Unfortunately the answer is yes. A sales tax of 8% is imposed by the Spanish government. There are also your legal fees and the possibility of an arrangement fee for any mortgage that you require. We suggest that you allow around 10% to 12% of the purchase price in total.

No. This used to be common in Spain but should never be considered. Spain is now a modern, thriving democracy and such behavior is not tolerated. The two main reasons for not considering such an action are that firstly it is illegal and secondly, that should you get away with it, your capital gains tax on resale would be excessive.

You can transfer money through your bank. These charge you for the transfer of funds. May also charge a commission and the exchange rate is usually the tourist rate. The other option is to use a Currency Exchange and Transfer Service. The exchange rate quoted is then the better commercial rate and there will be no charges. We can recommend suitable Companies if you want.

When you pay deposits or stage payments, your money is covered by a Bank Guarantee if you buy from a developer and therefore is completely safeguarded. When buying from a private seller all monies are paid through your legal representative and therefore safeguarded.

If a property is built illegally and without the proper planning consents then it could be demolished. This is no different than in the UK. It is a fact that this happens to far more properties in Britain than in Spain. You can rest assured that all property bought through Utopia is 100% legal and so this could not happen to you.  Utopia guarantees that all legalities are in order. Your own Lawyer will guarantee that all legalities are in order.  ASK YOURSELF – Would these independent entities harm their reputations and credibility?

No. In parts of Spain laws have been passed in order to maximize the amount of land available for new homes. Some builders have taken advantage of the law in such a way that certain homeowners have lost land that they believed was theirs. Please be assured that we have ensured that this could never happen to a property offered by Utopia.  The law was first introduced in Spain to prevent individual owners of land standing in the way of developments that would benefit the whole community by way of providing services or affordable housing, etc.  In the UK, a compulsory purchase order could be used in a similar manner.  The wording of the law has resulted in a law which is basically open to abuse by certain developers and local authorities.  This is particularly the case in the region of Valencia which includes the Costa Blanca.  To understand the concept of “Land Grab,” you must first understand the three classifications involved.  In the UK most people understand the meaning of “Green Belt” land.

In Spain the three classifications are:
1. LAND ALREADY URBANISED.
2. LAND SUITABLE FOR URBANISATION.
3. RURAL LAND.
The problem only arises when Rural Land is reclassified as Land Suitable for Urbanisation.  If this happens then the land increases in value.  However, infrastructure (Roads and utilities, etc.) needs to be built prior to construction of new properties.  The land owner, whose land has increased in value, is then expected to contribute to the cost of this infrastructure with cash and/or by giving up part of their land. As many of the land owners cannot afford to contribute towards the urbanisation of the land they must give up land.  Hence LAND GRAB.  The land owner has 15 working days to appeal but basically the argument that the land owner does not want their land used in this way is irrelevant.  THE LAW DOES NOT APPLY TO DEVELOPMENTS ON URBANISED LAND.  UTOPIA ONLY OFFERS PROPERTY ON URBANISED LAND.  Your 100% Guarantee is offered by Utopia and Spanish Law.

It is often a dream for many to own their property in the country surrounded by acres of scenic countryside that they own.  Utopia does not offer these properties because there is always this risk – either now or in the future.  If you decide to take this risk, then you must do so without the help of Utopia as we will not knowingly place any of our clients in a risky situation.  BE SAFE!  DEAL WITH UTOPIA

UK pensions can be paid directly into your Spanish bank account if you live permanently in Spain.

European Union nationals do not need a visa to visit or move to Spain. All other nationalities should contact their nearest Spanish Consulate for details.

There are no restrictions on EU nationals working in Spain. If you go to live in Spain without a job, and are seeking employment, you will need to register with the Spanish Employment Office. Non EU nationals need to contact the Spanish Consulate in their own country for details.

If your property is on a development then that development will need maintaining with expenses such as cleaning community pools, tending the gardens, etc. An annual meeting of residents is arranged to discuss expenses and agree a budget for the following year. All residents can attend, contribute to the proceedings and vote. Expenditures agreed to for the following year are paid for by the residents of the development, with the payment proportions usually dependent upon the size of each particular property.

In the UK there are local taxes such as Council tax. There are equivalent charges in Spain. The difference is that in Spain they are generally less expensive.

No. Although the cost of living in Spain is not as cheap as it once was, it is still less expensive to live in Spain. It is more economical still if you shop away from the tourist areas.

The answer to this is as in the UK. You are not compelled to have these. We do, however, feel that it is advisable. It is a simple matter to arrange this in Spain but if you feel that you would rather arrange it in the UK then we can advise with regard to a suitable broker specializing in this field.

You can drive a UK registered car as long as you spend 183 days or less in Spain. Permanent residents need to apply for their car to be transferred to a Spanish license plate. The car needs to pass the Spanish ITV (similar to the British MOT). This test applies to all cars – even to those under 3 years old.

Pets can be taken to Spain from the UK without any quarantine restrictions. The only condition is that you have the necessary current certificates, etc., with regard to inoculations. Your Vet can supply all the paperwork and we advise you to see about this well in advance of your intended move date to avoid any complications.

Although there is crime in all countries the crime rate in Spain is far lower than in the UK.