Financial advice in Spain

Foreign demand for Spanish property continues to grow, making it increasingly important for buyers to understand the taxes that apply to non-resident homeowners. The purchase of a property is subject to VAT or Property Transfer Tax (ITP), depending on whether the home is new or resale, while Stamp Duty (AJD) may also apply. Non-residents who own property in Spain must meet ongoing tax obligations, and sellers are required to declare any capital gain or loss through Spain's Non-Resident Income Tax (IRNR) system.

Spain’s Congress of Deputies has rejected two emergency housing decrees proposed by the government, bringing an end to measures that included a 2% cap on rent rises, VAT on tourist rentals and new protections for tenants.The vote took place today, 2 October 2026, after the two decrees were published

Spain remains one of Europe's most dynamic property markets, although it still trails the continent's largest economies in total investment volume. According to Scenari Immobiliari's European Outlook 2027 report, real estate transactions in Spain are expected to reach €156 billion in 2027, while overall European investment is forecast at €1.36 trillion. The study projects growth of 10.7% in 2026 and 10.2% in 2027, the strongest rates in Europe. Despite this momentum, Spain remains behind Germany (€338 billion), France (€234 billion) and Italy (€194.1 billion) in total market size.

Spain’s government has approved two housing decree-laws containing proposed changes for tourist rentals, seasonal lets, shared-flat room rentals and residential contracts, alongside tax measures and first-home buyer support.The main housing decree, Royal Decree-law 26/2026, was published in Spain’s

Spain’s government has revived a package of rental and eviction protections after the removal of 87-year-old Maricarmen Abascal from the Madrid flat where she had lived for 71 years drew public attention to the country’s housing crisis.The main housing decree, Royal Decree-law 26/2026, was published

The first of two housing decrees approved by Spain's Council of Ministers introduces new restrictions on investment funds purchasing residential property. Until 31 December 2028, such entities will be unable to buy homes for less than 70% of their appraised value, including occupied properties and residential buildings with a certificate of completion. The measure also broadens the definition of a “vulture fund” to include any entity, whether incorporated or not, whose corporate purpose includes the acquisition of real estate.

Embarking on a home renovation often brings both excitement and uncertainty.

Registering on the municipal register (known as empadronamiento in Spanish) gives residents access to local public services, including healthcare, education and transport.

Institutional investors in Spain's residential market are increasingly focused on flexibility, operational control and multiple exit options rather than simply acquiring a defensive asset. According to Noelia Rosón, CEO of Testa Homes, value now lies in creating investment models that can adapt to changing market conditions, property performance and regulation. This approach, known as optionality, aims to prepare assets to respond effectively to future uncertainty.

German buyers remain the leading non-resident nationality seeking mortgages to purchase property in Spain. According to idealista/hipotecas data, Germans accounted for 15.6% of applications in the second quarter, ahead of Britons at 10.6%. Swiss applicants ranked third with 9.4%, followed by the French (9.1%), Dutch (8.3%) and Americans (5.9%). Most demand was concentrated in the Valencian Community and Andalusia.

The clocks change every autumn in Spain, bringing with it a recurring question: when do the clocks change, and how will it affect daily life? The adjustment is linked to the return to standard time and is implemented simultaneously across European Union countries.

If you're buying property in Spain, you may be wondering whether you'll need to pay stamp duty.

A new EU-wide ceiling on large payments is due to apply from 10 July 2027, setting a maximum of €10,000 for commercial cash payments across the blocA €10,000 ceiling for commercial cash paymentsRegulation (EU) 2024/1624 introduces a Union-wide limit on large cash payments above €10,000.

As the 2026–2027 school year approaches, some regions in Spain have already started confirming their term dates. School calendars can be a bit of a minefield here, especially with each autonomous community setting its own schedule on top of the national holidays that everyone enjoys. While

The latest Work from Anywhere barometer from International Workplace Group (IWG) identifies the cities offering the best conditions for combining remote work with holidays or short stays in 2026. Barcelona is the only Spanish city to feature on the podium, ranking third worldwide thanks to its international connectivity, transport infrastructure, accommodation options and availability of flexible workspaces. Bangkok tops the global ranking, followed by Tokyo.

Barcelona combines established investment districts with emerging neighbourhoods that continue to attract buyers. As the market evolves, long-term residential rentals are becoming a more popular strategy. However, according to Rebeca Pérez, CEO and founder of Inviertis, investors must consider the wider economic and regulatory context before purchasing. With interest rates still relatively high and rental regulations changing, financing costs and local rules remain key factors when assessing opportunities.

Spain welcomed nearly 46.6 million international visitors in the first half of the year, up 4.6% compared with the same period in 2025. According to the National Statistics Institute (INE), foreign tourist spending reached €63.8 billion between January and June, representing a 7% year-on-year increase and highlighting the continued strength of Spain's tourism sector.

Spain has ranked 12th among the world’s 60 largest economies for international reputation in the RepCore Nations 2026 study, placing ahead of the United Kingdom, Germany, France and the United States.The study, based on public-opinion surveys in 36 countries, describes Spain’s overall reputation as

In Spain’s residential market, the gap between supply and demand has pushed rents more than 40% above pre-pandemic levels, particularly in Madrid and Barcelona, according to the latest DWS Real Estate report. As a result, investors must be increasingly selective. DWS identifies affordable housing developed with local authorities, student accommodation and flex living schemes for short- and medium-term stays as some of the most attractive opportunities in the current market.

Unbeknownst to most non-resident property owners, when buying property in Spain, you automatically become liable to pay IBI tax the following year. No one will give you a heads-up on this tax, so it is up to you to find out how much you owe and comply with your local Tax Authorities.

One of the main concerns when buying property in southern Europe as a foreign buyer is how the exchange rate will affect the final cost of the purchase.If the sale is to be completed in euros, but the buyer’s income and savings are in pounds, dollars, or another currency, the exchange rate can

Continuing with last week's article (Taxes on buying property in Spain), in today’s article, we focus on the taxes sellers need to face.Capital Gains Tax Plusvalia TaxCapital Gains Tax This tax is paid to the central government, to the Spanish Tax Office (AEAT).CGT is taxed on th

Taxes in Spain differ depending on whether you are buying a new-build (from a developer) or resale property (second-hand property or reventa, in Spanish). In addition to the above, taxes are not uniform in Spain.

The European Commission has expanded an investigation launched seven years ago into Spain’s treatment of non‑resident taxpayers, who are excluded from income tax reductions on rental income. While resident taxpayers can benefit from a reduction of up to 60% on taxable rental income, non‑residents are not eligible for this deduction, according to the Commission.

Spain has reinforced its standing as a leading destination for real estate investment – with €6.39bn recorded in the first quarter, according to Colliers. This figure surpasses the combined total for Italy, France and Portugal, highlighting the market’s strength. Beyond southern Europe, Spain is also emerging as one of the most dynamic real estate hubs across the EMEA region – with strong performance driven by the living, retail and hotel sectors.