i Spanien tillsammans. Nu vill min bror att jag köper hans andel i detta huset. Hur är det enklast att gå tillväga här? är det helt nya lagfarter och med detta samma kostnader som om man köper ett nytt hus? dvs ca 13% extra kostnader? Hur går jag vidare för att köpa min brors andel i Huset. Är det marknadsvärdet som styr priset? eller kan vi sätta det priset som vi är nöjda med båda två? Vänligen återkoppla i frågan så kanske jag kan använda mig utav er i detta fallet?
MVh
Ronny Ryberg
2 June, 2020 9:40 am
Hej Ronny,
Tack för att ni kontaktat oss. Jag har bet min kollega Carola Widin kontakta er snarast möjligt under veckan för att informera om olika möjligheterna inför ert ärende.
Med vänlig hälsning,
Ábaco Advisers
14 September, 2020 4:43 pm
is it possible to transfer property to my son and daughter getting all imformation here in u/k and completing without going to spain because of uk lockdown.
15 September, 2020 9:10 am
Hi Ashley,
Yes of course we can do so, if you wish to contact our legal department for further information please do not hesitate to do so at legaldpt@abacoadvisers.com
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
10 February, 2021 7:46 pm
Hi
I am looking for advice regarding transfer of deed.
My friends husband passed away without creating a will. They have a property in Spain which she is looking to have the deed transferred to her. She is a Swedish citizen looking for advice and cost?
Many thanks
11 February, 2021 10:41 am
Dear Brenden,
Thank you for contacting us.
Someone from our legal department will be in contact with you shortly with information and advice on how to proceed.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
17 December, 2021 2:23 pm
I wish to send money from UK to Cantabria Spain to my daughter so she can buy out her partners share of their house. Would I pay taxes here or would she pay taxes in Spain ?
17 December, 2021 3:59 pm
Hi Wendy,
You will check with the UK if you are responsible to pay any taxes. In Spain we still have donation tax, so if your daughter is resident in Spain she will have to check depending on the region she lives and the amount received.
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
8 July, 2022 10:48 am
I want to buy out a joint ownership of a property in spain so I will become the sole owner of the property,
Which taxes will I have to pay and other fees involved
8 July, 2022 7:42 pm
Hi Christopher,
We would need to have some more details to see what exact amounts will have to be paid, but usually the plusvalía tax and other fees will apply.
Should you wish more information and a cost estimate of our service please do not hesitate to contact us at legaldpt@abacoadvisers.com
With kind regards,
Ábaco Advisers
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