Living in Spain

Andalusia’s new Housing Law has now come into force, through which the government of Juanma Moreno aims to ease the housing crisis and reduce the region’s housing shortfall, estimated by the Bank of Spain at 90,000 homes.Law 5/2025, approved by the Andalusian Parliament on 16 December and announced

On the evening of Sunday, 18 January 2026, southern Spain was shaken by one of the deadliest railway disasters in recent years. Near the town of Adamuz in Córdoba province, two high-speed trains collided in a catastrophic accident. The scale of the disaster, combined with ongoing rescue efforts and emerging safety concerns, has left the nation deeply affected.

Spain has overhauled leave for new parents over the past few years, moving to a unified, gender‑neutral system officially called birth and childcare leave (permiso por nacimiento y cuidado del menor).

If you’ve ever opened a council bill here and wondered what on earth the “tasa de basuras”, or rubbish tax in Spain, actually covers, you’re not alone.

Buying a house in Spain as a foreigner in 2026 is perfectly possible, but it comes with its own admin trail: legal checks, a NIE number, a Spanish bank account and a notary appointment, usually in that order.

Today, video surveillance cameras that allow recording or live viewing are available at relatively low cost. However, in a homeowners’ association, installing CCTV in common areas – such as hallways, courtyards or car parks – requires the formal approval from the association. Anyone wishing to place cameras on their façade that might capture images of communal spaces must therefore first obtain the consent from their neighbours.

When moving to Spain, obtaining your NIE number (Número de Identificación de Extranjero) is one of the first and most important steps.

As of 1 January 2026, the V-16 beacon is mandatory on Spanish roads to signal breakdowns and accidents.

This small Balearic island is all turquoise coves, dusty tracks and lazy sunsets, but living in Formentera full-time is a very different story from a week’s holiday.

This volcanic Canary Island is all black lava, whitewashed villages and Atlantic light, with a climate that stays pleasantly mild most of the year.

Relocating to Spain can be an exciting adventure, with its stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and rich culture. However, moving abroad can also be expensive if you’re not careful. From transportation costs to housing and everyday living expenses, spending can quickly add up.

In a market where housing prices keep climbing, prefabricated homes are emerging as an affordable alternative for those seeking space, comfort and thoughtful design without overspending.

Spain is a young democracy located at the heart of Western Europe.

Melilla is a compact Spanish city on the Moroccan coast with sandy urban beaches and handsome modernist façades. With Melilla's population around 87,000, the city boasts a layered mix of Spanish, Amazigh and Moroccan culture.

Living in Ceuta means settling in a Spanish autonomous city on the North African coast at the mouth of the Strait of Gibraltar.

Less than an hour from Valencia lies Chelva, a picturesque village renowned for its striking blue houses and rich historical heritage. Steeped in a Berber past, the village has been named a Site of Cultural Interest.

Exploring Spain by car is one of the best ways to discover its sun-drenched beaches, historic towns, and scenic mountain routes. If you hold a UK driving licence, it’s important to understand the rules before you get behind the wheel.

Legal uncertainty from the Housing Act and the failed Land Act has defined Isabel Rodríguez’s tenure, as she pushes for more public housing and defends rent intervention.

Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez will present in Brussels a proposal to abolish the seasonal clock change, a practice that for decades has marked the start of winter time in October and summer time in March.The measure will be debated at the European Council, to bring it into force in 2026 if me

The share of household income needed to rent a property in Spain stands at 36% of the average family’s total net income, while for buying it is significantly lower at 25%, excluding the savings required to secure financing, according to a study by idealista based on data from Q3 2025.

The United Nations has released a report ranking the countries with the highest life expectancy. At the top is Monaco, with an average of 86.5 years, followed closely by San Marino (85.8) and Hong Kong (85.6).

If you're thinking about buying a home, it’s essential to understand the current state of the property market. Should you wait, or is now the time to buy? To help you decide, we analyse the key indicators: price trends per square metre, interest rates, the Euribor, transaction volume, mortgages, and available financial aid.

Spain is often celebrated for its sunshine, Mediterranean diet, and laid-back lifestyle.

Gas boilers, responsible for 10% of global CO₂ emissions, are being phased out across the EU from 2025 under energy efficiency directives. Cleaner alternatives like heat pumps and biomass systems offer savings, subsidies, and increased property value.

Spain’s decentralised public system delivers comprehensive care through regional health services, complemented by a well‑developed private sector.