AnaCosta Blog

Tips, advice and insights about buying real estate in Spain

Living Between Two Seas: the Beaches of the Mar Menor & La Manga

Swim in the warm lagoon in the morning, snorkel in the Mediterranean in the afternoon. From Lo Pagán to Cabo de Palos: all the coastal towns — with the honest view of your buyer's agent.

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Spain Plans to Raise VAT on Tourist Rentals to 21%

The new Spanish housing package affects owners who rent out their holiday home: from VAT exemption to a possible 21%. The state of play and what you need to know now.

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Summer in Spain: How to Keep Your Dream Home Wonderfully Cool

From night-flush ventilation to external shading and insulation: 10 proven tips to keep your Spanish home cool without an exploding energy bill.

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Protection Against Squatters (Okupas) In Spain: How To Keep Your Home Safe

Speed of response and compelling legal evidence determine whether the police remove squatters immediately. Discover how a monitored Verisure system — via AnaCosta, with a discount — protects your property.

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Property Finder versus Traditional Real Estate Agent: What's The Difference?

Discover the difference between a Property Finder and a traditional real estate agent, and why more buyers choose independent advice when purchasing a home in Spain.

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Box 3 & The Rules In Spain: What Every Owner Must Know

Do you pay Box 3 tax on your holiday home in Spain? It's more nuanced than you might think. A clear explanation of the exemption and its indirect effect on your savings.

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Ruta del Río Ebrón – One Of The Most Beautiful Hikes I've Done In Spain

Turquoise water, spectacular rock walls and a hidden waterfall. The Ruta del Río Ebrón near El Cuervo de Aragón is a hidden gem in inland Spain.

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Why CasaScout Is Essential: 5 Red Flags You're Overlooking

Discover which critical problems you'll miss when viewing a villa on the Costa Blanca. And why professional inspection saves you money and stress.

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Cycling Through The Vega Baja: 5 Routes On The Costa Blanca

Discover the most beautiful cycling routes on the Costa Blanca. From peaceful wetlands to spectacular panoramas.

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Rio Seco: A Magical Walk Through A Dry River

Discover the spectacular sandstone formations of Rio Seco, a dry river with 19 kilometers of geological wonder.

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Frequently asked questions about renting out and running costs in Spain

Do I have to register guests if I rent out my property in Spain?
Yes. Through the Spanish registration system SES Hospedajes, landlords are required to submit their guests' details to the Ministry of the Interior — including for private holiday rentals. A digital check-in solution, such as AnaCosta's check-in app, makes this guest registration simple and automatic.
Do I need a licence to rent out my Spanish property to tourists?
In almost all regions, yes. Each autonomous region has its own rules: on the Costa Blanca (Comunidad Valenciana) a tourist rental licence with registration number is mandatory, and in Murcia and Andalusia the property must also be registered before you may rent it out. Always check the rules before buying if renting out is your plan.
What are the annual running costs of a property in Spain?
Expect property tax (IBI), waste collection charges (basura), any community fees (comunidad, comparable to an owners' association), buildings and contents insurance, and utilities. Amounts vary by municipality and property type; resorts with extensive facilities generally have higher community fees.