If you are asking us a question then we assume that others have the same question or something similar so on a regular basis we publish some of the latest questions we get because the answers can be useful to everyone. This week we have had a slew of questions via our mail, on social media and directly in meetings with clients. Again we are on holiday as it's Easter and Easter in Valencia unlike much of Spain is the week after Good Friday not the week before because the danger of Easter clashing with Fallas and giving everyone nearly three weeks off would be too tempting. However, this Easter a couple of us are working in Valencia, or at least doing as much as possible within the limitations of owners and agents being away because kids are on holiday.
What actually happened during the Iberian power blackout and could it happen again ?
Last week the report came out and the answer was clear, the blackout was a result of a lack of stabilisation in the system, nothing to do with renewables. Knowing what happened has helped to inform those who run the grid about what they should be doing so it's unlikely that it will happen again. It could but it's unlikely. Should it affect your decision to buy? Not really. Back in the day there were plenty of power outages in Spain, not as big but local and sometimes extended. Therefore people were used to it. When Spain's grid went down there was no panic. People just took time to enjoy some free time and waited. After all there was little or no internet to distract us was there! This time we had to wait hours to post memes. Now, I'm not naming any names, but Texas' grid falls down fully or partially quite regularly for example.
Are American buyers still coming to Valencia, or has the political climate in the USA changed things?
Oh yes! And how. You can't go very deep into any of the broadsheet newspapers around Europe and the USA without finding an article about the hordes of Americans wanting to get out of the States asap. They are not made up. Our sales last year were around 50% to Americans, this year we are looking at around 65% at the moment and the funnel is full too. The political climate has definitely changed things. People are even more desperate to get out of the madhouse.
What does the new short-term rental crackdown mean for property owners in Valencia?
For our clients it means absolutely nothing. We don't sell to people looking to buy for Airbnb and haven't done for a few years. If this is your intention then you should know that you probably won't get a licence, even if the property currently has one and the agent promises you that you will, and that there will probably be further restrictions in the future meaning that even properties with licences may lose them.
How do I buy property in Spain if I'm paying in dollars and the exchange rate keeps moving?
Firstly, you are not paying in dollars. You pay in Euros that you have exchanged from dollars/pounds/dirham/crowns or even crypto. However you should know that it's best to use a currency company such as Currencies Direct to move your money as the banks in the States and here in Spain will rip you off otherwise with exchange rates, charging for reception of the funds and for bank drafts or transfers when paying for property. If you have any questions about this then set up a call with us and we'll take you through the process but first take a quick look at Currencies Direct's page here.
Is Valencia getting too expensive, or is there still value compared to Barcelona and Madrid?
If you are comparing with Madrid and Barcelona then Valencia remains cheap comparatively and there is definite value compared to Spain's two major cities. If you are comparing to Valencia five years ago then yes, it's more expensive for sure, a lot more expensive but aren't most places? Price relativity is always a search driver, especially as Valencia's profile has risen sharply, but those coming from other countries, often more expensive, still find Valencia quite affordable.
What's the realistic monthly cost of running a home in Valencia in 2026?
We got this question just after publishing last week's blog so it was easy to answer with a "Well, it's funny you should ask that." For those of you who don't know, here is the cost of electricity and here is the cost of everything else. The numbers are totally realistic and for many the costs can be lowered considerably. We used mid-range figures to produce the numbers and then we put a booklet together for you.
Do I need a NIE before I make an offer, or can I start the process after?
You can start the process after though we do tend to encourage you to start the process as soon as you can just in case of delays. If you are getting the NIE via our recommended suppliers here then you can expect them quickly but if you want to get it through the closest Spanish embassy to your home then it may take weeks or months. It's better to do it here through our recommended suppliers as you can be sure it will be done before you are due to complete or start well before you are coming over to search.
What are the tax implications of owning Spanish property as a US citizen?
Again this is a "funny you should ask that" sort of answer because many of those questions will be looked into in our next podcast where we interview an American tax advisor. However, there are not many tax implications just for owning a property. The implications depend on residency. Once you come to live here the tax implication will depend on your personal situation but as we always say here, "Pay Your Taxes". Your day to day life being much cheaper will probably more than compensate for it.
Is it better to buy in the city centre or a residential town like L'Eliana right now?
That totally depends on the lifestyle you want. Personally, I think you get a lot more property for your money in the suburbs and possibly a better lifestyle, I live there so I would say that. However, that is always the case and will always be the case, the city centre will always be more expensive as scarcity drives price. For some people wanting to live carless and with everything to hand then the city is the right answer. For others no.
What happens to my residency status if I buy but don't move to Spain straight away?
