A new ‘reference value’ or Valor de Referencia has been introduced in Spain. This will have an impact on the amount charged in tax where there is any transfer of property such as through inheritance, donation or buying and selling.

The Valor de Referencia will determine how much the value of your property is considered to be for tax purposes and therefore how much you will be charged. To find out more about this new calculation read our article:

Our twice yearly Ábaco Magazine is now into its 43rd issue. If you are a client then you will be receiving yours shortly, if you haven’t done so already. If you’re not a client of Ábaco’s with an account, you can still read past issues of the magazine on here:

In our latest issue you will read about buying property to rent, how to beat the new tax laws, and how to transfer your money without incurring large transfer fees. And, of course, we also carry articles about living in Spain and advice about how to make the most of your Spanish property.

Those of you who used to fly to and from the old Murcian airport of San Javier, will immediately recognise the name but may know nothing of the actual town itself. It’s located alongside the Mar Menor and is a bustling little town that is popular with foreigners as well as the Spanish who live there. It is well worth considering San Javier as a possible location if you are looking for the ideal spot to move to in Spain. David Ruiz gives his account of this interesting part of the coast:

If you live in a country outside of the EU and wish to live permanently in Spain, then applying for the non-lucrative visa might be the next step for you. This visa, initially granted for a year, can eventually translate into permanent residency. The main catch being that it does not allow you to work or run a business. To find out more read David Ruiz’ article:

‘Nothing is eternal, gentlemen, so get used to the idea’ these are the words said to have been spoken by Miguel Aguilera Fernández, of Bar Candela in Madrid. The bar was well known as a centre for ‘flamenco hangout’ and featured some famous regulars over the years. Unfortunately, it has now closed its doors and El País in English provides a fitting tribute to it:

Bit by bit we are seeing the annual festivals and ceremonies returning to the high streets of Spain. It’s been two years since many have hosted their carnivals. Some cities have decided to continue to embargo this highly popular February event but in some parts of the country we can see that the dust sheets are off the floats and the comparses (groups of performers) are preparing.

Torrevieja, at the time of writing, is intending to go ahead with its carnival this year as planned and if you expect to be in the town in February then it is definitely a spectacle that is well worth seeing. The daytime carnival will take place on Sunday February 20th in the town centre and the night-time carnival on Saturday February 26th. Carnival Torrevieja 2022

If you’ve read and loved Chris Stewart’s book ‘Driving Over Lemons’ then you’ll anxiously await the TV series. You can find out more about the plans to dramatize the story here:

It’s just been released (28th January) the film – Parallel Mothers - brings together a very personal look at the issues of motherhood alongside that of the legacy of the Spanish Civil War. It’s a Spanish film with Penélope Cruz as one of the mothers and is directed by Pedro Almodóvar. The Guardian gives it a five star rating and you can see the review and its official trailer here:

There aren’t many of us out there who don’t have WhatsApp or a similar messaging service. Most people have several methods of sending messages to friends, family and colleagues. But for this 93-year-old, technology had passed her by until her Spanish grandson came across a means of communicating with her without the usual mobile phone or other device. It’s a heart-warming story (although a little technical in places) that puts meat on the bones of ‘where there’s a will…’:

St. Valentine’s Day isn’t a traditional Spanish event but, as with many inherited opportunities to celebrate, it has gathered momentum over the past few years. In this article we here about some other romantic days in the Spanish calendar:

In this article, the Spanish rail operator, renfe, try to lure us to special destinations to celebrate the 14th:

 
The best places to enjoy Saint Valentine’s day in Spain

 
Alternatively you can read about Spain’s truly romantic day – the Festival of Sant Jordi:

 
Festival of Sant Jordi in Barcelona

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.

Please let us know by email at newsletter@abacoadvisers.com.

Thank you!