What still matters in 2026
Visa requirement: UK citizens need a visa for any stay over 90 days in 180. Owning property does not give residency. Healthcare: Pre-Brexit S1 arrangements still cover UK pensioners; younger movers need private cover until they qualify for state. Tax rates as non-EU: UK landlords pay 24% on rental income (vs 19% for EU) and cannot deduct most expenses. Inheritance: UK heirs are non-EU non-residents for Spanish inheritance tax — Andalucía's 99% bonificación still applies between close family.
What no longer matters
- The original Brexit panic about losing pensions, S1 healthcare or property rights — none of that happened.
- Currency: GBP has been range-bound against EUR (1.13–1.20) for three years. Manageable.
- Buying mechanics: identical to pre-Brexit for cash buyers. Mortgages from Spanish banks for UK buyers are widely available again.
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Start matchingWhat's new in 2026
The EU Entry/Exit System (EES) is live — biometric checks at every border crossing for UK passport holders. Adds 10–20 min on arrival but normalises after the first trip.
ETIAS launches mid-2026 — €7, 3-year multiple entry, applied online before travel.
The pragmatic 2026 take
For UK buyers, Spain is essentially as easy as it was in 2019 — provided you choose your visa route up front.
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