I would like to move to Spain to the south east coastal area near to a golf course and cultural areas and would value any suggestions.

in particular, I was somewhat shocked at the costs associated with the move. Can I seek advice from those who have moved without using a relocation agent/company and the pros and cons associated. Should I accept that it’s going to cost a lot or can I be smarter than that.

Thanks in anticipation of your help.

What is your nationality? If you are British, it will be a lot easier to move before the end of the year, where the current EU rules apply, i.e. you can live in Spain long-term if you have health cover and won't be a burden on the state. From 2021, it will be a lot more difficult, with financial requirement multiplied by 3-4 times. You will probably need the help of a lawyer or immigration/relocation specialist to get a visa and apply for residence permit. Other things you can probably do yourself such as finding a place to live, opening bank account and exchanging driving licence.

Thanks. Yes I am British.

It always surprises me that TV programmes like "a place in the sun" never mention the cost to buy (and sell). It will vary depending on property price and your chosen location. As a guide, budget for 12% of purchase price to cover EA, notary fees and tax. https://www.angloinfo.com/how-to/spa...s/property-tax

I used a relocation agency on a previous move, although not paid for by me, I would not say it was worthwhile. They organised appointments for the bank and council offices but everything else was left to me and there were quite a few hiccups along the way. I had a quote last month for a 20 ton truck from Italy to Spain (2500km) which was around 6000GBP. We looked at hiring a van and paying a friend to drive it but due to CoVid we ended up hiring a 3.5T van ourselves and doing it all alone and sent the heavy items on pallets. That part of the move ended up costing 2600 Euro but it was physically exhausting. We could have saved a bit more but we chose to take the ferry and get a suite to make sure we were well rested. For house hunting we did a lot of research and asked one agent to show us only what we asked for and she arranged 14 viewings in 2 days. This was a rental, not a purchase. We signed and moved in on day 3 and traveled back on day 4. Agency fees and taxes are what they are, you can't change it.

In answer to Missile,you are so right.One of my sisters recently watched that programme,not much new to watch I suppose,& mentioned how cheap it was to buy here.As you say,they never mention the "extras" far above those in UK.On reflection,I felt a bit mean in replying to her as I said that also they tend to focus on sales in the cheaper areas more often & where there are greater concentrations of other Brits too.

Hi all,
Trying to sort out all the loose ends as we apply for Residencia BEFORE 31Dec.
If we sell the UK house next May and make a profit of (example) £300,000 and I use this to purchase property in Spain, I have been told this money will not be Taxed as CGT as we have 2 years to use the monies. Is this true as I can not find a link to the info.
TIA......Keith.

Get really good legal advice. If you mean you are going to sell your house after moving to spain then your house in uk will not be your principal abode as far as spain is concerned and therefore liable to to Spanish CGT. Whilst it's true you could purchase a Spanish property with all the money that would need to be done at the time of residency I imagine ( although not sure) As for having 2 years to do this ( again not sure) but given that the sale would need to be on your Spanish tax return in year 1 not sure you can delay CGT for 2 years. So definitely check before you move and register

You do not pay capital gains tax in Spain when you sell your main residence if you reinvest the money in another property to be your main home (both properties must meet certain conditions to qualify).


The property does not need to be in Spain to qualify for this relief, but it must be in an EU or European Economic Area (EEA) country. Likewise, the new home needs to be in the EU/EEA. If the UK ends up outside the EEA after Brexit, UK residents could therefore lose this main home relief in Spain.

So in order to avail yourself from this relief, you must move to Spain by 31st December 2020 before the end of the transition period, when UK is still regarded as being in EU for all practical purposes.

In fairness they also don't mention that, to make the move featured in the program, you would likely need a visa (for moves not within the EU).

Chipmonk is right.
Sorry and forgot to add that this is only for a main home. If you move now you will be resident in Spain, so the home in the UK would no longer qualify as your main home.

Hi and Thank you for advice and answers.
I will be 65 next May sorry at the time did not know is was a key point!
This a link I read.......
My Plan;;;
Apply for 1st phase before 31/Dec
Complete 2nd if all OK by next may/June (Extension has been given)
See UK home after my 65th Birthday using ALL the monies to purchase property in Spain.
In the mean time we will rent till we find that home in the sun.
Hope all this clear...
I do value your advice!
Regards Keith.

. Selling your property if you are older than 65

There is an even better situation than the one in the prior section for those wanting to save taxes.

If you are 65 years old or over, it does not matter if the amount of money you get from selling the property will be reinvested into your new home or not. You won’t need to pay this tax.

There is no denying then that if you are close to that age, it is much better to wait until you are 65 in order to conduct any asset sale.

Nevertheless, you must bear in mind that there is a crucial condition you must meet in order to benefit from the 65-year-old exemption. And that is that the property you are selling must be your habitual residence. In order words, a minimum of 3 years lived in the property before selling it is required in order to avoid paying capital gains tax.

I am not sure about your plan. Are you saying you are going to register here in spain before Dec then return to uk and then come back in June to continue with registration process? If so I am pretty sure that is not what is meant by the extension period. You have to be living in spain before you do registration. You cant just pop over and then pop back. The extension is designed for people who have had difficulties with their application, for example rejection through wrong documentation, illness etc.

Interesting the over 65 and no CGT. Not heard of that. Are you sure that is the case as many retired people seem arrange sale of uk property before moving to avoid spanish CGT.

Hi Chipmonk,
That quote is from a Solicitors official website?
Popping Back.... !st been told it can be done on line no proof of address. If approved will have to be there in person for 2nd Phase.
Then with a 3/6 month rental I can pop back to see the sale of house?
Just hoping they all come to their senses and give Brexit a new deadline. It has been nearly 6 months of Covid and has caused a delay in everyone's plan.
Regards
Keith