Post-Holiday Blues? A Step-by-Step Guide to Buying in Spain, Plus More

Welcome to the September edition of the Marena Murray newsletter.

This month, we have a step by step guide for buying in Spain, we share some ideas for bathroom makeovers, we have a few tips for battling condensation in your home and we have some advice for managing tax when letting your holiday home.

Ideas for a Bathroom Makeover

 

 

When it comes to redecorating, bathrooms tend to be pushed to the back of the pile, or may even be neglected altogether. However, with our easy and cost-effective suggestions, you can make sure that every room in your house makes a positive impact.

1. Contrast your colours
Who says that bathroom decor must be plain, dull or boring? The latest colour trend is to use block colours that pop. For instance, why not contrast light grey with a rose pink feature colour? Bold pairings such as these will make your bathroom stand out!

If your bathroom is too small for heavy or dark colours, an all-white bathroom with a colourful staple colour will still provide that same striking effect.

2. Dramatic mirrors
Mirrors are an essential item for any bathroom but that does not mean that they have to serve an entirely practical purpose. If there is a prime position in your bathroom for a mirror, make it your focal point. Lights should be positioned either side of your mirror, above it, or below it, in order to focus all attention there.

3. Shelving and displays
A set of painted shelves are not only great for storage but can improve your room’s aesthetics. If your property is rented, try using storage boxes instead. These can be found for low prices from any number of homeware providers.

Rather than leaving your beauty and healthcare products lying around on your sink basins, store them in storage compartments or makeup organisers to declutter your space.

4. Use tiles as an accent
Don’t over complicate your bathroom with too many different tile patterns or colours. Bright coloured tiles should be applied to your walls in moderation as they may quickly become outdated.

5. Modern features
We’ve all seen them. Glossy photos in the latest home magazine with state-of-the-art features and floating vanities. Whilst these features are impressive, they can also be very expensive, but don’t let that deter you! There are plenty of ways that you can apply similar design concepts on a budget.

Add some instant glam with your own version of a floating vanity using nothing but floating shelves and a decent mirror. Candles, plants and artwork can make your DIY vanity table even more eye-catching.

Bathrooms may not be a key room in your house but that does not mean that they should be boring and stale while the rest of your house screams character and style.

Mirrors and shelving are easy to self-install and increase convenience as well as design. Choose colours and styles that suit your room size, and don’t shy away from recreating impressive modern features that you would find in an ideal bathroom suite.

Fallen in Love with Spain this Summer? Here's How to Go About Buying a Spanish Property

 

 

Now that the summer holidays are officially over, and autumn begins to creep in, can you really be blamed for spending your free time daydreaming about a place in the sun?

Apparently, you are not alone, as according to official figures, the number of UK citizens searching for overseas homes has spiked by 17% during the last five weeks.

Spain came out on top on the list of the 10 most searched for overseas locations, with other locations including Canada and the U.S.

Website traffic also indicated that many prospective buyers were aiming high with popular search terms including “pool”, “beach” and “sea view”.

Obviously, we all know that holidaying somewhere isn’t the same thing as living there, so it’s a good idea to take certain steps if you’re planning on making a permanent move.

Step 1: Do your research
It’s unlikely you would buy a property in a different country without doing some sort of research, but it’s important you have a good search around the internet or talk to local property experts like Marena Murray.

You should also look for a solicitor with a good reputation – and crucially – can speak both English and Spanish fluently.

Step 2 Sign the Private Contract
Once you have chosen your home and all the appropriate checks have been performed by yourself and your solicitor, you will need to sign the private contract.

The private contract isn’t logged on an official registry, but it is considered to be legally binding, so make sure your solicitor has gone over the contents with you in detail. You will also have to pay a deposit, which you will lose if you break the contract.

Step 3 Obtain NIE
It’s vital that you ensure you obtain an NIE during the process. The Número de Identificación de Extranjeros means you will be registered with the Spanish Tax authorities.

Obviously, you can’t constantly be jetting between home and Spain. It’s possible to give someone in Spain the power of attorney to obtain the status for you.

Step 4: Sign the Title Deed
The title deed needs to be signed at the Notary’s office. You will also make the final payment and receive the keys.

