Spain: Investment in a foreign property

Spain is one of the most popular holiday destinations for Germans. No wonder, because here there is besides sun and beach also wonderful landscapes. Besides Mallorca, there are many other beautiful holiday destinations in Spain. However, if you are already sure that your foreign property should be in Mallorca, you can read our article that specializes specifically in Mallorca.

• Find yourdream property in Mallorca – Tips & Tricks

But which places in Spain are the most beautiful and where is it most worthwhile to invest in a property abroad? We have picked out 5 different places where you could buy a property abroad.

Investing in real estate: Spain

Living and working abroad is a very memorable experience, professionally, personally, culturally and of course financially. In this free guide, you’ll get investment tips for all the major cities in Europe, America and Asia, from New York to London to Paris.

• Investing abroad: Real estate (external)

Barcelona: The city of wonders

If one city in Spain is very impressive, then it is Barcelona. Barcelona stands out especially because of the many colors, the works of art and the special architecture and attracts tourists almost magically. No wonder, because in this city there are countless sights, such as the Sagrada Familia. If you decide to buy a property abroad in Barcelona, you will benefit from many opportunities for activities and a charming environment. Unfortunately, as is often the case in popular cities, there is often a lot of traffic.

Malaga: Port city

If you are thinking about buying an overseas property in Malaga, then you have probably been there on holiday and been enchanted by the port city. Malaga is known for its beautiful sandy beaches and hotels. On the one hand the perfect conditions to relax, on the other hand the probability is high that during your stay you will meet many tourists. If this bothers you, you should take this into account when looking for the right place in Malaga.

Malaga: Tourist Hotspot

Malaga map and location in Spain

Beach and promenade: 360

Toledo: City of three cultures

The city of Toledo is located in the middle of Spain and is one of the cities that has the most attractions to offer. But what else is convincing about this city? When you are in Toledo, you feel like you are back in the Middle Ages, as there are no modern buildings and everything remains as it used to be. For this reason, this city was named a World Heritage City by Unesco. If you are fascinated by this, you might consider buying a property here.

Toledo Video & History

Toledo’s situation in Spain

Valencia: City of Arts and Sciences

The city of Valencia is located directly on the Mediterranean Sea. In Valencia you can expect a great total package, because here you have a historic old town, shopping opportunities, many restaurants and modern architecture. Children will also never be bored in this city. From a planetarium to an oceanarium, everything is included here. Since there is so much to explore in this city, there is no shortage of tourists here either. Nevertheless, if you have fallen in love with the city, you can start looking for real estate.

Valencia Video

Map and location in Spain

Granada: Southern Spanish Andalusia

The city of Granada is a symbol of the harmonious coexistence of a multicultural society, as people of different cultures have lived together here in the past. Even today, the multiculturalism in Granada is very pronounced. If this is exactly what you love, you should opt for a property abroad in Granada. There is a lot to discover here, and not just in terms of architecture.

Granada’s landscape and mountains (video)

Map and location

House & Apartment for sale in Spain

From the valuation to the speculation tax. In this guide you will find all the important factors simply explained. Learn step by step the procedure in the apartment sale to be able to answer the question: Selling with or without an estate agent? The private sale of real estate involves many risks and sources of error, starting with the apartment valuation to the offer price to the individual marketing, from “advertising” to internal customer network and off market real estate sales.

• Sell apartment
• Sell house
• Sell land
• Sell property

Buying: Portals for cheap real estate

Was the right place of residence there for you? If so, then you can start your search right now. Since there are countless real estate portals that mediate foreign properties in Spain, it is often difficult for many to find the right real estate portal for you. No problem, because we have 5 property portals for you together, which have different functions. There are real estate portals that focus only on the country of Spain and there are also larger portals that take care of foreign properties around the world.

Kyero – The Spain – Specialist

The real estate portal “Kyero” deals exclusively with real estate in Spain. The properties are advertised directly by real estate agents. Whether you are already looking for a property for sale or just want to rent a property, you will find it here. The advertisements are very clearly arranged and you can get an overview of which property is suitable for you in a very short time.

