Spanish Property

Yen,

Thanks for the reply, sorry it has take a while to get back to you.

I am a bit reluctant to say it but there seems to be a bit of a problem in Spain at present, the regional councils are basically bankrupt and many of the Banks are in financial dire straights and they seem to be clawing in money where ever they can find it, which unfortunately seems to be from non Spanish property owners and investors. Interestingly enough since we launched our site in November 2012 the majority of agencies uploading properties to our site seem to be British owned agents selling Spanish property and you can see how the prices have dropped over the last few year from expats wishing to sell up.

There are many bargains to be had and the holiday rental market is still strong, so for example you could buy studio flat in let's say Benalmadena on the Costa del Sol for as little as 60 – 70,000 Euros and expect to rent it out for 500 pounds a week sterling during the summer period (approximately 5 months) and 250 a week in the winter which is what many people do, but the top end of the market is where some of the biggest savings are available.

I saw a 3 bed house with pool advertised a few weeks ago for 195,000 euros which two years ago was on the market for 450,000 euros.  However you would need to make doubly sure before handing over any money that you have a reputable solicitor and agent confirm in writing that you would not be paying purchase tax (10%) on the original valuation of 450,000.

Mortgages are next to impossible to get unless you want to borrow less than 50% of the total purchase price and due to the amount of illegal building that has taken place over the years, it is important to check that any property is mortgagable. If you do rent the property out legally, you would be liable to be taxed on the revenue you receive.

As for the Chinese and Russians.  It seem Spain realizes that China is now a world leader when it comes to economic growth and they have offered automatic residencia to any Chinese or Russians who invest 160,000 euros or more in the country, however I don't believe anybody has taken them up on this offer as yet due to the multiple restrictions which have been applied to that offer.

Regards

Scott

Hello

Are you sure about that? I googled a bit and can't find anything confirming your statement.

What I found is this:

Under current legislation, non-resident individuals are taxed in Spain on income arising from Spanish sources only and are liable to a number of other property related taxes outlined below. Individuals living more than 183 days in Spain in a given tax year (1 Jan – 31 Dec) are considered as residents for tax purposes, even if they have not obtained a Spanish residence permit. Non-residents may also be liable for tax on the same source of income in their home country of residence, where taxes are levied on worldwide income. Relief for double taxation may apply.

Taxes payable when purchasing a property in Spain:

Spanish Transfer fees are payable on purchases and depend on the region where the property is located but generally range between 6% – 7% of the title deed price.

Stamp Duty tax is payable @ rates ranging from 0.5% – 1.1% of the title deeds price for second-hand properties.

Spanish VAT (IVA) @ 8% (7% before June 2010) is payable on the title deed price of the property if it is been sold for the first time and the seller is a property developer.

For second-hand properties, VAT is not applicable but Transfer Fees will apply.

Ongoing property taxes payable in Spain are as follows:

Spanish Rental Income Tax rules changed with effect on January 1st 2010. Prior to 2010 income tax was payable at 24% (this rate is increased to 24.75% for 2012 and 2013 tax years only) of gross income with no deductions permitted for expenses. The 2010 changes make it possible for EU residents to deduct expenses against rental income provided such expenses are directly related to the rental income generated form the Spanish property. Spanish rental income must be declared and paid one month after the rent is received. Quarter returns are also allowed. There is no annual balancing tax return to be filed.

Tax on Deemed Rental Income is payable on urban property that is not let. This is calculated @ 2% of the property’s rateable value that has not been evaluated since January 1994; otherwise rate is calculated at 1.1%. You must pay 24% tax on deemed rents. Deemed rental income returns also have to be filed by 30th December.

Spanish Wealth Tax is a direct tax levied on your net assets located in Spain as at 31st December each year with rates varying between 0.2% – 2.5%. It must be filed between 1st May & 20th June and is dependent on the type of property and is based on the higher of:

The purchase price;

The assessed value set by the Tax Authorities; or

The rateable value

NB: Wealth tax was abolished in January 2009 effective for year 2008.

Spanish Local Property Taxes (rates) are based on the rateable value of the property and generally vary between 0.4% – 1.1%. Rates depend on whether the property is urban or rural and varies per region. They are generally due from September to November each year. An annual local tax on mains drainage & refuse collection is also payable.

Other applicable taxes are as follows:

Spanish Capital Gains Tax (CGT) on the sale of property is charged @ 19% of the gain effectively since Jan 2010 (18% for period 2007-2009). The purchaser must withhold a Public Treasury tax @ 3% of the purchase price and pay it to the Tax Authorities within a month of transfer. A Spanish CGT tax return should be filed within 3 months of the withholding tax paid.

Spanish Inheritance Tax (IHT) is payable depending on a number of factors: the inherited amount, the relationship between the parties involved and the level of current wealth before receiving the inheritance. Spanish IHT rates vary from 7.65% – 34%.

Worldwide income

If resident in the UK or Ireland you will have to declare any income received in Spain in your annual resident tax return. There is a double taxation agreement between Spain, Ireland and the UK so double taxation relief applies in some cases. Please contact us for further details regarding double taxation relief and/or filing your Resident Tax Return.