Author: simonsg44

Spain uses a legal system called “forced heirship,” which means you cannot leave all your assets to anyone you choose unless you take specific steps. This is especially important for expats who own property in Tenerife. Here’s how it works in simple terms. What Is Forced Heirship? Under Spanish law, a portion of your estate…

When inheriting property in Tenerife, you must declare a value for tax purposes. The value you choose can affect future Capital Gains Tax when selling, so it’s important to get it right. This guide explains the three main valuation methods used in Tenerife. 1. The “Tax Value” (Valor de Referencia) This is the value calculated…

Selling an inherited property in Tenerife involves extra steps compared to a normal sale. This checklist helps you stay organised and understand what needs to be completed before the property goes on the market. Before You Can Sell ✔ Complete the inheritance deed ✔ File inheritance tax (Modelo 650) ✔ Pay Plusvalía Municipal ✔ Register…

Many properties in Tenerife operate as holiday rentals under a “Vivienda Vacacional” (VV) licence. If you inherit one of these properties, you need to understand both the inheritance rules and the rental regulations. This guide explains how it works in simple terms. Does the VV Licence Transfer to Heirs? Yes — if the property already…

Every inheritance in Tenerife must follow the same legal stages. Some cases are quick, others take months — especially when heirs live abroad. This guide explains the typical timeline so you know what to expect. Week 1–4: Collecting Documents This includes: Death certificate Certificate of Last Wills Locating the will Passports and NIE numbers Property…

Many Tenerife properties are owned jointly — between spouses, partners, siblings or investment groups. When one owner dies, the inheritance process can become more complex. This guide explains common title problems and how to resolve them. If the Property Is Owned 50/50 This is the most common situation. When one owner dies, only their 50%…

When someone dies in Tenerife, their car, motorbike or other vehicle becomes part of the estate. Before you can drive it, sell it or transfer ownership, several legal steps must be completed. This guide explains exactly what you need to do and what documents are required. 1. Include the Vehicle in the Inheritance Deed The…

Inheritance rules for unmarried couples in Tenerife are different from those for married couples. In many cases, partners do not automatically inherit unless specific steps have been taken. This guide explains everything you need to know in simple terms. Pareja de Hecho Explained A “Pareja de Hecho” is an officially registered partnership in Spain. In…

Inheriting a bank account in Tenerife is usually simpler than inheriting property, but there are important steps to follow. This guide explains how to access the funds, what documents you’ll need and what taxes apply. Bank Accounts Are Frozen After Death Spanish banks automatically freeze the account when they are notified of the death. This…

If you decide to sell an inherited property in Tenerife, you may need to pay Capital Gains Tax (CGT). Understanding how this tax works helps you plan the sale and avoid surprises. Do You Always Pay Capital Gains Tax? Only if the property is sold for more than its declared inheritance value. CGT is based…