Bellevue – Real estate from all over the world

The Bellevue real estate portal brokers properties from all over the world. On this site, you benefit from numerous filter functions, so you can get to the results that interest you relatively quickly. There is a huge offer here, from small apartments to huge houses. If you are still in doubt about which country to buy your property abroad in, you can make ideal comparisons here.

Immowelt – The all-rounder

Immowelt is a real estate portal that is very clear. No matter what concern you have around real estate, you could find a suitable solution here. For this reason, it could be worthwhile to include this website in your search for a property abroad in Spain. The advertisements are clearly arranged and mostly equipped with various information about a property.

Idealista – The way to the ideal property

The real estate portal Idealista takes care of properties from all over Spain. The advertisements are presented very clearly. Through the filter functions, you can not only search for the right property abroad in a specific location, but the visitor even has the option to place their own ad. So it’s worth visiting the website every now and then to check whether there are new advertisements.

Immobilienscout24

You have probably heard the name of this real estate portal before. Here, not only properties from Germany are rented and sold, but from all over the world. In addition, there is a lot more information about real estate. Also in search of foreign real estate in Spain you could find here.

Luxury property in Mallorca

Welcome to the Germans’ favourite island. Lots of sun, relaxed people, the sea and only 1-2 hours flight from cities like Berlin, Paris and Madrid. This makes Mallorca one of the most popular regions for many from business and industry, but also for celebrities who are attracted to the island. Especially on the mainland, a little off the coast, you will find villas, fincas and condominiums of the extra class. But beware. If properties are tied up, you will quickly pay too much. Therefore, we strongly recommend working with a local real estate agent. Because in Mallorca there are also Spanish laws, from the residence obligation (subject inhabited houses) to tax issues. Therefore, before we take a look at available apartments and houses, we briefly highlight the property prices in Mallorca.

• Luxury Real Estate Mallorca

Buying property abroad: Tips

• New York, LA, London & Co: Luxury Real Estate
• Real estate agent
• Buy a holiday home
• Foreign property France
• Foreign property Italy
• Foreign property Mallorca
• Luxury Real Estate Mallorca
• Off market – especially in hot real estate markets

Divorce and pension – the facts about pension equalisation

There are many things to settle in a divorce. From custody to the division of assets to the pension equalization. The latter deals mainly with the pension that was acquired during the marriage and how this is divided fairly between the spouses.

The most important facts in a nutshell:

• In most cases, spouses acquire different levels of pension entitlements during the marriage period
• The aim of pension equalisation: to ensure that both spouses are equally well provided for in old age
• Only the entitlements acquired during the marriage period are taken into account in the pension rights adjustment.
• The period of marriage determines the amount of pension equalisation
• The longer the marriage, the higher the pension equalization
• Pension equalisation is automatically settled at the time of divorce for marriages that have lasted longer than three years. Marriages that have lasted less than three years must apply for pension equalisation.
• The spouses fill in a form giving details of the acquired pension rights.
• The court checks the figures with the pension providers after
• Waiving the pension equalization can be useful for both spouses in some cases

The principle – dividing pension entitlements

The pension entitlements are different for most married couples. This fact is due to the fact that one of the spouses has not worked for a certain period of time due to raising children, has been unemployed or has been employed in the public sector. To compensate for this difference, there is pension equalization, which is intended to ensure that both spouses have good retirement security. However, only the pension that was earned during the marriage period is taken into account. The pension earned is divided up in the divorce in such a way that both spouses leave the marriage with the same amount.

• In most cases, spouses acquire different levels of pension entitlements during the marriage period
• The pension rights adjustment provides for equally good pension security

The marriage period – relevant for the amount of the pension rights adjustment

Since only the pension entitlements that were acquired during the marriage are included in the pension rights adjustment, the marriage period is decisive for the amount of the adjustment. The marriage period runs from the beginning of the month in which the marriage was entered into until the end of the month preceding the service of the divorce petition. If the period of marriage is less than three years, no pension equalisation has to be carried out in the divorce unless one of the spouses insists on it.

