Note
Best places in Spain for British buyers: what to consider
Quick answer
After Brexit, British buyers can stay without a visa for ninety days in any one hundred and eighty, so time in Spain depends on the home’s use. The registry shows British buyers as about seven per cent of foreign purchases. Choose the area by use and residence plan.
Applies toBritish citizens and UK residents who are choosing where to buy in Spain.
On this page: 10 sections
§ 1The rule that shapes the choice
Since Brexit, a British visitor can stay in Spain for ninety days in any period of one hundred and eighty without a visa. That rule shapes how a British buyer can use a home: a few weeks at a time, or a longer stay only with a residence permit. The nationality section explains the rule, the residence options and the treaty. This page belongs to the chapter on best places in detail. It says what to consider when choosing an area.
§ 2Where Britons buy
The registrars report that British buyers made up 6.99% of foreign purchases in the second quarter of 2026, the largest single national share, followed by Dutch buyers at 6.94% and German buyers at 6.11%. The report gives nationality shares only at the national level, so we cannot say where British buyers concentrate. The foreign shares by region are in places for expats in detail.
§ 3Use and residence
If you plan to use the home for less than ninety days in a period, a holiday-home plan is practical, and places for a holiday home in detail explains it. If you plan to live in Spain, you need a residence route, and the choice of area should follow your plan, not precede it. The residency section explains the routes we could read.
§ 4Tax
A British owner who is not resident in Spain pays Spanish tax on imputed income and on rent, and a British resident of Spain is taxed on worldwide income. The UK-Spain treaty allocates taxing rights, and the nationality section explains what we could read. Taxes at purchase depend on the region. Ask a tax adviser who knows both systems.
§ 5Mortgages and money
British buyers often ask whether they can get a mortgage from a Spanish lender as non-residents. The mortgages section explains the process, and we publish no lender names. Sterling exchange rates affect the cost, and transfers should be planned. Keep a buffer for currency movement.
§ 6Services and language
Areas with many British residents have English-speaking agents, doctors and clubs. That helps and can also isolate. Visit in the off-season and speak to residents who have lived there more than a year.
§ 7Healthcare
Access to public healthcare depends on your status. The location checks section explains the routes. Check the distance to a hospital and the language of the staff.
§ 8Inheritance
Spanish succession rules and regional inheritance taxes apply to Spanish property, whatever your will says elsewhere. The costs and legal sections explain the principles. Consider a Spanish will drawn up with a lawyer.
§ 9What we could not verify
The registry gives nationality shares only nationally, and we found no official ranking of areas for British buyers.
§ 10More on this topic
Places for retirees in detail explains the checks a retiree should apply when choosing where to buy in Spain and places for investment in detail explains how to think about location when buying to invest, using official figures with care.
Places for families in detail explains what families should check when choosing an area for children and areas that suit American buyers explains what American buyers should consider when choosing an area.
FAQRelated questions
How long can I stay in my Spanish home?
Since Brexit, a British passport holder may remain for ninety days within any rolling period of one hundred and eighty, with no visa needed. Anything longer requires a residence permit. The nationality part of this handbook describes the permit options.
Where do British buyers go?
The registry reports British buyers as the largest national group in foreign purchases in the second quarter of 2026, though the share is small. It does not give a breakdown by region, so we cannot say where they concentrate.
Do I pay tax in both countries?
You may have tax duties in both, and the UK-Spain tax treaty sets rules to avoid double taxation. A tax adviser who knows both systems should model your case. The nationality section explains the principles we could read.
Sources
- Colegio de Registradores: Estadística Registral Inmobiliaria, 2T 2026 (official source, opens in a new window), Sales, foreign buyers, price per m², mortgagesLast checked 17 October 2026
- UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office: Spain travel advice: entry requirements (official source, opens in a new window), Short stays, passport rules, staying longerLast checked 17 October 2026
General information only. This is not legal, tax or financial advice. Check your own situation with a qualified adviser.