De Cotta Law receives recognition from British Embassy
I was delighted to receive a Certificate of recognition for De Cotta Law for its contribution to the local community in Spain on Saturday. At a Garden Party held in Madrid at the Ambassador’s residence on Royal Wedding day a number of local charities and organisations were presented with certificates. So many of these people […]
Why you should have an English will
Do you have assets in England or outside of Spain? You should always have a Spanish will for Spanish assets – if this is over 2 years old it is a good idea to get it reviewed due to changes in tax law and succession legislation. It is not a good idea to have a […]
Inheritance tax reductions Andalucia
As a result of recent inheritance tax changes Andalucia is now one of the most attractive places in Europe to buy property. Not only due to its wonderful climate, culture and beaches but also to a very favourable inheritance tax regime. Until relatively recently one of the main disadvantages of buying a property or holiday […]
Brexit – Moving to Spain – the positive approach
There have been a lot of harbingers of doom about Brexit and British citizens buying property and moving to Spain. However, on re-reading the Joint Report of the UK Government and the European commission of 8th December 2017 it is clear that for those thinking of buying or renting property and living in Spain before […]
Selling property in Spain
Clients who own property in Spain are often concerned about both the taxes they will pay on sale and the transfer of their funds after sale. For British clients there can be the additional worry about converting the funds into Sterling from Euros. If you are considering selling, it is a good idea to get […]
Do’s and don’ts when buying property in Spain
Ensure that the legal title is checked and that the property can be sold free of any debts and charges Establish with an English speaking independent lawyer if the property is fully licenced and that no administrative or legal sanctions are in place In Spain there are debts which can be placed against the property […]
Revision of local taxes – reduced in Marbella – increased in Nerja
All property owners in Spain have to pay local taxes – Impuesto de bienes inmueble – IBI – to their local Town Hall. These taxes or local rates are revised from time to time. They are based on the catastral or rateable value which is fixed by each Town Hall. The central government uses these […]
Evidence in Civil Proceedings
With experienced lawyers working in all areas of litigation we thought it would be helpful to look at the presentation of valid evidence in court proceedings. This can make all the difference in obtaining a decision in your favour in court in any of the following proceedings: Claims to ownership of property In Spain the […]
Inheritance tax reductions – Andalucia
This year 2018 brings good news for family members who inherit property and assets bringing inheritance tax reductions in Andalucia. The regional tax has been reduced, with spouses, children, parents and those registered as partners – parejas de hecho – receiving an increased tax allowance of 1,000,000€ per beneficiary. Spanish inheritance tax is a donee […]
Property injunctions – Boundary disputes
In Spain it is possible to obtain court injunctions where there is evidence that a neighbour is building on part of your property or building without a licence and the construction affects your property rights. For example, if you live in a village house and a neighbour starts to build over a terrace or adjoining […]
Intestacy
When a spouse or family members dies having left no will in Spain or outside Spain the procedure can be very costly and time consuming. In the UK you can generally notify the Land Registry, the banks etc to transfer property into your sole name and in some cases where the estate is not of […]
Modifying a court order on residence or maintenance
When the Court grants an order in family proceedings for separation, divorce or custody the financial, housing and visits will be considered at the time the order is made. As the children get older some of the circumstances may have changed and those originally agreed by the parties, or decided upon by the Judge, become […]