Brexit? Why you still can buy property in Spain
The UK's decision to leave the European Union raises some important questions. Here's how it will affect British buyers in Spain.
Well after the shock result from last week, when Britain voted to leave the EU, thousands of people considering buying a property in Spain after the Brexit have been left with many questions. In this post we are going to answer the main ones:
Is it still possible to buy property in Spain?
Yes. Britain is still a member of the EU and British citizens enjoy the same rights today that they did last week.
For the next two years or so, while Britain negotiates the terms of its exit under article 50, nothing will change for British expats abroad because the UK will remain part of the EU during this period. British buyers are unlikely to feel the impact for some years.
What does a fall in Sterling mean?
A weakened Pound is the most immediate effect of Britain's referendum. In effect, Spanish property has just become more expensive for UK buyers.
The exchange rate is expected to be volatile over the coming months, but buyers can take steps to insulate themselves from currency risk.
It is also worth setting this in a wider context: While Spanish house prices have been steadily recovering over the past 2 years, they remain 32% cheaper than their peak in 2007.
Spanish property remains excellent value.
What will happen to my property when the UK leaves?
Spain has a long history of welcoming buyers from overseas, who now account for 1 in 5 house sales. Non-EU buyers are extremely active in the market and enjoy very similar rights to EU nationals.
Leaving the EU/EEA is highly unlikely to impact the rights of British citizens to buy property in Spain. Overseas investment is too important to the economy.
Will I still get a mortgage?
Yes. Spanish banks typically ask foreign buyers for a deposit of up to 40%. While there is scope for this to rise, it is already at a level that provides banks considerable protection and is unlikely to see much adjustment.
Meanwhile, the economic climate in Europe is wedded to low interest rates. Borrowing costs remain good value.
Will the Spanish property market crash?
British buyers are important to the Spanish market and they are the largest single nationality among overseas investors. However to put this in context, Brits form 4% of the market.
There are two reasons Brexit is highly unlikely to trigger a crash. Firstly, foreign buyers are a diverse group: German, French, Belgian, Italian and Swedish (among many others) are all an extremely active, growing part of the market.
There may be some localised pain, but even a complete collapse in UK demand (again, totally unlikely) would only put a small dent in the market.
Secondly, the market has nowhere to go. Spanish property has been recovering steadily since 2014, but remains a very long way off its peak. The worst we expect from Brexit is restrained growth.
Is my EHIC card still valid?
Yes. The European Health Insurance Card provides reciprocal health cover for travellers in the EEA. It will remain in place for at least two years while Brexit negotiations are in motion.
European countries are keen to ensure that their citizens enjoy healthcare while travelling, so it's entirely possible an EHIC agreement (or something similar) will remain in place even after Brexit. For instance, Switzerland are neither EU nor EEA members, but accept the EHIC as part of the single market. The UK could follow the Swiss model.
If I move to Spain, will I get full healthcare?
For now, yes. As long as Britain remains in the European Union, reciprocal healthcare arrangements continue as before. Expats who live in Spain and contribute to the social security system already receive full healthcare, and will continue to do so regardless of Brexit.
After last week's vote, Spain's Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy said nothing would change for Britons in Spain while an exit was being negotiated - they would have the same rights they have enjoyed until now as EU citizens.
The situation for British pensioners is less clear. The current cost of their healthcare is met by a per capita payment from the UK to Spain for every pensioner who has completed the S1 form and is in receipt of a UK pension.
Nobody knows if this arrangement will continue, though many commentators predict British pensioners will require some form of health insurance post-Brexit.
What about my pension?
Under single market rules, UK citizens living in Spain (and indeed the whole EEA) have their pensions and social security payments automatically uprated each year in line with local inflation. This system is a mutual EU arrangement and is likely to become a negotiating point in Brexit talks.
In the worst case, British pensioners in Spain could get similar treatment to those in Canada and lose their automatic right to pension increases.
How will inheritance work?
British citizens (and indeed all EEA residents) currently get very good tax treatment in Spain, paying the same inheritance tax as locals.
Crucially, the double-taxation treaties that enable these are NOT made in the EU. Therefore Brexit has no effect on the existing tax agreements between the UK and Spain.
What happens next?
In short, nothing for quite some time.
Exchange rate fluctuations will be the only visible effect of Brexit in the short term.
The two year process of leaving the EU will not begin until Article 50 is triggered and this is currently scheduled to happen in October 2016. (Despite protestations, Europe cannot force a faster pace until Britain formally takes this step.)
It is also important to note that this referendum is non-binding, and British politicians will now enter a protracted period of horse trading over what to do next – or even who's in charge.
With Brexit leaders already dialling back their rhetoric and promises, it is not a foregone conclusion that Britain will completely leave. Huge debating points now remain over whether Brexit means a total withdrawal from the single market (EEA).
Time will tell, and it all serves to slow the process.
The net effect is Britons will continue to enjoy the benefits of European citizenship for some years, and can expect a broadly similar deal once Brexit is complete.
The British love affair with Spain continues.
Complete Spanish Properties
Within Complete Spanish Properties we are estate agents in Costa Calida and Costa Blanca with over 10 years of experience. We are passionate about Spain and property and this passion together with our integrity and customer service allow us to fulfil our client´s expectations. We pride ourselves on a relaxed, welcoming approach to property, allowing our client´s to not feel daunted by the process but to ensure they have an understanding of what is needed and when.
Please feel free to contact us for a general, informal chat. Even in this moments of uncertainty, we are here to help.
Sources:
“What Brexit means for British buyers" published by Kyero.com on June 27th, 2016
“Brexit: What does it mean for expats, here and in the EU?" Published by BBC.com on27th June 2016