Once the deed has been signed, the property will be registered at the land registry and the utility companies will be informed by your lawyer of the change of ownership and bank details.

Step 5: Make Sure Everything is In Order
You should now start to round everything off. Firstly, you should pay any outstanding bills, for example, your solicitor will need to be paid.

Next, you should make sure you register for the correct taxes. All non-residents and residents in Spain must pay IBI council tax. Non-residents must also pay imputed income tax in Spain.

Step 6: Enjoy!
You now own your own little slice of Spanish heaven! Now you can take some time to relax and enjoy the sun and local culture.

 

If you are interested in buying property in Spain, get in touch with Marena Murray today for a free Information Pack. Give us a call today on +34 968 175 087

Tackling Condensation in Your Home

 

 

If allowed to enter your home unchecked, dampness can cause untold damage to your property, possessions, and even to your health. Dampness can be expensive to remove, and at the very least, causes an unpleasant and lingering musty smell.

Condensation is just one form of dampness but it is the most common and often most ignored. During summer, your guard is down. How can my house be affected by condensation when it is a problem typically associated with cold weather?

The truth is that condensation can be caused by changing temperatures that occur within your household, and not just outside of it. Kitchens, bathrooms, and attics are more susceptible to this problem due to there being higher chances of steam or inadequate ventilation in these rooms.

So before your condensation issue escalates into a full-blown black mould problem, we have a few recommendations for you that can keep your home, health, and happiness better protected.

Know the signs
Nip your condensation problem in the bud by keeping an eye out for:

1. Excess water on your window sills
2. Peeling paint or plaster
3. Mould on clothes or fabrics
4. Musty smells
5. Presence of black mould

Unfortunately, by the time that some condensation warning signs are discernible, the damage can already be quite extensive, and that’s why it’s best to take a preventative rather than a reactive approach.

Our suggestions
When facing difficulties with condensation, good ventilation is key.

Give your house plenty of room to breathe. Leave small gaps between your furniture and walls, don’t cram too much into too tight of a space – as air will not be able to circulate efficiently – and hang wet laundry outside.

It is essential that your kitchen is properly ventilated whilst you are cooking! Cover pots and pans, and make use of your extractor fan. Don’t have one? Invest now and save yourself a bigger bill later on. It’s also important to have properly ventilated washing machines and tumble dryers.

If able, close your kitchen door when cooking or boiling a kettle. This may seem excessive but it will stop condensation spreading from room to room.

As for your bathroom, keep your windows open during and after baths or showers. Again, invest in an extractor fan if you have a windowless bathroom. Mould growth will thrive in this environment, and without proper bathroom ventilation, you risk breathing in these harmful spores.

Say no to condensation
Whether you are trying to sell your house, or simply live in it, condensation must be dealt with before the problem progresses beyond your control.

Ventilate your home following our suggestions and provide a cleaner, healthier environment for yourself and your household.

Renting Out Your Spanish Property and Tax

 

 

It isn’t uncommon for holiday home owners to turn to letting their property during the months they’re at home as a way of getting the most from their investment. So what do you need to do to make sure you don’t offend the taxman?

Firstly you will need to register the Spanish Villa for tax purposes in the UK. This is because you are earning money as a resident in the UK, so you will need to declare all of your rental income to HMRC each tax year.

You will be taxed in the same way those who own property in the UK are taxed. You will need to work out the profits for all your foreign properties as a whole by declaring your income, minus any expenses.

Expenses are only allowable if they occurred whilst running your property. For example, letting agent’s fees, legal fees, accountant’s fees, buildings and contents insurance, maintenance and repairs, utility bills, ground rents and service charges, cleaning, gardening and advertising costs in letting the property.

You pay income tax on any profits at your normal rate. When you work out the amount you owe, you should use the exchange rate for when the rent was due.

Normally, the foreign tax authorities will also charge tax on your letting profits. But you won't pay twice – the overseas tax paid is usually deducted from the UK tax that is due. You declare income from foreign properties on the foreign property pages of the self-assessment form.

Before you consider letting a holiday home you should consult with an accountant or tax advisor, both in Spain and the UK, for a more in-depth idea of what you will owe in taxes.