Financial advice in Spain

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.

Before you start house-hunting in earnest, it’s important that you know what you’re letting yourself in for financially.

Travelling with a dog or cat always involves more than just packing a suitcase. In addition to the carrier and food, you need to check vaccinations, documentation and your destination country's regulations. From April 2026, these procedures will be more clearly defined throughout the European Union, following the update of the legal framework governing pet travel between member states. From now on, you must have the following documents: a European pet passport, mandatory microchip identification and proof of current rabies vaccination.

Spain has increased its share of European real estate investment, rising from 6% in 2019 to 15% in 2025, thus entering the "European top tier," according to the Spanish Association of Real Estate Consultants (ACI). In a comparative study, the association emphasises that the Spanish market "has moved from a secondary position to consolidate its place among the leading players in European real estate investment" and confirms its third-place ranking, after Germany (28%) and France (18%). Italy occupies fourth place (11%).

Investing in funds is a common way to grow your savings – but it comes with tax implications that must be reflected in your tax return.

The Social Security Administration has confirmed that the standard retirement age in Spain will be 67 from 2027, thus completing the phased increase planned in the pension reform. However, the system will keep one important exception: workers who have made at least 38 years and six months of contributions will still be able to retire at 65 without penalisation.

Spain is losing its lustre among the world's most attractive countries for foreign investment. According to the ranking compiled by Kearney, the country has dropped four places in a year and now sits at 15th, weighed down by public debt, unemployment and restrictions on foreign investment in key sectors in a "context of increasing international competition" to attract this investment. The US, Canada and Japan lead, while China, Germany, the UK, France, Singapore, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are in the top 10.

If you’re buying property in Spain from abroad, it’s easy to fixate on the asking price, notary fees and taxes.

Spain continues to attract international property buyers thanks to its climate, lifestyle and relatively accessible housing market.

Across Europe, finding a decent home at a price you can afford has become harder every year.

On 18 March, Spain’s Congress of Deputies approved a decree-law including aid for storm-affected areas in Andalusia and Extremadura – along with a tax break for low earners. Workers on the minimum wage, set at €1,221 gross over 14 payments in 2026, will benefit from a personal income (IRPF) deduction of up to €591. The Ministry of Finance estimates this will reduce their annual tax bill by around €365 compared to last year.

Spanish inheritance tax (Impuesto sobre Sucesiones y Donaciones – ISD) is a tax paid by beneficiaries who inherit assets in Spain. The amount due depends on the value inherited, the heir’s relationship to the deceased, and the Autonomous Community involved.

Catalonia’s Parliament has approved a major increase to the tourist tax, taking effect from 1st April 2026.

Cancelling a mortgage in Spain involves more than simply settling the outstanding debt with the bank – it also requires a series of formal steps and associated costs.

Banking leads Spain’s highest-paying professions in 2026, with management and specialist roles reaching €250,000 a year, according to LHH Recruitment Solutions’ Salary Guide. Digital and e‑commerce roles also offer high pay, with digital directors earning up to €180,000 plus 30% variable in multinationals, and €130,000 plus 30% variable in SMEs.

Parents often transfer money to their children to help with expenses such as buying a home. However, many overlook a key step – declaring the transfer and paying the corresponding gift tax. Spanish authorities are paying closer attention to these movements, and banks must report certain transactions. Here are the limits and rules that apply to these transfers.

Spain’s government has approved an ambitious package of 80 emergency measures worth €5 billion to cushion the economic impact of the war in Iran, as rising oil and gas prices put pressure on households and businesses.Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced the plan following an extraordinary Cabinet

With the arrival of spring, the days begin to lengthen and natural light gradually replaces the darkness of winter. Evenings grow brighter – and little by little, routines shift to make the most of the extra daylight.

The date has been set for the 2025–2026 tax return filing period. Like every year, taxpayers will submit their accounts to the Tax Agency during the spring months.The tax calendar also sets out the key dates for filing personal income tax returns (IRPF), online, by phone or in person.