The number of Britons living in Spain has remained fairly steady over the last 15 years, according to Statista. Spain is an appealing location for expats, and from an investment perspective, there are many things they need to think about. The property market, the impact of currency fluctuations, and cultural differences are just a few of the things that should be considered.
The Spanish Property Market
Spain’s temperate climate, rich culture and history, vibrant cities, and stunning beaches make it a desirable real estate location. This view is shared by British expats. As reported by moving comparison website, Compare My Move, 13% of foreign-owned homes in Spain are owned by expats from the UK.
As with most real estate markets, location is hugely important. Properties near tourist hotspots such as Barcelona and Madrid unsurprisingly command higher prices, whereas properties in rural villages can be bought much cheaper. The downside to these low prices, of course, is that they don’t generate the same kinds of rental yields as compared to the properties in city centers. Websites like Idealista are filled with property listings and can provide good insight into what the current market conditions are.
The Role of Exchange Rates
Currency values fluctuate, and British expats looking to invest should take this into consideration. The success of their investment will typically depend on the relative strength or weakness of both the British pound and the euro. A good way to track this is with the DXY chart. This chart is used to measure the performance of the US dollar in real time against a number of other currencies.
Normally when the dollar weakens it has a positive effect on other currency’s value and vice versa. This means that if the dollar strengthens then the euro or pound might weaken and reduce the purchasing power of British expats in Spain. Fluctuations in exchange rates should always be taken into account while making any long-term investments abroad.
Source: Pexels
Local Business Culture and Regulations
Spain’s business culture is relatively informal compared to more formal cultures in Britain, but it is still important to understand the nuances. Hierarchy and tradition are respected in Spain, so a British expat needs to be aware of the custom of addressing people with titles such as ‘señor’ or ‘señora’.
In terms of regulations for foreign investments, Spain has rules that protect investors while also encouraging competition from abroad. It’s vital that expats familiarize themselves with these regulations — including taxation requirements — before they make any financial decisions. Expats should also consider potential challenges like language barriers when planning their investments.
Popular mobile app Duolingo can help you learn Spanish phrases, and companies like Italki can provide you with a direct 1-on-1 Spanish teacher online. Being able to speak the language has many benefits — especially with business and investing relationships.
Investing in Spain can be a lucrative opportunity for expats, but there are challenges. By taking a cautious approach and embedding themselves in Spanish culture, expats will be in a great position to prepare for their financial future.
Main image Source: Pexels
