When you make the decision to buy a property in Spain you are far more likely to be concerned about your future enjoyment of the property than what is likely to occur upon your death.
However, as with other substantial asset the prudent investor should consider the issue and make the necessary provisions to ensure that family and other loved ones will eventually benefit.
If you own a property in Spain it is advisable that you make a Spanish Will for your Spanish assets. If you do not instead rely on your English Will or laws of intestacy (if there is no Will) then you will find there will be increased bureaucracy and administration cost in dealing with the Estate as the relevant documents will need to be translated and notarised.
It's a sad fact that without a valid Will, it is possible that everything you own in Spain and the UK could end up in the hands of the Treasury; this is still true even if you are married, living with a partner or have children.
Don't assume they will inherit: draw up a Will and make sure they do!
The bottom line is that Inheritance tax has to be paid in Spain for your assets and it is certainly the most complicated of all taxes and needs specialized advice to legitimately reduce any liability upon death.
Making a Will is your golden opportunity to ensure that your precise wishes are carried out after you are gone and reduce the inheritance tax liability that should be paid by the beneficiaries.
Spanish inheritance rules are far more restrictive than those that apply under British law.
Only one third of the estate can be disposed of freely.
Certain groups of people have almost automatic rights to inherit a part of your property.
What about Foreign assets?
If you have assets abroad, you should strongly think about writing a Will in the country where they are
