ALERT: LANDLORDS OF TOURIST / SHORT TERM LET APARTMENTS IN SPAIN FACE RANDOM INSPECTIONS STARTING ON 1st JULY 2025
Owners of short-term lets in Spain operating via websites such as Booking.com or Airbnb must apply to the Spanish Land Registry for an identification number in order to be entitled to operate. The Registrar will check whether the activity is prohibited by their...
Navigating Cross-Border Legal Issues: UK and Spain
With more British nationals buying property, retiring, or holding financial assets in Spain, legal matters spanning both countries are increasingly common. But dealing with cross-border issues means dealing with two very different legal systems, and things can become...
The Importance of Wills and Probate in Spain
Owning property or holding assets in Spain brings with it a responsibility to understand how Spanish inheritance law works. Unlike in the UK, Spain applies a civil law system, which includes fixed rules about who inherits what, and in what proportion. If your estate...
Navigating French Property Transactions: Essential Legal Advice for UK Buyers
Buying property in France remains a popular choice for many UK buyers seeking a holiday home, retirement retreat, or investment opportunity. However, buying in a foreign country involves navigating legal frameworks that differ considerably from the UK. French law...
Cross-Border Capacity: What Happens if a Loved One Loses Mental Capacity in France or Owns Assets in France That Need Managing?
When a loved one loses mental capacity, dealing with the legal implications is never easy, and things can become even more complex when that person owns property or resides in another country, such as France. French law treats mental capacity differently to UK law,...
English Will vs French Will – Which One Do I Actually Need?
When advising clients who own assets in France on their cross-border estate planning, one of the most frequent questions we encounter (along with “How can I avoid the restrictive French forced heirship rules?” which we will explore separately) is “Do I really need a...
The Four Types of Wills Available in France
When it comes to estate planning in France, understanding French law can be important, as the law is strict about how a will must be draughted and executed. Unlike in England and Wales, under French law only four specific types of wills are recognised as legally valid...
Understanding Spanish Law: A Guide for UK Residents
Navigating Spanish law can be challenging for UK residents, as the two legal systems and processes differ significantly. Whether you're purchasing property, setting up a business, or handling estate matters, understanding the Spanish legal framework is essential....
Owning a Property in France: Taxe d’Habitation
If you are a homeowner in France or are planning to become one, you need to be aware of the property taxes for which you will be liable (regardless of whether you are making income from the property). The taxe d'habitation is a local property tax in France,...