Pension entitlements acquired during the separation period are also included in the pension rights adjustment. However, if the separation period is unusually long, it may be justified under certain circumstances to calculate the pension equalisation only for the period from the marriage until the separation. No pension equalization can be approved by the court only in divorces involving special misconduct. This case is when one spouse has massively threatened or injured the other.

• The period of marriage determines the amount of pension equalisation
• The longer the marriage, the higher the pension equalization
• Only the entitlements acquired during the marriage period are taken into account in the pension rights adjustment.

The practice – step by step to pension equalisation

The equalisation of pensions is automatically regulated in divorces where the marriage has lasted more than three years. The spouses receive a questionnaire in advance in which they must provide information on existing insurance policies and entitlements, state insurance numbers and disclose agreements on pension equalisation. These questionnaires are then returned to the court so that it can have the information checked with the pension provider. The various pension providers are required to provide the family court with their respective pension entitlements. The figures are then sent back to the spouses by the court so that they can check the figures and comment on the information if necessary. The pension equalisation is then determined at the divorce hearing in court.

• The pension equalisation is automatically settled at the time of divorce for marriages that have lasted longer than three years.
• The spouses fill in a form giving details of the acquired pension rights.
• The court checks the figures with the pension providers after

Pension rights adjustment – division of pensions in the event of divorce

Waiving the pension rights adjustment – useful in some cases

Depending on the individual situation, it may make sense not to have the pension equalisation settled by the court. If, for example, the costs of division are too high or if the settlement would lead to an unfair result, it is possible for the spouses to settle the settlement between themselves. If both partners agree to this, a settlement amount can be paid instead of the transfer of the entitlements or a consideration can be agreed. In the case of marriages with a marriage contract, the issue is usually settled from the outset, as the equalisation of pensions is stipulated in such contracts from the outset.

• The waiver can make sense for both spouses in some cases
• Marriages that lasted less than three years must apply for pension equalisation at the time of divorce.

The most important questions – everything about pension rights adjustment

The topic of divorce and especially pension equalization often raises many questions. Lukinski’s experts answer the most important questions on the topic of pension equalization in divorce so that you know exactly what is going on and no more questions remain unanswered.

What does pension equalisation mean in the event of divorce?

This is nothing other than the equalisation of pensions. This regulates how pension entitlements acquired during the marriage are dealt with after the marriage. The aim of pension equalisation is to ensure secure old-age provision for both spouses.

How much does a no-fault divorce cost?

The cost of a divorce depends on a number of factors. Some divorces are generally cheaper than contested ones, simply because they take less time. However, other factors include the assets of the spouses, which means that individual costs must be decided on a case-by-case basis.

What do you need for the divorce?

Whether the divorce is unanimous or contested, some documents are always needed. These documents include the marriage certificate or the family record book in the original or a certified copy, depending on the case, the birth certificates of minor children and, if available, the marriage contract or the divorce settlement agreement.

What does a divorce cost and who pays?

The amount of costs varies from divorce to divorce. The costs are generally set off against each other. So each party pays their own legal fees and half of the court costs. The exact amount of the legal costs is decided by the court and depends on various factors.

Divorce: guide, help and tips

Divorce is complex, it’s true. But you are not alone! Many let themselves separate and in fact, a large part always finds a good solution. Only a small part ends in a quarrel. So that you can prepare well, you will find here our small guides and tips on divorce, family, money and real estate.

• Divorce: Guide

The separation year – necessity, benefits & reconciliations

The separation year is intended to give spouses one last chance for reconciliation and enough time to think about this life-changing decision. The law provides many guidelines here that couples must adhere to. Lukinski’s experts reveal exactly how the separation year works and how couples can make the divorce process the easiest. Common issues in divorce are mainly:

• How soon can you file for divorce?
• How soon can you get divorced again?
• How much does the divorce cost?
• What all do you need for the divorce?

You can find all the answers a little further down the article!

• Tip! Newly separated? Our guide with tips on sellinga house and apartment in the event of divorce

The basis – Why a year of separation at all?

