How to obtain EU residency in a post golden visa world
As we detailed in our article Changes to European golden visa programs, many countries in Europe are mothballing their golden visa programs; Spain is no exception. Although golden visa programs are the most well known way to obtain EU residency, there are other relatively easy options available, in Spain, to gain EU residency for you […]
Why Madrid is the top European city for Dubai based investors
Whether you are looking to purchase a second home or seeking an excellent investment opportunity outside the UAE, Madrid is the top European city for Dubai based investors. Keep reading to learn why Madrid is so appealing to Dubai based investors and to see our recommendations for purchasing both second homes and investment properties. […]
Recent measures to restrict non-EU buyers from purchasing Spanish real estate
Recent news highlights measures the Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, is suggesting to ease Spain’s housing crisis. He introduced two proposals to restrict non-EU buyers from purchasing Spanish real estate. On January 13, 2025 Sanchez proposed that non-EU buyers be taxed up to 100% on real estate they purchase in Spain; this would effectively double […]
What you need to know about refurbishing a Madrid investment property
Refurbishing a Madrid investment property is one of the best ways to maximize your rental yield. In this article we walk you through what you need to know, and do, to create a well performing refurbishment strategy . Things to consider beforehand Before you fly to Madrid and start looking at properties, we […]
Why Madrid? Madrid vs. Tel Aviv
Over the years, Israeli clients have consistently been some of our most significant buyers; this has increased since the regional conflict as many are seeking stability. If you are looking at Madrid as an alternative place to live, or as a place to purchase a second home/investment property, this article Madrid vs. Tel Aviv walks […]
European mortgage rates explained
Mortgage rates in Europe vary considerably across countries. This article walks you through the differences between European mortgage rates and explains key variables that reflect the health of European mortgage markets. It finishes with a focus on the role of foreigners in the Spanish mortgage market. Mortgage rates across the EU The average […]
Why Madrid? Madrid vs. Berlin
Are you considering moving to Madrid? If so, this article can help you discern the pros and cons of Madrid vs. Berlin. We walk through both the economic differences between the two cities and lifestyle differences. Economic factors Housing markets Berlin is currently in the middle of a major housing crisis. Although […]
Spanish mortgages for investors
Now that central banks are finally starting to lower interest rates, here is everything you need to know about Spanish mortgages for investors. We also discuss the viability of getting a Spanish mortgage if you are looking to purchase property in Spain. Current interest rate environment After years of steady increases, interest rates […]
Madrid real estate taxes
Whether you are buying, selling or renting property, you will need to pay Madrid real estate taxes. This article explains everything you need to know about taxes if you are planning on investing in Madrid real estate. Purchasing Madrid real estate If you are planning on purchasing real estate in Madrid, there […]
Advantages of buying property in Spain through a company
If you are interested in purchasing a property in Spain to use as a primary or secondary residence, it is best to go the traditional route and complete the transaction as a private individual. However, if you are buying a property for investment purposes, there are many advantages of buying property in Spain through a […]
2023 Madrid Real Estate Report
Our 2023 Madrid real estate report shows how Madrid real estate prices and rental yields performed in 2023. We discuss aggregate pricing in the greater Community of Madrid and current market trends, then walk through pricing in the premium neighborhoods in demand by investors. We follow this with a discussion of rental yields. We conclude […]
Spanish holiday traditions
Traditionally, Spanish holiday traditions were much different than those found in other parts of Europe. Although Spaniards are adopting some traditions from other Christian countries, they still celebrate in a unique way. Christmas Historically, Christmas was not widely celebrated in Spain. There was no Santa Claus/Father Christmas and children did not receive […]
Case study: Medium term Madrid property investment
City officials in Madrid, like in many other cities around the world, are responding to political pressure and strictly limiting the number of Airbnb licenses it issues. However, one can still make an excellent investment return on Madrid property if they understand the changes to the Airbnb laws, know the optimal neighborhoods in which to […]
How to optimize rental income with new European Airbnb regulations
Airbnb has been phenomenally successful since its inception in 2007. The company started in San Francisco, when two hosts opened their homes to three guests. Less than 25 years later, the platform now has over 4 million hosts that have welcomed over 1.5 billion guests in almost every country in the world. The platform isn’t […]
What is the European city with the highest rental yield?
Real estate is the largest asset class in the world. In fact, global real estate is a more valuable asset class than all stocks and bonds combined. Although it used to be dominated by large, sophisticated investors, online rental platforms like Airbnb and VRBO now make real estate investing accessible for small investors. Are you […]
How to maximize your rental property yield
Are you considering buying a property in Madrid for investment purposes? If so, there are many factors you should take into consideration to get the highest return. This article walks you through everything you know to find the perfect investment property and maximize your rental yield. 1- Determine how much you want to use […]
Spanish banking tips for expats
The Spanish banking system is adequately capitalized and well functioning. However, from a consumer standpoint, there are many quirks that make banking in Spain different than other countries, especially those outside of the Euro zone. This handy guide of Spanish banking tips for expats will walk you through the basics. How many banks are […]
Everything you need to know about Spanish healthcare
The Spanish healthcare system consistently ranks as one of the best in Europe; some of the country’s hospitals and medical centers are ranked among the best in the world. Health insurance in Spain is also relatively cheap (especially compared with health insurance in the USA). This article explains everything you need to know about Spanish […]
Pride month in Madrid 2023
The Madrid Pride Festival is the most important one in Europe, and one of the biggest in the world. For example, in 2017, coinciding with the 40th anniversary of the first celebration of pride in Spain, Madrid hosted World Pride. It brought together more than 2 million people, making it the largest Pride festival in […]
Cannabis laws in Spain: What you need to know
Now that cannabis is legal in roughly half of US states, many people have taken advantage of the new regulations and are becoming accustomed to the freedoms they allow. We are getting these question from a number of prospective clients: What are the cannabis laws in Spain? Is it legal? Can I consume it without […]
Changes to European golden visa programs
Golden visa programs in Spain, Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Malta have offered non-EU residents an easy path to EU long term residency and citizenship while simultaneously attracting foreign investment to these countries. These golden visa programs were launched in 2012-2013; many have been very successful in attracting much needed foreign investment. Now that these programs […]