How to buy a home in Spain – and wrestle with the post-Brexit visa rules

How to buy a home in Spain – and wrestle with the post-Brexit visa rules

When Britain finally left the EU, plans to move abroad were swiftly curtailed by the pandemic. Now, after travel restrictions have eased, Britons are on the move again, picking up plans to live abroad – and discovering the trials of the new visa process , too. Determined British buyers have been flying out to Spain to view properties whenever they have been permitted to during the past 18 months. Demand has been especially strong since the country has been on Britain’s amber travel list, meaning that fully vaccinated travellers can return from Spain without the need to quarantine. Paul Payne of MASA International, an estate agency, said: “We are having the busiest time since 2002. August has been especially hectic with people flying out to view properties. Many want new, turnkey homes and stock is running out.” He added that a 10pc-15pc rise in the cost of building materials meant buyers should not expect to find many bargains in popular locations. Much like in Britain, transaction levels in Spain have soared recently. In June 64,877 homes were sold in Spain, according to data from the Association of Spanish Notaries. This is up by 71pc on the same time last year