Law change in Andalucia regarding construction on rustic land
In late 2023, a new law came into effect in Andalucia, whereby construction may be allowed on rural land (officially classified as "rustico"). Previously, upto 1% of rustic land would be [...]
Homeowner responsibilities in property communities in Spain
In Spain the homeowner's associations have special sections of the law dedicated to ensure harmonious neighbour relations. In Marbella in particular, most residences of all property types are organised in communities, [...]
How to get the certificate of liveability for properties in Spain
A certificate of habitability (also known as a "cédula de habitabilidad") proving that residents can maintain a minimal level of life is required for a property to be legally recognized in [...]
Euribor drops for several months, causing optimism in real estate sector
Euribor is the interest rate most often used to work out mortgage payments in Spain and to calculate both variable and fixed rates. It is anchored to the interest rate set [...]
Property taxes in Spain are amongst the lowest in the world
Property taxes around the world are typically very convoluted and are composed of many layers, so a direct comparison accross countries is hard to perform. However, by combining various sources, such [...]
Property prices in Spain rise against drop in rest of Europe
European property prices have on average experienced their first decline in over a decade. The price of housing in the UK for example has fallen at its highest rate in 14 [...]
Construction of new 5-star hotel is restarted after archaeological discoveries
The hotel chain Melia is set to open a new luxury venue in a renovated old-cinema building in Calle Victoria of Malaga. The initial excavations revealed further sections of the famous [...]
3 flights per week from Malaga direct to New York by United Airlines
Malaga Airport will have a direct flight to New York every Saturday, Tuesday and Thursday starting from May 2024. United Airlines has for yet another year committed to offering more than [...]
Construction of more properties is needed to meet demand in Spain
According to new reports by construction companies and also independent statistics surveys, Spain will need upto 1.2 million new housing units to be constructed over the next decade. Most of those [...]
Foreign buyers of Spanish property on the increase, especially from the USA
According to data from Spain's General Council of Notaries, foreigners bought and sold homes in Spain more frequently in 2022 compared to the same period in 2021, an increase of 9.7%. With a 36.64 percent growth in transactions in the second half of 2022 alone, Americans in Spain stand out among foreigners
How is property capital gains tax (Plusvalia) paid in Spain
Whenever an urban property is sold, donated or inherited in Spain, it is subject to "Plusvalia", a tax on the increase in value from when it’s bought until it’s sold. It is normally paid by the seller, although the two parties can negotiate sharing it. In the case of inheritance, the person receiving the property needs to pay.
Survey shows Spain as second best country to live in 2023
The Internations Expat Insider organisation has published the results of its yearly survey, in which Spain ranked second. Foreign residents of Spain liked the quality of healthcare, the friendliness of the people, culture, but most of all the availability of leisure activities.
Spain mortgages for residents vs non-residents – a short guide
Banks normally issue a mortgage based on the same country as the asset is located, so it can be difficult for a non-Spanish-resident to arrange a mortgage from a home-country bank. Spanish banks however are accustomed to foreigners needing funds to purchase property in Spain, subject to some extra requirements compared to Spanish residents.
Options for non-EU citizens for residence in Spain
Since Brexit came into effect on January 1st 2021, UK nationals needing to move to Spain or spend portion of the year here have a much harder process than before. In [...]
Spain’s new housing law takes effect
Here's everything you need to know about how the new Spanish housing law, known as the Ley de Viviendas, will effect you, whether you're a tenant or a landlord. Pricing controls [...]
Direct flight between Malaga and New York is restarted
This summer 2023, a number of direct flights between Malaga and New York will be operating three times a week. United, the US airline, has 52 return flights planned and will [...]
Malaga province population increases at high rate
Malaga province continues to be an attractive destination for living and working, especially for foreigners. The province saw more people deciding to take up residence here than all the other Andalusian [...]
Charity cooking session with children in Benahavis
The Anantara Villa Padierna hotel hosted the fifth event of its kind on Monday 24 April. The event combined gastronomy, healthy eating and charity with the help of 40 Michelin star [...]
Spain Women’s tennis team qualifies to finals in Marbella event
The Puente Romano tennis club hosted the Billie Jean Cup of women's international tennis on the 15th of April. The Spanish team won against Mexico and qualified to the finals of [...]
International Feria of Fuengirola
Fuengirola has been organising this celebration of its international community since 1994. From now until Tuesday 1st May 2023, representative groups from 32 countries will be offering food, arts, music and [...]
First Spanish space rocket to be launched from Andalucia
Spain will enter the space world in the month of May when it launches the Miura 1 rocket from the Andalucia "El Arenosillo" test centre. It will carry 100kg of payload [...]
Antonio Banderas producing Phantom of the Opera in Malaga
Malaga-born actor and director Antonio Banderas has confirmed he is collaborating with Andrew Lloyd-Weber to create a Spanish language production of the famous musical Phantom of the Opera. The musical is [...]
Origins of the name of San Pedro de Alcantara town
In the same location as modern San Pedro de Alcantara, a Roman settlement has been found which had been destroyed by an earthquake in the 4th century AD. After that, the [...]
Estepona’s new cultural centre is inaugurated
Estepona has inaugurated the "Mirador del Carmen" sociocultural center, a facility designed as a balcony to the Mediterranean that connects the city with the sea. At 50 meters height, it offers [...]
Tom Jones returns to Marbella Starlite concert
The legendary Tom Jones returns to Marbella on 10th of July 2023. With a career of more than 6 decades, Tom Jones treats Marbella as one of his favourite spots, joining [...]