Culturally, Spain is a country of contradictions. There is an element of machismo left over from the days of the dictatorship that ended almost fifty years ago but the country is also one of Europe's most liberal societies. Same-sex marriages were legalised tweny yars ago, there is a high level of involvement of women in senior political off

  What is an AFO and When is it Required? The AFO (Asimilado Fuera de Ordenación) is a legal status in Spain, particularly in Andalusia, for buildings that have been constructed without a permit or in an area where construction is not allowed but which are too old to face demolition under urban planning laws. The AFO designation provides a way

  Why Is Spain Cancelling The Golden Visa? Back in April, the Spanish government announced the cancellation of its Golden Visa programme due to growing concerns about its impact on the housing market and social inequality. Just to recap, the Golden Visa has offered residency to non-EU nationals (UK, USA, Canada, Japan etc.) who invest at least

    Nestled in the heart of Andalucia, Granada has long been a melting pot of cultures. Among its many treasures, the art of creating ceramics stands out as a living testament to the city's rich heritage. Two names stand out as proponents of the ceramicist's art in the city: Fajalauza and Al-Yarrar.   Fajalauza Fajalauza pottery, nam

    In recent years, co-living has emerged as a popular trend in Spain, offering a fresh alternative to traditional housing models. Rooted in the idea of shared spaces and communal living, co-living brings together people from diverse backgrounds to live, work, and socialise in a supportive environment. While it began in urban centres lik

  Growth and Opportunities in Rural Areas   The Spanish real estate market in 2025 is set to continue its upward trajectory, driven by increasing demand, favorable economic conditions, and evolving buyer preferences. While urban centers like Madrid and Barcelona will remain key players, rural areas are emerging as vibrant opportunities fo

  We are often asked when taking on a property, how long it is likely to take to achieve a sale. The short answer is, for the very individual properties we sell,  it is impossible to tell. We recently sold a house twenty hours after collecting the keys. Other properties have lingered years on the market.   What is the reason for this

  In 2024, Granada proudly marks two significant milestones: the 40th anniversary of the Alhambra and Generalife being declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984, and the 30th anniversary of the Albaicín’s inclusion in this prestigious list in 1994. These dual anniversaries not only reaffirm Granada’s cultural and historical importance but

                                                         Bizum: Revolutionizing Mobile Payments in Spain Bizum is a Spanish mobile payment platform that has revolutionised the way individuals and businesse

    Spain's Beckham Law, officially known as the "Special Expatriate Tax Regime," was introduced in 2005. Named after footballer David Beckham, who was one of the first high-profile individuals to benefit from it, the law was designed to attract skilled foreign workers and high-income professionals to Spain. It offers significant tax adva

  Renting out properties as tourist houses or apartments (Viviendas de Uso Turístico, or VUTs) in Spain can be lucrative, but there can be significant legal and regulatory challenges. Individual investors can find themselves entangled in complex legal issues after deciding to rent out their property. While the prospect of additional income is

  Clients sometimes ask us whether they should raise money to finance a property purchase in their home country where they are familiar with the process or here in Spain. Before I briefly look at possible advantages or disadvantages, I want to stress that it is unlikely that you will be able to use the property you are buying as security. A le

    Wealth Tax (Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio (IP)) is a national tax in Spain which has had an up-and-down ride in recent years. It is principally regulated by Law 19/1991. However, its collection is 100% devolved to the Autonomous Communities, which can exercise their own regulatory powers according to Law 22/2009. In Andalusia, control

  US and Canadian citizens are increasingly interested in buying property here in Spain due to our favourable climate, beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and relatively affordable property market. We are frequently asked whether there are issues for US and Canadian citizens in buying property in Spain. In short, the answer is absolutely not.

  There has been considerable controversy in Spain in recent times with regard to tourist rentals in urban areas. As well as the popularity of “City Breaks” made possible by cheap flights, the rise of Airbnb creating a market for inexpensive rooms, apartments and houses, often in residential areas, has encouraged such travel and created a boom

  What is it? How is it calculated? Who pays it and when?   The plusvalía tax, formally known as the "Impuesto sobre el Incremento de Valor de los Terrenos de Naturaleza Urbana" (IIVTNU), is a municipal tax. It is imposed on the increase in value of urban land when it is sold, transferred, or inherited. This tax is crucial for local gover

  Many clients ask us about the Catastro. They've heard of it in connection with property purchases, but don't know what it does and why it is important. I'll attempt to explain with some concrete examples:   Property Identification The origins of the Catastro date back to the 18thC. The introduction of land use planning was a threat to t

  The Spanish Ministry of Housing and Urban Spaces has announced grants for house owners who wish to upgrade their property and reduce dependence on fossil fuels. Comprehensive Residential Building and Housing Rehabilitation Aid Programme The rehabilitation programme for economic and social recovery in residential environments, forms part of t

High-speed rail (HSR) is a critical component of modern transportation infrastructure, offering fast, efficient, and environmentally friendly travel. Various countries have developed extensive HSR networks, with notable differences in length, development plans, and operational characteristics. Spain is at the forefront of HSR development. Only one

  Introduction   Recognising that the 2002 regulations governing urban planning (known as LOUA: la Ley de Ordenación Urbanística de Andalucía) were too restrictive and based on an outmoded way of thinking, the Junta de Andalucia set about creating a more flexible model and this was brought into effect in June 2022. The new regulations are