Language
English is widely spoken in Spain but locals will appreciate any attempt to learn their language. In comparison to most languages, Spanish is quite easy to learn and not as difficult as you think!

Residency
As EU citizens, British subjects are free to live and work in Spain - subject to registration. If you work in Spain, you are advised to get a contract of employment from your employer. The Gestoria, a government-licensed specialist, will help you set up residency status - a legal requirement - for a reasonable fee.

Health
The Spanish health system is one of the most advanced in Europe. As a visitor, make sure you have an E111 form, which entitles you to receive treatment. Once you have residency status, you are entitled to free healthcare, and will usually see your primary care doctor (GP) within one day.

Chemists
Chemists, recognised by a green flashing cross, provide all prescription and over-the-counter drug needs. Some are open 24 hours, many are also on a rotating emergency opening schedule.

Dentists
Most dentists are private so you must pay for any treatment.

Drinking water
The Spanish water system has been greatly improved in recent years, and is safe to drink in most residential areas. Still 'agua sin gas' and fizzy 'agua con gas' bottled water is also widely available.

Paying tax
If you have legal residency (see Residency above) you will not be charged imputed income tax on your principal or main home. This tax will be applied at 0.5% of the catastral or land registry value of any further properties you might own. Capital Gains Tax applies on any profit you make when you sell a property. As a legal resident, you are liable to income tax on your worldwide income. Spain recognises international double taxation conventions to ensure you only pay income tax once.

Making a will
You are strongly advised to make a separate Spanish will through a local solicitor. Spanish law on inheritance tax is very complex. A Spanish solicitor will ensure your estate planning is fully compliant.

Spanish Solicitor
There are several ways to buy a property in Spain, and your local 'abogado' or solicitor will recommend the best method for you. They will fully investigate all purchase-related matters, including finance. Once satisfied everything is in order, they will arrange for the 'escritura' or title deed to be signed before a notary.

Title Deed
The 'escritura' or title deed is a fully detailed description of the property. It is also proof of ownership.

The Notary
The title deed must be signed in the presence of a notary (public official) who enters the sale and ownership of the property in the public record. This is proof that financial transactions have been witnessed, and these payments are incorporated into the property's title deed.

Power of Attorney
This can be granted to a representative such as your solicitor who may attend the meeting with the notary in your absence.

Land Registry
Once signed, the title deed is sent to the local land registry office, where it is entered into the register on payment of land registry fees. This can be arranged through your solicitor, who will send the completed deeds to you.

Spanish Will
If you wish your Spanish property to be passed on to your family upon your death, it is essential that you make a Spanish will. It costs very little, and you can give a family member Enduring Power of Attorney to deal with matters on your behalf should you become incapacitated.

Spanish Mortgage
If you require a mortgage, a Spanish bank usually requires employed people to supply two P60s, six months' salary slips and two months' bank statements as proof of income. Income can also be measured on joint income for married couples so make sure you have your partner's details if they are working. Self-employed people are normally required to supply two years' of audited accounts plus the last tax statement. Passport or driving licence is required as proof of identity. Most Spanish banks will allow Solquest clients to apply for up to 60% mortgages, subject to status.

Education
State education in Spain is free, and of a very high standard. Qualifications are internationally recognised and there are several international schools available.

Working in Spain
As a UK citizen you are a member of the EU and allowed to work in any EU country, including Spain.

Animals
You are free to take domestic pets with you, providing you have proof of necessary inoculations and relevant microchips. A pet passport will also allow your animals to return to the UK without going into quarantine.

Healthcare
The Spanish NHS is free to retired EU citizens and is of a high standard. Competitively priced private healthcare schemes are also available.

ID Cards
You must have an ID card, which you can apply for at the foreign department of any national police station. Keep it with you, as you often cannot use a credit or debit card without it.

Property Purchasing Fees
It normally costs about 10% of your property's purchase value to buy your property. Based on a purchase price of 100,000€, costs break down as follows:

Certain items are not always included in a purchase, for example, plus value tax, a local government capital gains tax applied to the increase in value of the land since the last sale. If this tax is applied, it is normally 50€. Connection charges for water and electricity are approximately 400€.

Annual running costs (non-resident property owner)

• Wealth and income tax are payable once a year and are calculated as a percentage of the property value.
  
  
• Wealth Tax: 0.2% of property value.
  
  
• Income Tax: 0.5% of rateable property value.
  
  
• Local rates are payable between August and October and are typically between 45€ and 200€ per year.
  
  
• Fiscal fees of approx. 110€ are due once a year.
  
  
• Community (urbanisation fee) is usually paid in one or two payments per year of 515€ - 575€.
  
  
• Electricity bills are due every two months with a minimum charge of about 22€.
  
  
• Water bills are due every three months with a minimum charge of about 15€.
  
  
• House insurance is due annually depending on the date of your purchase contract. Depending on the size and value of the property, the average cost is 440€.
  
  
• You should deposit about 1,000€ a year to cover running costs. Your Gestor or fiscal representative can pay them on your behalf if you are out of the country.

Reserving a property

To secure your property you must pay a 10% deposit of the property's value, or a reservation payment of 3,000€ (approx. £2,000) with the remainder of the balance to be paid in seven days. Payment is accepted in Traveller's Cheques or by credit card. This payment will secure the property's price in euros and remove the property or plot of land from the market. A second payment of 40% of the purchase price is payable within one month of signing contracts. These payments may be transferred direct from your UK bank account. The remainder is then subject to the builder's terms of contract. All payments are made to the builder, either directly or via the operating agent.

New Property Guarantees
The developer and the architect are legally responsible for any structural defects occurring in the first ten years of ownership. All properties are Freehold.

Pension payments
Your pension can be paid direct to you in Spain through a Spanish bank account.

Furniture
Your moving in assistant will be happy to introduce you to one of the many local fine furniture warehouses. Prices start at around £2,500 for a two-bedroom property, which will buy everything for your new home, from the wardrobes to the wine coasters.