Buying Property in Spain

[Ken Sprang]

I have read that Spain now charges a tax of 100% for real property purchased by non-EU citizens. The big concern is the number of persons who have bought property and used them as Airbnbs. We are interested in buying a second home where we would live, not that we would rent out, though we would split time between Spain and the United States. Can anyone shed light on this new tax and tell me whether there is any way around it. Thanks.

[Peer Blichfeldt]

Aloha Cepee,

My wife, daughter and I are flying into Malaga from Honolulu, the evening of October 5. My wife and I are near retirement age and are exploring alternative retirement destinations and have never been to Southern Spain, so we wanted to come and see if this is place we would consider living part-time or full time.

We are looking to connect with other expats to give us some insight of the area and find out if a retirement there would be something to consider. Of course, we would love to be able to meet with you in person during our trip, if you’re available.

My wife was born and raised in Hawaii and I have lived here since age 15. We love warm, sunny weather and the ocean but are looking for somewhere with a lower cost of living and a base to explore other places in Europe. Since I do speak some Spanish – I feel that gives Spain a leg up over other countries we are considering – Portugal, Italy and Greece. We did have the opportunity to visit Barcelona and Tenerife in 2022 when my daughter was a college exchange student in Barcelona. One thing that really shocked me was the price of groceries in the Supermarket, probably less than a third of what we pay here in Hawaii. It really opened my eyes as to the type of lifestyle we could have if we moved to Spain.

One thought of mine would be to purchase a property we could stay in while there and then rent out the rest of the time. I have heard that around Estepona is a nice area and still reasonably priced. We are looking for somewhere more relaxed and less hectic than a big city but at the same time within a reasonable driving distance to a big city to attend sporting events and concerts etc.

Anyway, all I know is what I’ve read and seen in photographs and videos etc. and my experience from traveling the world is that you cannot get the feel of a place unless you have been there in person. We would be eager to hear what your suggestions may be as to areas to stay for our trip, types and locations of properties to purchase or rent and any general information about living in the Sunshine Coast.

Thanks

[Cepee Tabibian]

Hi Peer!

That’s great that you and your wife are considering southern Spain as a retirement destination. From the sounds of it, I think you may already be here! Welcome!

Unfortunately I’m not available to meet up but there are some great resources to meet expats in Malaga.

Americans in Malaga Faceook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/927059902402887
Expats in Malaga: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2043859442539223/

And two great relocation experts who can help with property or areas to look at are:
Irina from Malaga Expat: https://www.malagaexpat.com/about
Jessica from Decipher Spain: https://decipherspain.com/

Estepona is a lovely area! Fuengirola, Nerja, and Rincon de la Victoria are a few other coastial towns to look at too.

If you have any questions let me know. I hope you are enjoying your time here!

Best,

Cepee

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