Question 1

Can I still buy property in Spain after Brexit?

Accepted Answer

Yes. British citizens can buy property in Spain without restrictions — Brexit did not change property ownership rights in any way. What changed is your right to live there: as a non-EU citizen you are now subject to the Schengen 90/180-day rule, and to spend more time at your Spanish property you will need a Spanish residency visa (Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad Visa). The purchase process itself — NIE, bank account, due diligence, notary — is identical to what it was before Brexit.

Question 2

How does the 90/180-day rule affect me as a UK property owner in Spain?

Accepted Answer

Post-Brexit, UK citizens are treated as non-EU nationals and are subject to the Schengen 90-day rule: a maximum of 90 days in any 180-day rolling period across the entire Schengen area — time spent in France, Portugal or any other Schengen country counts toward your 90 days. Owning a property in Spain does not extend this right. Separately, exceeding 183 days in a calendar year triggers Spanish tax residency, with implications for your worldwide income including UK pensions and assets. Many UK owners structure their year deliberately to stay below both thresholds. A Digital Nomad Visa or Non-Lucrative Visa removes the 90-day cap and must be obtained separately from your property purchase.

Question 3

What taxes will I pay as a UK owner of a Spanish property?

Accepted Answer

This is where Brexit changed the numbers. (1) Rental income: as a non-EU, non-resident owner you are taxed at 24% on gross Spanish rental income — EU residents pay 19% and can deduct mortgage interest, community fees and management costs; UK owners cannot. On vacant properties, an imputed income based on the cadastral value is taxed at the same 24% rate. (2) IBI, the local council property tax, is paid annually. (3) On a future sale, non-resident sellers face a 3% withholding on the sale price on account of capital gains tax. (4) The good news: Andalusia's 99% inheritance tax reduction for direct family (spouses, children, parents) applies to UK buyers regardless of nationality or residency — effectively eliminating Spanish inheritance tax for most family transfers. UK estate rules continue to apply to your worldwide assets, so cross-border estate planning advice is strongly recommended.

Question 4

Does the proposed 100% property surcharge apply to UK buyers?

Accepted Answer

The proposal — still under legislative debate as of mid-2026, not yet law — would apply a surcharge on property purchases by non-EU, non-resident buyers. Post-Brexit, UK citizens fall into the non-EU category and could be affected if the measure becomes law in its current form. This has notably increased interest from EU buyers, particularly Germans, who are explicitly exempt. If you are considering a purchase, this is a reason to act on a clear timeline rather than wait indefinitely. We are monitoring the legislative status closely.

Question 5

Can I get a Spanish mortgage with UK income — and how much deposit do I need?

Accepted Answer

Yes — Spanish banks lend to UK buyers, but post-Brexit conditions apply. Non-resident buyers typically receive a maximum of 60–70% LTV, meaning a minimum 30–40% deposit; add the 10–13% in purchase taxes and fees and the total upfront capital required is typically 40–50% of the purchase price. You will need UK payslips or self-assessment tax returns, bank statements and proof of identity. GBP/EUR exchange rate risk is a real consideration — both on the purchase price and on ongoing repayments if your income remains in sterling. Some buyers use FX specialists to lock in exchange rates at the time of purchase; many higher-net-worth UK buyers purchase in cash and consider refinancing separately. Mortgage pre-approval before starting your search is strongly recommended.

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Buying Property in Spain after Brexit Questions 2026