Moving to another country involves taking various steps. In addition to immigration documents and interviews with authorities, those planning to immigrate to Spain must also think ahead and consider their housing options. They can rent or buy properties here; however, the process can be quite challenging for those unfamiliar with the legislation and procedures applicable in Spain. We’ll tell you all about housing services for expatriates in Spain.
With extensive experience in immigration law in Spain, our lawyers can assist foreign citizens with accommodation services for expatriates. Our services are tailored to your requests, so immigrants can count on our support from the moment they decide to take the step of moving and applying for residency in Spain. Do you know what an expatriate is? If you’re unsure and interested, check out this article.
Real estate legislation in Spain for expatriates
The first thing to consider when immigrating to Spain is the applicable law in the real estate sector. Spain is one of the European countries where this sector is highly regulated, making it a fairly safe country to buy property. However, when immigrating to Spain from the US, for example, obtaining a residency permit is required, and our lawyers can handle housing services. The main law that must be respected when immigrating to Spain is the Community Property Law, which refers to the rights and obligations of property owners. With the help of our housing services for expatriates in Spain, immigrants will be updated on their rights and obligations after purchasing properties here to ensure they fully understand them. We can also offer assistance when applying for Spanish citizenship.
Housing Services for Expatriates Offered by Our Spanish Lawyers
Over the years, our housing services for expatriates moving to Spain have been well received by many of our clients and have helped us determine their exact needs, but above all, the need to get as close as possible to their requirements. That’s why our housing service packages include:
- Obtaining a Foreigner Identification Number (NIE), required to rent or purchase real estate in Spain.
- Assistance in finding an apartment/house based on the client’s specific requirements.
- Access to reliable information sources and real estate agencies for those interested in conducting their own searches.
- Real estate due diligence on the selected property and assistance in the purchase (document preparation and notarization).
- Registration of the real estate property in the Property Registry within the timeframe required by law.
Property registration in Spain must be completed with the local office of the Property Registry in the city where the property is located. The Property Registry is under the administration of the Ministry of Justice of Spain.
With the help of our immigration lawyers in Spain, buying or renting a property becomes easier.
Steps to Buying Real Estate Property in Spain
When deciding to immigrate to Spain, there are various procedures to fulfill, and purchasing a property involves an entire process. The search for a property can begin before initiating the immigration process. With the assistance of our housing services for expatriates in Spain, the search can be completed beforehand, increasing the chances of finding a property that meets the buyer’s requirements. Additionally, our immigration lawyers in Spain can verify the property and ensure that the purchase or rental proceeds smoothly.
Here are some aspects to consider when buying a property in Spain as a foreigner:
- The new owner must register the property not only in the Property Registry but also in the community through the designated secretary.
- In Spain, property owners have an annual community meeting, and the date is announced 6 months in advance.
- It’s important to know that the community secretary will send notifications to addresses located in Spain only (the foreign citizen must be attentive when not in the country).
- Any community decision can be challenged within a maximum of 3 months.
With the assistance of our housing services for expatriates in Spain, these issues can be avoided, as our lawyers will ensure to advise you on the most important aspects of becoming real estate owners in this country. You can also rely on us to apply for a residence permit in Spain.
Taxes to consider when buying real estate in Spain
Taxation is one of the important aspects of our accommodation services for expatriates in Spain. Here’s what foreign property owners who have obtained Spanish citizenship need to know:
- The buyer must pay the land transfer tax, which ranges between 8% and 11% of the purchase price.
- Value-added tax (VAT) must also be borne by the buyer: it is set at 10% of the purchase price.
- When paying VAT, the buyer must also pay the stamp duty tax at a rate of 1.2% of the net price.
- Property tax is paid annually at a rate ranging from 0.4% to 1.1% for urban properties and from 0.3% to 0.9% for rural properties.
Marta Palacios Cuesta is the founder and principal consultant of Es Abogado Extranjería, a law firm specializing in immigration law in Madrid and Seville. With an impressive academic background, Marta offers expert advice on immigration procedures, residency processes and obtaining Spanish nationality. Committed to providing personalized and up-to-date solutions, her firm stands out for its detailed and professional approach. If you need legal guidance regarding your status in Spain, contact Marta for a personalized consultation at Es Abogado Extranjería.