Brexit has caused problems for many sectors of the population, with uncertainty for those from an EU country who live in the UK, UK nationals who live abroad, and perhaps the most unconsidered group, the UK residents who own a second home in Europe. If you are a second homeowner in Spain, post-Brexit, you will likely feel angry and hard done by as the government reveals the new regulations.
If you own a second home in Spain and rent it out, you will need to be prepared for Spain’s Inland Revenue to raise taxes for non-resident UK homeowners who rent out a property in Spain after the Brexit transition deadline of December 31st, 2020.
Second Home Owners in Spain, Post Brexit Concerns
But more concerning for most second homeowners is they will be limited to spending only 90 days in the EU during any 180 day period. This will prevent any second homeowner from spending more than three months at a time in their property and put a limit on frequent visitors, who have worked hard for decades, to be in a position to enjoy long holidays abroad.
The 90-day regulation is not down to new Brexit travel practices; it is a law that has always applied to non-EU citizens when visiting the EU. It should be noted it applies to the EU as a whole, and if you have spent 90 days in your second home, you cannot take a week’s break in any other EU country during the same 180-day period.
UK nationals can enter the European Union more than once during any 180 days, but must carefully calculate the number of days spent in the EU, as the total days must not exceed 90 days of stay within any 180-day time frame.
So if you are one of the many Spanish homeowners who like to spend the entire winter in Spain to escape the cold British winters, you are out of luck, I am afraid. The best you can hope to escape the worse is to spend between mid-December and mid-March in Spain, then be careful not to “forget” and plan a break in France.
Unlike pre-EU days when technology did not exist in its current capacity, the consequences of overstaying your welcome in Spain now or indeed any other EU country could be grim. Post-Brexit, customs will scan British passports on entry and exit. Anyone caught notching up more days than the permitted quota risks an over-stay stamp on their passport, which could result in a fine, cause problems in the future if applying for a visa, or a ban from re-entering the country.
Practicalities
Sentiments aside, British nationals who now find themselves in the unfortunate position of no longer having the possibility of jumping on a plane when the urge takes them to visit their second home, need to think of the practicalities. The principal concern is that no harm or damage should occur to their property in their absence.
But what could possibly go wrong?
Unfortunately, quite a lot. We’ll start with:
Flooding from a burst pipe, severe weather damage, homeowner’s insurance not covering empty properties, gardens becoming overgrown and annoying the neighbours, or worse, becoming a fire hazard, burglaries, vandalism, and perhaps any homeowner’s ultimate nightmare – squatters moving in – the list is far from brief.
At Valuvillas, we offer a high quality, reliable property management solution.
In post-Brexit times, we understand the importance of simplicity, value for money, and peace of mind for homeowners who cannot visit their properties as much as they would like.
Our Property Management Services in Javea include a broad range of services and expertise to suit your individual requirements. A member of our team is always available to speak on the phone, and we have an experienced, reliable, and honest network of independent contractors ready to help out in the event repairs may be necessary.
Our services include, but are not limited to:
- Regular property inspections including full security checks
- Gardening and pool maintenance
- Keyholding
- Cleaning
- Check for leaks, cracks, or weather damage.
Our services are completely customisable to each property owner, so we can look after your Javea home as much or as little as you would like.
Our professional staff can also advise you on renting your property during your absence. We incorporate a wealth of experience, current property market knowledge, and legal expertise.
If you want to find out more about our Brexit Property Management Special Deals, don’t hesitate to contact us.
