Moving to Spain from the UK? Guide to Real Estate After Brexit

With Brexit delayed until at least the end of October 2019, many of the estimated 310,000 Brits in Spain were able to breathe a sigh of relief. While Brexit may have been kicked into the long grass, many of the key issues still remain.

The British government doesn't look set to be any closer to agreeing on a deal with Parliament, whilst the EU Withdrawl Agreement is still uncertain to pass at all.

Despite the uncertainty thrown up by Brexit, moving to Spain from the UK is still a feasible task. Here's everything you need to know. 

Moving to Spain from the UK: The Current Situation 

As things currently stand, any British people wishing to move to Spain can do so as they have done for the past several decades.

Until at least October 2019, pending a miraculous breakthrough in Westminster, the UK is still a full-fledged member of the EU.

This means that you have the right to work, study, retire and buy property in Spain in the same way that any Spanish national can.

You can use a licensed estate agent to complete the process for you and you can travel freely between the UK and Spain for house viewings. As long as the UK remains in the EU, your right to buy a property and live in Spain permanently is unchanged. 

What Could Change in the Future? 

Of course, it is likely that the UK will indeed be leaving the EU at some point in the near future. One major consequence of the UK leaving the EU is that British citizens will likely lose their freedom of movement on the continent. This presents a number of difficulties for those looking to move to Spain. 

It should be noted that no Brexit deal has been agreed to yet, so requirements for British nationals moving to Spain in the future are a big unknown. What is certain is that British expats in Spain have been given guarantees by the Spanish government.

These state that nothing will change for UK citizens living in Spain before Brexit, even in the event of a so-called 'No Deal' exit. This means that if you are registered in Spain before Brexit, you will retain your rights to buy a property and collect your pension in Spain just as before. 

Of course, it is difficult to tell what will change after this point. It is highly unlikely that Brits will need any kind of visa to enter Spain in the future, although living in Spain may be subject to their requirements for non-EU nationals. 

Buying Real Estate in Spain

For Brits living in Spain, one of the major appeals of buying a home is the low price of real estate.

British people currently enjoy very few barriers to entry into the Spanish real estate market, meaning that now may be the best time to buy a home of your own.

Make sure to get in touch with us today to find out everything you need to know about moving to Spain from the UK.