Buying and owning property in Spain

Someone living illegally in your property is a frightening thought for any homeowner. Yet it’s increasingly becoming a reality for some with a second home in Spain. Imagine finding out your home has been taken over by squatters (or Okupas) and, worse still, there’s not a lot you can do about it right away.

Getting your head around the logistics of buying a property in Spain can be difficult. Not only do things work differently, but you also have to understand what it means to be a non-resident buying in Spain.

Buying property in Spain can be a complex process. There are new documents you need to ask for, fees you need to pay and legal requirements you need to obey. One of the most important things when investing in a property in Spain is the Spanish Land Registry.

If you own a property in Spain as a non-resident you must pay tax on the property, known as ‘Modelo 210’. We made a a simple overview/guide of the tax system

Buying rural land in Spain is a daunting process. You should contact an independent Spanish rural property surveyor or an attorney before proceeding with the purchase.

There are many costs to take into account when buying a property in Spain, it is important that you factor this in from the start, getting an surprise extra cost of 12-14% is not particularly pleasant so make sure to add this into your calculations from the start.