Buying Property in Spain: New Brexit Rules

Sponsored by Klev&Vera International Law Firm.

Now that the UK has left the European Union, new rules apply to Britons seeking to buy property in certain parts of Spain. Some areas close to Spanish military bases are considered restricted zones and, as a result, special regulations are in force. From January 1, 2021, UK citizens acquiring property in these areas must comply with “third country” requirements and ask for a military permit from the Spanish Ministry of Defense before buying.

If your intended property is near the coast, you should ensure your purchase is not affected by the Coastal Law of 1988 by contacting your region’s Coastal Demarcation office to obtain a certificate proving so. You can consult the Environment Ministry's website for the coastal boundaries of public maritime areas. It is important to remember, however, that this information may not always be accurate enough to use for purchasing real estate.

You should also pay attention to whether the Land Registry has designated the land on which a property is built as “rural land.” This is usually reserved for agriculture and planning permission with local and regional authorities is therefore required if it is to be used as a residence.

Given the complexity of the system of property purchase and renting, it is a good idea to ask for the advice of a Spanish lawyer to help you through the process. You can find here a list of English-speaking lawyers in Spain.

For more details, see the UK Government advice page on buying and renting property in Spain.

Anna Klevtsova is managing partner of Klev&Vera with over 18 years of experience in public service and international cooperation projects. Anna leads the corporate and immigration practice, specializing in company formations, investment transactions and immigration strategies. Anna is fluent in English, Russian, Spanish, and also speaks French and Catalan.

Sponsored by Klev&Vera International Law Firm.