You don't have a residency status except being non-resident just by buying. If you live here you are a resident, if you don't then you aren't. The 183 day rule counts. Where do you spend the majority of the year? That's where you reside. You have to separate the concept of owning a house from the residency issue and therefore the tax status.
Can I still get a mortgage in Spain as a non-resident, and have the rates come down enough to make it worth it?
Yes, you can. However, when I was asked this on the call where this question came from I had to remind the client that rates are really, really low comparatively and they look like they may go up pretty soon due to what's happening "out there". The last mortgage we signed with a client last week was at 3.4% fixed rate meaning they pay 2.4% fixed after bonuses. The rate was fixed for twenty years. There was another mortgage last week I didn't like so much as the rate was variable but it did start at 2.75% for the first year. My advice? Get a fixed rate where possible.
What are the rules around bringing pets to Spain, and is Valencia a good city for dog owners?
You can bring your pets to Spain but they will need tagging/microchipping. Valencia is a great place for dogs owners as there are plenty of dog parks, green spaces and even dog beaches so your pooch can make friends (as can you). However it is not great at Fallas. Remember Valencians like fireworks and dogs don't tend to.
How has the DANA flooding affected property values and buyer confidence in Valencia?
In the city it has had no effect whatsoever. None. That's because the city wasn't affected by the DANA. I suppose that demand was increased as people looking to buy in the affected area moved their focus to other places. Values in the affected area are now above where they were before the flood which is a bit mad but it just shows how much demand is around. As we stated at the time, it's not our area, we don't tend to sell there and therefore it's not really affected our market either.
Are there any new build options worth looking at in Valencia, or is it all resale?
There are quite a few new build developments around and if that's what you want and you are prepared to wait then some might be worth looking at. However, we don't tend to touch them because as most are sold off plan, you don't know when the building may start (licence issues). You definitely don't know when they may finish and the price of new builds tends to be a lot higher than resale due to cost of building plots, materials and construction in general.
Do You Have any Questions?
Then feel free to shoot them over our way and we can have a go at answering them. There's 27 years of experience driving the answers and we do like keeping up with trends to be able to answer everything with up to date information.
Property of the Week
Today we take you to Ontinyent, a bit further out from Valencia where we only go for stuff that is worth it. And this property is definitely worth it... as long as you don't mind stairs.
A beautiful and fully modernised casa de pueblo in Ontinyent, which is in the mountains an hour’s drive from Valencia city. 2 hours on the train. A very interesting town with a strong community and has all you could need, from great restaurants to a large hospital, and everything in between.
This property is set over 5 floors. Kitchen and dining on the lower level, then sitting room, guest bedrooms, master bedroom and up to the final floor, the summer kitchen and roof terrace. Bathrooms, laundry area, an office and various storage areas also sprinkled over the various levels. The house is on a plaza, bright and peaceful almost all the time, and for the short period it isn’t, you have a front row seat to the amazing local Moros and Cristianos festival that happens in the town every August.
Five floors, so yes, there are a lot of stairs, no point pretending otherwise. We can remind you they will keep you in shape, and you’re not going to be going all the way up and down ten times a day anyway, but if you are the type of person who hates the idea of raising up your entire body weight 10cm by only using the power of first one leg, then the other, then this place might not be for you.
There isn’t any more than can possibly be done to improve this house that hasn’t already been done. Windows, central gas heating, electrical system, plumbing – all the most modern and efficient possible, and they make this property absolutely ready to just move into and enjoy.
This place is bit different from the average run-of-the-mill city apartment or urbanisation villa, and it needs a new owner who is not the average either, who appreciates the property and the town. If that sounds like you, get in touch and we’ll head for the hills.
Stepping Stone Rental of the Week
A New Stepping Stone in the Heart of Valencia with suit of armour included. Set down your first roots in one of Valencia’s most emblematic buildings: La Unión y El Fénix.
Set in the sought-after Sant Francesc neighbourhood, this home sits just steps from City Hall Square and enjoys open views over the Estación del Norte and the Plaza de Toros. Built in the 1930s, the building is a striking example of Neo-Baroque architecture, rich with traditional details and timeless character.
The apartment is located on the second floor of the iconic Fénix building, which offers a concierge service, two passenger lifts, and even a freight elevator, a rare convenience in the city centre.
Inside, the property is generously proportioned, featuring two large bedrooms and two bathrooms (both ensuite), and a guest bathroom. (There is a 3rd bedroom ensuite, however, it'll be locked off with the owners belongings). Sit out on the large back patio for the perfect combination of solitude and fresh air before heading back out to explore the city. Ideal for comfortable city living with space to breathe.
Pets: Cats allowed & only small or medium sized dogs allowed (and only 1)
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