Property taxes in Spain

Property taxes in Spain are somewhat different to those in other countries, particularly those that UK buyers are familiar with.

In the UK property sales are subject to Stamp Duty Land Tax. This tax is based on incremental tax bands and property price. It applies to residential property with a value of £125,000 plus in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (Scotland has a separate Land and Buildings Transaction Tax). It’s very simple to calculate and make the payment yourself. For example, if you buy a property for £850,000 you will pay no tax on the first £125,000, then 2% up to £250,000 and 5% on the remaining amount. Spanish property tax is different to the British model for both buyers and sellers.

But, first, let’s deal with the taxes when you’re buying a property in Spain as they vary depending on whether you are buying a new build property, or a resale residence. These Spanish taxes need to be factored into your budget, in addition to the other buying costs associated with Spanish property purchases.

• Spanish property tax on new build properties
• ITP tax on Spanish resale property
• Non-resident property tax in Spain
• Other taxes associated with Spanish property
• Non-resident income tax
• Capital Gains Tax on property in Spain
• Spanish Capital Gains Tax and non-residents
• CGT and Residents
• Calculating Spanish CGT
• Inheritance tax in Spain for non-residents
• Local property tax or IBI

Spanish property tax on new build properties

There is a huge demand for new build properties across the most popular Spanish regions. When you are buying a new build, you must allow for paying VAT (IVA) at a rate of 10% of the purchase price. And there is an additional 1% tax, also based on the purchase price, to cover Stamp Duty. Furthermore, when you place your deposit on the property you have chosen, you will have to pay VAT (IVA) on it at the time of payment.

ITP tax on Spanish resale property

When you are buying a resale property in Spain, you pay a transfer tax called Impuesto sobre Transmisiones Patrimoniales, which is shortened to ITP. In the case of resale properties there is no VAT or Stamp Duty to pay on the property, just the ITP, which varies from region to region. For example in Andalucia the rate is 8% up to €400,000. The next €300,000 is subject to an ITP of 9% and after that it is a blanket rate of 10%. So, to give you an example based on a residence priced at €1 million, it would attract ITP according to this formula – (€400,000 x 8% = €32,000)+(€300,000 x 9% = €27,000)+(€300,000 x 10% = €30,000) = a total of €89,000 in ITP tax.

Non-resident property tax in Spain

If you are buying a resale property from a seller who is not a Spanish resident, which may often be the case in many parts of Spain, the buyer must withhold 3% of the purchase price and pay it to the Spanish tax authorities. Normally, the buyer’s lawyer handles payment of this tax.

Other taxes associated with Spanish property

Once you have bought a property in Spain, there are a number of other taxes associated with property ownership, including income tax on the property and capital gains tax, which applies to sellers.

Non-resident income tax

Property owners in Spain who are non-resident are liable for non-resident’s income tax. Owners have to submit an annual tax return even if the property is not rented out. The amount of tax payable is based on around 1.1% of the rateable value (valor catastral) and the tax rate is 19%. If you rent out the property you will have to submit quarterly returns showing income and expenses. The tax rate on this income is 19%.

Capital Gains Tax on property in Spain

As a Spanish property owner it is important to understand the Spanish Capital Gains Tax (CGT) system, which be significantly different from what you are used to. Most countries charge CGT when you sell a property and as the seller you pay tax on the profits. Spain has recently updated its CGT rules, and some foreign owners have been confused about what it means for them, especially as the rules differ for non-residents and residents.

Spanish Capital Gains Tax and non-residents

The majority of foreign buyers tend to have non-resident status, although not all, and we will look at the rules for residents as well. In 2016, Spain reduced CGT on property sales from 19.5% to 19%. The tax authority also withholds 3% from the sale, but the buyer pays this. What this means if that the seller receives 97% of the proceeds of the sale. The thinking behind the 3% retention is that on occasion some non-residents leave Spain without paying the CGT. If the CGT is not covered by the 3% retention, then there will be extra to pay. On the other hand, you might be due a refund, which you apply for using form 210H. It is advisable to get your Spanish gestor (Spanish version of a tax accountant) or lawyer to help with this. The form has to be submitted within three months of completing the sale and you will also have to send in your last four years of non-resident tax accounts.

CGT and Residents

The system for Spanish residents is slightly different. As a resident you declare the CGT in your annual tax return. In this way you are charged CGT according to your total income. And, there are some CGT exemptions for residents. For example, if you are over 65 and have been a tax resident in Spain for over three years and have lived in the same home for all of that period, you are exempt from paying CGT. A CGT exemption is also available if you have been a tax resident in Spain for three years and you reinvest the funds from the sale of your principal home in another property that you plan to live in as your principle home, provided you live in the new property for the following three years. This new property doesn’t have to be in Spain, it can be anywhere in the European Union, but you must spend all the proceeds of your sale in the new home. If you don’t use all of it, you will be liable for CGT in Spain on the difference. It is also worth noting that residents who don’t quite make the three-year threshold, but have a compelling reason to sell, can explain this to the tax authorities and they will take it into account. For example, if you become disabled and your current property is unsuitable for your needs, or if you are forced to relocate for work, are acceptable reasons for exemption. And, if you’re over 65 and a tax resident for three years, you will be exempt from CGT on the second property in Spain if you invest all the proceeds of the sale in an annuity.

Calculating Spanish CGT

To calculate the CGT on a sale, you need to take the purchase price that is written on the Title Deed, (Nota Simple) then add on the IVA (VAT) Land Registry fees, notary fees, transfer tax and legal fees. This total is deducted from the final sale figure. Please note that although costs can be deducted, this does not include the mortgage or any other debts.

Inheritance tax in Spain for non-residents

Non-residents with property in Spain need to consider how to handle the Spanish inheritance tax system. It is quite complex and can differ between the various autonomous communities, i.e. the rules in Andalucia may be different to those in Catalonia, which is why you need the advice of an experienced lawyer in the region where you own property. In Spain, inheritance government and regional authorities manage this tax, hence the differences between regions. The tax applies to:

• Taxpayers who usually reside in Spain
• Non-resident heirs who are inheriting property in Spain

Local property tax or IBI

Owners pay an annual tax based on the cadastral value of the property. UK buyers may compare it to Council Tax. The annual Impuestos de Bienes Inmuebles, or IBI, is calculated on the value of your property and its location. Generally it is between 0.5% – 1.2% and it is paid between September to December each year. This tax is used to pay for local services and infrastructure, such as roads, rubbish collection, street lighting and general maintenance. Start yourProperty Search in Spain at iFindSpain now!

USEFUL LINKS

• Spain - The Spanish economy: Should you buy property in Spain? Spain is certainly on the property buyers radar, especially in 2018
• Find property in Spain - iFindSpain is a property portal with a global audience and a fast growing network of real estate agents specialising in Spanish properties for sale
• Guide to buying a property in Spain - A guide to buying property in Spain including the Spanish economy, culture, living in Spain, adapting to Spanish life, location & price
• Search for property in Spain - What’s the best way to search for a property for sale in Spain on iFindSpain including types of property and best locations to buy property in Spain
• Articles & Advice - Current news and articles about Spain
• Property Taxes in Spain - A guide to property taxes in Spain including tax on new build properties
• Mortgages in Spain - A guide to property mortgages in Spain including information on mortgages for non-residents, interest rates, mortgage costs, new legislation and using a broker
• Currency Exchange when buying property in Spain - Why you should use a currency exchange service when buying a property in Spain?