Marriage and the family are regarded as one of the most important social institutions in the legal system. The separation year is therefore intended to act as a preventive measure against possibly wrong, purely emotional and only temporary decisions that could be regretted afterwards. Even though the separation year is seen by many married couples as harassment or a pure burden, the intention behind the regulation is clear, to review and possibly revise the decision in the given time. In addition, the time is useful to take care of some matters that are important for the divorce process going forward. Although there is a requirement to prove that the separation year has been completed, it is not possible to apply to the court for the start of the year or have it notarised. It therefore makes sense to record the beginning in writing.

A shortening or even a complete omission of the separation year can only be brought about by a hardship decision of the court according to § 1565 paragraph 2. An example of such a decision can be extreme domestic violence, which the court classifies as undue hardship.

• The separation year should be considered as a reflection period for the couple
• The shortening of the year of separation is only permitted in special cases.

Attempts at reconciliation – the guidelines in the law

Attempts at reconciliation during the separation year are certainly permitted. However, these are subject to certain guidelines. Attempts at reconciliation that do not last longer than three months do not lead to an interruption of the separation year. The time during which the separation was interrupted therefore counts towards the 12 months of the separation year. For any attempts beyond three months, the family court will assume that the couple have reconnected. The couple also has the option of withdrawing the divorce petition themselves within this year. If the divorce is still to be carried out after this period, a new petition for divorce must be filed and the separation year starts all over again.

• Attempts at reconciliation are permitted, but are subject to certain guidelines
• Reconciliations of less than three months do not interrupt the separation year

The benefit – this is what you should arrange in the year

The separation year should not only be used to review the right decision, but can also be used to arrange important things for the divorce. These things include, for example, insurance. In particular, health insurance should be rewritten and amended, since spouses are usually insured together in a family insurance. However, joint rental agreements for real estate must also be amended and rewritten at an early stage. In addition, the joint bank accounts, if any, should be separated and joint financial obligations, such as credits and loans, should be resolved.
Probably the most important, however, is the divorce settlement agreement. This can be determined by the spouses during the separation period in order to avoid costly negotiations before the family court. In this agreement, practical matters such as contact with the children, their maintenance and custody, as well as their own maintenance, the handling of property matters and the equitable division of household goods are regulated. If the spouses are in agreement, this document will help with a quick and inexpensive divorce. The document must be notarized by a notary and always be set down in writing.

• The separation year can be used to clarify important things for the divorce
• A divorce settlement agreement can be drawn up by the couple

Divorce – separation year, application & costs

Divorce – amicable or in dispute

Divorce can happen in two different ways. There are contested divorces and amicable divorces. The court decides how a divorce is to proceed. If the couple has already drawn up a divorce settlement agreement in the year of separation and clarified all relevant points in private, it is an amicable divorce, as the two parties are in agreement. In such a case, only one lawyer is needed and the costs for the court are much lower. Such a divorce is probably also the most pleasant for the spouses, as they do not part in a dispute. However, a contested divorce proceeds differently. If the spouses could not agree in advance on the issues to be discussed, they will be resolved in family court. In this case, both parties need a lawyer, which is a major cost factor. Points of dispute, such as custody of the joint children or the handling of property matters are discussed with the parties by the judge and then determined. A divorce in dispute is probably never a simple matter and can often drag on for years.

• Amicable divorces are inexpensive and easy for the spouses
• Contentious divorces can often be difficult and costly to resolve

The most important questions about divorce with separation year

Especially in the case of contentious divorces, the legal situation is not always clear and there are many unanswered questions for the spouses. So that you know exactly about the regulations around the separation year, the experts of Lukinski answer the most important questions.

Can you file for divorce before the separation year?

In principle, the divorce can only be filed after the separation year, because according to German law, the spouses must live at least one year apart before the divorce may be filed. Only in special exceptional cases, the divorce can be filed before.

How long does it take from divorce petition to divorce?

The length of the divorce usually depends on whether it is amicable or contested. Amicable divorces can take between one and six months, while contested divorces can take more than a year.

Can the divorce be denied?

Divorce can be refused by the spouse in principle. However, this is not possible on a permanent basis, as a compulsory divorce can be decided by the court after three years at the latest.

