Buying and selling your property in Spain will most certainly involve different procedures than you are accustomed to in your home country.  However, you can make this a smooth experience by learning as much as possible about how these processes work here and then selecting reliable professionals to walk you through each step involved.

When investing in Spanish property, you should simultaneously be thinking about drawing up a Spanish version of your will and consulting an expert regarding the possible inheritance taxes and other financial implications your purchase could generate.

Finally, if you are thinking of renting out your Spanish property, take care to learn about contractual requirements.

Inheritance Tax

A little forethought and planning can ensure that your heirs don´t have to suffer through complicated legal procedures should you die in Spain.  Thinking ahead can also ensure that, should your spouse die, you are not left with disastrously high tax bills.

Making a Spanish will is the first step to making sure that your Spanish assets go where you want them to.

Your Spanish Will

You should make a Spanish will to dispose of your Spanish assets to avoid time consuming legal problems for your heirs.

To make a Spanish version of your will, it is a good idea to consult a Spanish lawyer or other specialised professional.  He or she can advise you regarding this country´s strict rules applying to inheritance.

Rental Contracts

There are two types of rentals in Spain, short term and long term.  Short term rentals are basically designed for holiday makers and come with contracts headed by the phrase ´´Por Temporada``, which translates literally as ``seasonal``.  Long term rentals contracts are headed by the word ``Vivienda`` which means ``home`` or ``residence`` and are designed for those planning to stay long term in this country.

As a potential tenant, it is important that you understand the difference between the two types of rental properties and their contracts as your rights differ in each case.  For example, if you are planning to stay in Spain for a few years at least, and you sign a short term contract for nine months, you might find yourself looking for a new home when the contract ends.

However, if knowing that you intend to stay here for some time, you sign a long term contract, you will automatically have the right to renew for five consecutive years.  During this time, rent can only be raised to accommodate inflation.