Inheritance law in Spain presents unique challenges for foreign nationals, particularly British expats in Punta Prima, 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: Punta Prima is one of the most consolidated parts of Orihuela Costa, with a mix of 1990s low-rise apartments, modern bloques near Zenia Boulevard and a steady demand from British, Belgian and Scandinavian retirees. Typical resale prices range from €120,000 for a one-bedroom to €350,000 for a sea-view penthouse.
Urban-planning notes: Several Punta Prima communities still have outstanding cargas urbanísticas linked to the original urban development plan, and the boundary with Torrevieja runs through some bloques — meaning the IBI is collected by a different town hall than the licence file. We routinely review both Catastro and the municipal padrón before completion.
Recent case in the zone: In 2024 we represented a Norwegian couple buying a top-floor apartment in Calle Cuba where the previous owner had enclosed a terrace without licence. We obtained the legalisation and a price reduction of €11,000 before signing the escritura.
Distance to our office: Punta Prima is a 12-minute drive from our Torrevieja office (C/ Narciso Yepes, 12). Face-to-face meetings are always available with no online-only handover.
Our inheritance law practice in Punta Prima 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 Punta Prima 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.