How to shorten the separation year?

The separation year cannot generally be shortened. Shortening or omitting the separation year is generally only possible if there is evidence of hardship.

How much does a simple divorce cost?

The costs of a divorce are determined by the court and are based on the value of the proceedings. To calculate this value, the income and assets of the spouses are included.

Who pays the costs in a divorce?

The court determines the costs of the proceedings, including the lawyer’s fees. These are divided so that each party pays its own legal fees and half of the court costs.

What all do you need for the divorce?

The following documents are always required for a divorce: Marriage certificate or family record book in the original or certified copy, the birth certificates of the minor children and possible marriage contracts and/or divorce settlement agreements.

Real estate agent & consultant: divorce and talks

Many of our clients discuss the sale of their property with us in advance of the divorce. Why? The sale of a house or a condominium takes a lot of time. All formalities should be known in advance, so that afterwards, after the separation, no unpleasant surprises arise. As a real estate agent in Frankfurt, Berlin or Cologne, you are often confronted not only with questions about the process of selling a house, but also with general questions that arise in the run-up to a divorce.

Divorces happen for a variety of reasons and at all stages of a relationship. No matter if it is the first month after a hasty wedding, the famous darn seventh year or the divorce after decades, in the second half of life.

Top 5 reasons for divorce

1. Married too fast – pressure
2. Lack of communication
3. A new partner
4. Mistake of the other
5. Disinterest in one’s partner

Married too fast – pressure

As just mentioned, the couple did not marry 100% for love, but because it was rushed or because their own environment around family and friends built up pressure. Some also got married because they built up pressure on themselves, just before 30 or even much earlier, for example with the first boyfriend or girlfriend. When one’s own will was not fully there, many couples separate.

Lack of communication

Lack of communication in married couples is a very common reason, especially in relationships that have existed for a long time. When “man” is again only with the friends on the road and no longer find time for tenderness or when the “woman” prefers to be at home, cuddling and watching series on Netflix. Theoretically, this is all no problem, as long as the spouses still talk and communicate with each other beyond the kitchen table.

A new partner

The “new partner” who will make everything better. Those who have settled down want to experience something “new”. Many look for hobbies or go on vacation. But some are on the lookout for a new partner who will make everything better. Here, the communication may be there, but the inner desire becomes too great. Not only with private persons, also with big stars one experiences these outbreaks from relationships.

Mistake of the other

Who always only looks for faults in the other, will not be happy. Who is pessimistic and only looks for the hair in the soup, will not become happy. Nobody is perfect, nobody. Accordingly, small flaws and mistakes belong to us. Much more: they make us who we are. They make us unique and special. But not everyone sees it that way. If you assume that everything that can go wrong will go wrong, you risk losing your partner.

Destinterese at the Parnter

This results in another common reason, disinterest in the partner. Who no longer shows interest in the spouse, which has either already given up or he or she takes the partner for granted. It is so important to constantly show the other again, that he or she is something special for you.

You see, whether escape from the marriage at the smallest problems or the lack of interest and the laziness to woo the other after marriage, the reasons for divorce are many. Who is in such a life situation, which needs allies on the side to reorganize and restructure their own life.

Even in such situations we are at your side with advice and action.

Statistics: Separation and divorce

You can find more statistics here: Real Estate Statistics.

Number of divorces in Germany

Number of divorces in Germany from 1990 to 2017

You can find more statistics at Statista

Number of divorced marriages by duration of marriage

Number of divorced marriages by duration of marriage in 2018

Average number of marriages to one divorce

Average number of marriages to one divorce in Germany from 1951 to 2017

You can find more statistics at Statista

Average age of divorcees at the time of divorce

Average age of divorcees at the time of divorce in Germany from 2000 to 2018

You can find more statistics at Statista

You can find more statistics here: Real Estate Statistics.

Divorce: guide, help and tips

Divorce is complex, it’s true. But you are not alone! Many let themselves separate and in fact, a large part always finds a good solution. Only a small part ends in a quarrel. So that you can prepare well, you will find here our small guides and tips on divorce, family, money and real estate.

• Divorce: Guide