What is the Plusvalía tax in Spain?

The plusvalía is a local tax charged by the townhall on the increase in the value of the property when it is sold. The reason beneath this tax is the increase of the property value due to the improvements done in the area by the local government.

All about the Plusvalia: Who pays it, when and where?

When a property is sold, the Seller must pay the plusvalía. Buyer and seller may reach an agreement for the buyer to pay it, however the administration will always demand it from the person selling the property.

But pay close attention! If the seller resides abroad, the buyer of the house must pay this tax. In addition, if it were not a sale, but a gift or donation, it would be the recipient of the property who should assume the payment of this tax.

This tax must be paid within 30 working days of the sale of the property (six months in case of inheritance), and you must go to the townhall of the city in which the house is located.

Is there any way to pay less or not pay the Plusvalia tax?

Yes, in some cases there are ways to pay less plusvalía or even not to pay it at all. This tax has some excemptions and bonuses, although its application depends on each city council.

The transfer of real estates within the historical – artistic perimeter of a municipality are exempt, as well as the properties declared as Cultural Interests, but only if their owners made the rehabilitation or improvement of the house, and not the townhall.

There are some exemptions in the payment of the plusvalia tax in Spain, namely when the property ownership is being transferred between spouses or in favor of a child to comply with sentences of separation or divorce.

Some city councils such as the Madrid one, also apply bonuses between 15% and 95% if the transfer of the property ownership is due to death.