If you are a non-resident owner of a Spanish property and are in the process of selling, be aware that 3% of the total agreed price will go directly to the Spanish Tax Agency when you sell. It does not mean that you will not see this money again! The retention is a precautionary measure to ensure that any tax obligations you have are met before you potentially disappear from their books. In other words, it is not your calculated tax demand but a fixed amount that will be held until it is clarified how much you do actually owe.

You’ve seen your dream property but maybe it’s just a little above your wiggle room when it comes to affordability. A mortgage can be the best way of securing your ideal property and it can leave you with enough money spare to complete any home improvements if needed. The good news is that it is quite possible for both residents and non-residents to successfully apply for a mortgage in Spain and in this article we explain how:

Applying for a mortgage in Spain

If you have bought a property in Spain and rent it out for periods of time during the year, then you are liable for rental income tax in Spain. This is called the IRNR (Impuesto sobre la Renta de No Residents) and must be declared using Modelo 210 between 1st and 20th April.

Even if you don’t rent out your property you are expected to pay ‘renta imputada’ which is a fixed amount calculated as a percentage of the cadastral value. For more information on paying both taxes, read our article:

Rental income tax in Spain for non-residents: what you need to know

Even if you don’t live in Spain, you can be subject to a wealth tax. Although it only applies to your Spanish assets it is still important to be aware that if you have assets of over €700,000 you could be affected. This article explains about the wealth tax thresholds, how Solidarity Tax applies to large fortunes and how the value of your property is decided:

Wealth tax in Spain for non-residents: thresholds, rates and how to reduce your liability

It could be many people’s idea of heaven. Sharing a good book whilst enjoying a relaxing and leisurely brunch at one of Torrevieja’s top cafés. On August 8th Ábaco Club members attended the inauguration of their very own book club. Those attending were able to share their favourite titles whilst sampling the very special food available at Lolyta Food & Coffee in Torrevieja. Having started to share our book ideas, perhaps you can help us with more suggestions for the best reads:

Cádiz is a historic city in the southwest of Spain. It boasts unique architecture, stunning beaches and proximity to other popular regions. In this article, David Ruiz introduces us to its fascinating history, points us in the direction of the places we must visit and gives us a taste of its traditions and gastronomy. If you haven’t already visited, then it will definitely whet your appetite:

Living in Cadiz Spain: The Definitive Guide

...if you would like to retire in Spain? There are different answers to this very important question – depending on whether you come from an EU country or not. As you would expect, the requirements for those who are nationals of a country outside the EU are much higher than from those countries still in the EU. ThinkSpain provide their overview on how the IPREM (Indicador Público de Renta de Efectos Mútiples) relates to both groups of aspiring Spanish residents:

In this article, the N332 focus on a summer journey, but their advice is appropriate to whatever time of year you are travelling. They provide a useful checklist for the vehicle documentation you should have available, emergency equipment that you should have to hand and remind you that even in these days of satellite navigation, downloading an offline map can be beneficial:

We all have our favourites and, of course, some we love to hate. Complaints continue about the additional charges that can make working out the best flight for you more complicated than necessary.

This list, published by euronews, refers to an AirAdvisor ranking based upon ‘revenue per average seat kilometre’ or RASK. It does explain that there are factors that can skew the results and it is important that you also do your own research. However, the list is of interest to anyone looking for value for money when they fly:

If you do decide to buy a holiday home in Spain, there may well come a time when it is no longer just what you need in your life. Our needs change over the decades and this was the case for Karmen Meredith who bought her property in Mijas in 2016. Since then she has been interviewed for ‘A Place in the Sun: What Happened Next?’ and now, having reached a new stage in her life, she has sold her property. In this article she explains the benefits she has gained from her Spanish home and why she’s decided to sell:

Magical Mijas: my happy A Place in the Sun home in Spain for a decade

If you work in the tourist industry then the continued attractiveness of Spain to tourists will come as good news. If you are a local resident just looking for a quiet life then this might not be so welcome. In this article from Spain in English we read how the Spanish tourism industry continues to flourish and how Spain is predicted to overtake France as the prime country for international arrivals in 2040.

In this balanced article we also hear how this popularity could continue to cause tensions unless it is carefully managed:

Spain predicted to overtake France as world’s most visited country by 2040 

If you are in or around the Costa del Sol over the coming months then you might be interested to hear that more than 40 beaches have been awarded a blue flag. But which of these are the best? Even if you have your favourite local, it can be worth making a full day of it and travelling a little to try out one of the top eight in this list:

As you are probably aware, loggerhead turtles are very much an endangered species and part of their vulnerability lies in their chosen nesting places on popular beaches. However, this is one good news story as a batch of baby loggerheads made it to the sea own following have hatched on El Torres beach in Villajoyosa. Remember if you do spot a sea turtle, its babies or nest on a beach you should call 112 to activate the protection protocol:

For those of us who remember planning for and celebrating the millennium, does it really seem so long ago? Time travels fast and it is only when you look back sometimes at how life has changed that you realise just what a long period of time it actually is. In this article From Spanish News Today, they treat us to a summary of what was in existence at the beginning of the century in Spain and worldwide and what wasn’t. It’s a thought-provoking little tour and conversation piece:

Crime rates are a worry for many people across many countries. No country is completely ‘safe’ to live in. However, there are generalisations that can be made and some overall statistics that ThinkSpain shares with us in this interesting article. Before you read it – which country would you think provides the most secure setting? You might be surprised:

Is Spain safe to live in? 2026 Crime rates and what expats need to know 

We would welcome any suggestions for future themes you would like us to cover either in the newsletter or in an article on Spain Explained.

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