Has anyone bought a holiday home in Spain or France?

[Sockmate123]

Just that really....not in a position at the moment but maybe in a year or so. What kind of deposit is needed? Completely new to this...
How did you start the process?

Are you going to need a mortgage on the property?

Dont forget that you can only spend 90 days pay in the EU now

90 days or less in a 180-day period.

We have one in Gibraltar, but prices there are crazy.

Possibly although would have large deposit. Possibly no mortgage as in laws may co-invest

90 days out of a rolling 180

Yes, I've done it, Spain - 20+ years. Sold now. Things to look out for:

Can you legally rent out said property (Vv licence)? A lot of agents say you can when you can't!
What are the annual community fees (I'd look at last 5 years).?
Minutes of the community of owners (I'd want last three years minutes to see how it's operating).
Look at any 'big' issues in terms of maintenance of the community ... you will likely have to pay a % of these costs in future - it's just as important, if not more so, as the state of your personal property.
Are your neighbours renting out?
Check out inheritance tax - it's big, even between husband and wife!

Glad I did it, brexit meant it had to be sold though.

Spain:be really wary of squatters. They will have ALL the rights.
Totally agree re: community charges.

In Andalucia the inheritance tax is nothing on the first million and then is 1% on the next million. Definitely worth checking what each region does because it differs, they are not all the same.

Regarding Spain, there is talk of a new law whereby non EU purchasers will be charged up to 100% tax on purchase of property. UK as you know is non EU so that could be an issue unless you get in before the shutters come down, if they ever do. There is a non resident annual tax on property also, and of course the usual income taxes (if rented) and community fees, insurance, TV, water, other utilities and so on. It can be an onerous business. And as a pp said, if a squatter gets in it's all over and YOU can be responsible for the utilities even though you cannot get into your property. It's unreal. So beware.

Weigh up the difference between what you will pay and how many different holidays you would get for the same money over the years. It's not something I would do, although TBH I could if I wanted to. Heard far too many horror stories.