Inheritance law in Spain presents unique challenges for foreign nationals, particularly British expats in Cabo Roig, Orihuela Costa. Post-Brexit, UK nationals' estates in Spain default to Spanish succession law, which includes forced heirship rules that may differ significantly from what you expect. Bufete Padilla has been guiding expat families through Spanish inheritance law since 1976, offering compassionate and expert advice in 7 languages.
Local property market: Cabo Roig is a higher-end pocket of Orihuela Costa with cliff-top villas, the famous Strip and the Royal Cabo Roig urbanisation. Detached villas typically start at €600,000 and reach €1.5M+ for cliff-edge plots. Build quality and plot size set it apart from neighbouring areas.
Urban-planning notes: Cliff-line villas are highly sensitive to the Ley de Costas and the new climate-change setbacks introduced by Real Decreto 668/2022. Two Cabo Roig clients have already received Costas requirements in the past 18 months; we audit the deslinde for every cliff-front transaction.
Recent case in the zone: In 2025 we completed a €1.1M villa purchase for a Belgian family where a previous AFO file was incomplete; we coordinated the legalisation and final escritura within nine weeks.
Distance to our office: Cabo Roig is 20 minutes from our Torrevieja office. We handle most Cabo Roig notary signings at notarías in Pilar de la Horadada or Orihuela Costa.
Our inheritance law practice in Cabo Roig covers:
We coordinate with solicitors in the UK, Scandinavia, Germany, France, and the Netherlands to ensure seamless cross-border estate administration.
The inheritance tax payable on a Cabo Roig property depends on several factors:
Relationship to the deceased:
- Group I (children under 21): Reductions up to €156,000 + additional per year under 21
- Group II (spouse, children over 21, parents): Reductions up to €100,000
- Group III (siblings, aunts/uncles): Reduction up to €7,993
- Group IV (non-relatives): No reduction
Valencian Community bonuses: Close relatives (Groups I & II) may qualify for a 75% to 99% reduction on the tax payable, making the effective rate very low for typical family inheritances.
Non-EU nationals: Since the 2014 ECJ ruling, all EU/EEA and non-EU nationals (including post-Brexit British) can apply the most favourable regional rules.
Important deadlines: Inheritance tax must be filed within 6 months of death. Extensions of 6 additional months are available if requested within the first 5 months.
Bufete Padilla calculates the exact tax liability and identifies all available reductions before you accept the inheritance.
Without a Spanish will, the intestate succession process applies, which is significantly slower (12-18 months vs. 3-6 months) and more expensive. Your heirs will need apostilled death certificates, family certificates, and a declaration of heirs before a notary. We strongly recommend making a Spanish will — it costs only €50-80 and saves enormous hassle.
Under EU Regulation 650/2012, EU nationals can choose the law of their nationality to govern their estate. However, post-Brexit, the application of this regulation to UK nationals is complex. A Spanish court may still apply Spanish forced heirship rules. Our lawyers can advise on the best strategy for your specific situation.
It depends on the property value, relationship to the deceased, and regional reductions. For close relatives (spouse, children), the effective tax in the Valencian Community can be as low as 1-2% thanks to bonuses. For distant relatives or non-relatives, rates can reach 34%. Contact us for a personalised calculation.