With the current economic turmoil due to both Brexit and Covid-19, many UK mortgage brokers have continued to be accused of being ‘ageist’.  Mortgages for Over 60s can be difficult to obtain.   This is because many are lowering their maximum age limits on traditional mortgage lending for an older borrower from 80/85 to an...

When planning your move to Spain there comes a time when you want to visit your chosen area to view available properties.  This is an important opportunity and it is important to ensure that you are ready and that you have done all that you can to ensure that it is an effective trip. ...

Covid-19 is having an impact around the world, but as we sit in lockdown many consider their plans for the future.  With the agreement of Mortgage Direct we are publishing an article by Simon Staples which provides a surprising insight into the Spanish mortgage market during these difficult times where it is possible to move...

The UK’s exit from the European Union has prompted expats to review the way in which they manage their estates and hand down their property abroad. While the issue is shrouded with misconceptions, people are more alive now than ever to their options for succession planning. But it doesn’t stop there. Richard Bate, Partner at...

Are you looking to buy property in Spain? Whether you’re an expat resident, a regular visitor or a holiday landlord, owning a Spanish villa can be a huge asset. And before you say ‘but Brexit’, let’s just explain for the avoidance of doubt that the Spanish property market has always been popular with British (and...

Where are the best places to live in Barcelona? Barcelona is a cosmopolitan city, popular with expats.  Here we look at some of the areas of the city where expats commonly live and set out some of the attractions of each. Barcelona is the second largest city in Spain with a population of around 1.6...

The Costa Blanca is one of the most popular regions for British expats retiring to Spain.  It has a number of resorts that are popular with British retirees and not too overwhelmed by holidaymakers.  Which are the most popular and what are their attractions? The Costa Blanca is extremely popular with people planning to retire...

The Costa del Sol is an incredibly popular tourist destination and it’s not really hard to see why. With a vast array of stunning beaches, an abundance of gorgeous scenery and a plethora of historical landmarks, the region has become an increasingly popular place for foreigners to purchase holiday homes, jumping on the ‘residential tourism’...

Buying property abroad comes with a number of new challenges and complexities that are different from those faced in the UK.  Simon Conn who has been arranging overseas mortgages for over 35 years gives his top 20 tips when buying property abroad. Written by Simon Conn, Overseas Property and Finance Specialist With the overseas...

Stamp duty payable on execution of a mortgage deed in Spain has been the subject of case law and legislation recently in Spain.  B Law & Tax explain the implications of the recent decisions. This article was written exclusively for Expat Network by B LAW & TAX, International Tax & Legal Advisors   Currently Stamp Duty...

Real estate transfers in Spain can be subject to local Tax on the Increase in the Urban Land Value (“Impuesto sobre el Incremento de Valor de los Terrenos de Naturaleza Urbana” or “Plusvalía Municipal”). This mandatory municipal tax is levied on the increase disclosed in the value of urban land whenever urban land located in...

There are so many decisions to make and things to plan when you’re moving abroad, so we’re here to make at least one of those things easier for you – choosing somewhere to rent. It can be difficult enough renting in your own country, so throw different customs and languages into the mix and you’ve...