Brits’ access to healthcare and pensions in Spain guaranteed until 2020

Spain recently announced a royal decree to limit the impact of a no-deal Brexit on British expats that own property in Spain.

They will guarantee healthcare provision and access to the social security system, which gives rights to pensions, until December 31 2020.

This will be a big relief to the 300,000 Britons, many of whom are pensioners living on the Costas, relying on access to local hospitals and doctors.

Health Minister Stephen Hammond said: “This is a positive step forward in securing an agreement which will enable British expats to access Spanish healthcare in the same way they do now.”

“This should also give reassurance to the millions of British tourists who travel to Spain every year using the EHIC scheme for free or reduced medical costs if they need to see a doctor or nurse.”

“Our next priority will be to continue our work with other EU member states, so that healthcare access for all UK and EU nationals are protected in a no deal scenario.”

At last, we have some good Brexit news! For the thousands of people still hoping to make their new life in Spain, and for those already settled there, this week's royal decree is very positive.

This is a sign that things are moving in the right direction so that, post-Brexit, our clients can continue to live the low-stress, hassle free Mediterranean lifestyle that Spain has always offered.

We're keeping a very close eye on all developments but we expect a long-term positive outcome.

Our UK clients are concerned about Brexit and the implications of a no-deal in particular. It's becoming an increasingly important topic as the deadline at the end March of approaches.

We have had a small number saying ‘yes we want to buy, but we're going to wait to see what happens with Brexit’. 

At the very top of the market, UK clients with high budgets seem less concerned about it.  It's not a topic which comes up in conversation.

Some non-UK clients are worried that there may be a contagion effect. We were talking to a Norwegian investment client recently, who is concerned that Spain will see prices fall this year and whether he should wait to buy.

We have taken steps to target non-UK buyers in our marketing activities. In our office we have sales agents speaking five different languages for just this reason.  

EU clients from northern Europe continue to come and buy in the Costa del Sol in large numbers. Villas which have been newly reformed or new villas in the most contemporary, white, minimalist style are highly sought after.

As a rule, buyers have to have an NIE number (Numéro de Identidad de Extranjero) and normally this can be obtained in a couple of days. However, buyers are now waiting weeks to get an appointment, slowing down what is normally a very speedy sales process.

British nationals living in Spain are being encouraged by the UK government to check their residency status and ensure they are correctly registered. Further information is provided in their Living in Spain Guide about how to register as a resident, and details of upcoming outreach events. 

*The Spanish Estate Agent, based in Estepona, was established three years ago to provide a quality, multi-lingual agency that treats clients and staff with integrity and respect. They specialise in luxury property on the Costa del Sol which includes new developments and resales. 

For more information visit: https://www.thespanishestateagent.com/en/ or call: +34 951 516 905