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Update 09.04.24: An announcement has been made by the leader of the Socialist Government in Spain, that his government plans to amend or repeal the “Golden Visa” legislation. Currently no timetable for these changes has been suggested and there is opposition to any revision. That said, this discourse, that started in May 2023, may result in some material changes. We will endeavour to keep you up to date with these as we are made aware of them and their precise impact.
Simple question, perhaps but the answer is really difficult. We may be somewhat hidebound by socio-political pressures, family ties and relationships but how would you fundamentally restructure your life if your employer gave you permission to work for up to one month away from their UK base?
Well that’s exactly the decision that faces the grocery deliver company Ocado Group’s staff. As reported by the BBC, the offer of a month a year of remote working addresses issues that have arisen during the Pandemic and continue to shape the future of how, when and where employees work.
Please see here the BBC piece Ocado Group offers staff remote working abroad
In reducing the pressure on central offices – with potential cost savings for major employers – it makes complete sense that those who have worked remotely during the Pandemic should continue to do so. Currently, the Ocado Group position addresses a temporary relocation for an agreed period of time but my feeling is that this will be the first position of many and may well lead to year round relocation as the delivery of services online becomes the norm. After the ‘Great Unlocking’ will a home in Marbella feature in your plans?
Those keen to consider Spain as a permanent home need to have one eye – post Brexit – on their residency status but it seems likely that year round workers who pay into the Spanish social security system and pay tax will be increasingly welcome. You may like to start your search here Will a Spanish “Golden Visa” solve your Residency concerns?
Given the technological advances in the Spanish market and the proliferation of exceptionally fast fiber optic services there is the prospect of seamlessness working where your precise location is less relevant. Of course, this depends on the precise work you do but for those in advisory capacities, designers and others where there is limited need to visit clients the prospect of deciding your location, based on what’s best for you and your family, seems very attractive.
Many of Marbella’s excellent estate agencies have noted an increase in home purchasers looking for the ability to treat, what traditionally may have been a second property, as a primary property. The amenities and furnishing now reflect the extended use to which the property is likely to subjected. A home office, with an excellent wifi signal is a must but when the prize of a solid lifestyle decision is attainable what would you choose?
We, at MarbellaPropertyLawyer, have long campaigned for property buyer’s to address the myriad of unfolding uses that an overseas property may be put to – please see our earlier piece – What does your Costa del Sol property really need? However, our role is not really to help in the actual buying process as we are focussed on the delivery of professional legal services that manage the transfer of legal title to the new owner, but within that responsibility we are increasingly convinced of the incredible lifestyle and infrastructural advantages available to the Marbella property owner.
Should you be interested in discussing the processes involved in buying a property in the Marbella region, we would be delighted to assist you. Our team of bi-lingual, highly experienced and wholly independent team of Abogados are ready to help you.
Please call me, Mark FR Wilkins, during usual business hours on +34 600 343 917 or, if you prefer, or e-mail me at mark@roslegal.es
Please note that our posts are for general interest. They is no substitute for proper legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances as provided by a qualified Abogado who is experienced in the application of the Spanish Law.
Nothing contained in this article should be seen or taken as the writer or the publisher providing legal or financial advice.
© Mark FR Wilkins 2021. All rights reserved.