FAQs
Find answers to the most common questions about our property consultancy services, investment opportunities, property management, and client support.
Quick answers about our property services
Helpful information about our property consultancy and management services
About Stravia — Service Area Overview
What is Stravia Management ?
Stravia is a bilingual property management company based in Murcia, specialising in the Costa Cálida and Mar Menor region — including Torre Pacheco, Los Alcázares, La Manga Club, Mar Menor Golf Resort, Roda Golf Resort, La Torre Golf Resort, Fuente Alamo, Cartagena, and San Javier. We serve UK-based and international non-resident property owners, expats relocating to Spain, and overseas investors. Our services cover key holding, property management, NIE and Padrón assistance, short-term rental licences (VUT), Modelo 210 non-resident tax filing, TIE and residency support, property conveyancing, and sworn English–Spanish translations.
Key Holding Services — Murcia & Mar Menor
Why do non-resident property owners in Murcia need a key holding service?
For non-resident owners — particularly those based in the UK — having a trusted local keyholder is a critical layer of property protection.
- Insurance compliance: Many Spanish home insurance policies require regular property inspections. An unmanaged, empty property can invalidate your cover — leaving you exposed for fire, flood, or storm damage.
- Squatter risk (Okupa): Spain’s Okupa problem means an empty, unmonitored property is a target. Once squatters are in, removal can take months and significant legal cost.
- Emergency response: Burst pipes, storm damage, or security breaches require an authorised person on-site within hours — not days.
- Contractor coordination: For villa refurbishments or routine repairs, your keyholder manages access without requiring your physical presence.
Can Stravia hold keys for my holiday property even if I visit regularly?
Absolutely. The Bronze key holding package is designed for owners who visit frequently but want a trusted, insured local custodian for their keys between visits. You retain full control — keys are only ever released to you or persons you explicitly authorise in writing.
If you also need contractor access, guest key handovers, or emergency response between visits, upgrading to Silver or Gold is straightforward at any time.
What does a professional key holding service in Murcia include — and what are the prices?
Stravia’s key holding services come in three tiers. All prices are per year + IVA at 21%, payable monthly by standing order or annually with a 5% prompt payment discount.
Property Management — Costa Cálida & Mar Menor
What is included in Stravia’s property management packages?
All property management packages include Gold Key Holding at no extra cost, plus:
- Monthly property inspections with written and photographic reports
- Monitoring for leaks, damp, mould, pests, and structural damage
- Checking windows, doors, shutters, appliances, plumbing, and electrics
- Additional inspections after heavy rains (gota fría)
- Arranging maintenance repairs (with prior owner agreement)
- Emergency repair coordination (up to an agreed maximum)
- Supervising maintenance and renovation works with owner reporting
- Monthly utility meter readings with abnormal usage monitoring
- Payment of utility bills (if authorised — subject to admin fee)
- Managing service contracts: internet, alarm, insurance, etc.
- Preparing the property for seasonal use; closing for long absences
- Annual inventory
- Guest key handover and local area guidance
- Handling guest queries and issues during stays
- Coordinating cleaning and laundry between stays
- Assistance in case of insurance claim
Additional cost items: cleaning & laundry, garden & pool maintenance, local and national taxes, contents and building insurance.
How do I manage a property refurbishment in Murcia while living abroad?
Stravia acts as your eyes and ears on the ground for the entire process:
- Scoping and quoting: We obtain multiple competitive quotes from our vetted contractor network.
- Contractor supervision: We manage access, timeline, and quality at every stage.
- Progress reporting: Photographic updates and written reports at agreed intervals.
- Sign-off inspections: We conduct final inspections before payment is released to contractors.
What optional add-on services are available for rental property owners?
Add-On Service | Price |
Guest check-out inspection | €40 |
Guest Welcome Pack — Basic | €30 |
Guest Welcome Pack — Premium | €50 |
Key delivery to guests / contractors | €30 |
Utility bill monitoring | €8 / month |
All prices exclude IVA at 21%.
How much does property management cost in Murcia?
Type | Size | Annual Rate |
Apartment | Studio | €150 |
Apartment | 1 Bedroom | €200 |
Apartment | 2 Bedroom | €250 |
Apartment | 3 Bedroom | €300 |
Apartment | 4 Bedroom | €350 |
Townhouse | 1 Bedroom | €300 |
Townhouse | 2 Bedroom | €350 |
Townhouse | 3 Bedroom | €400 |
Townhouse | 4 Bedroom | €450 |
Townhouse | 5 Bedroom | €500 |
Villa | 1 Bedroom | €400 |
Villa | 2 Bedroom | €475 |
Villa | 3 Bedroom | €550 |
Villa | 4 Bedroom | €625 |
Villa | 5 Bedroom | €700 |
What are the maintenance and consultancy hourly rates?
Service | Rate |
Maintenance — office hours | €30/hour + materials + €25 call-out |
Maintenance — outside office hours | €40/hour + materials + €75 call-out |
Consultancy | €35/hour |
Administration | €30/hour |
Utility bill name change | €15 per bill |
All prices exclude IVA at 21%.
NIE, Padrón, TIE Card & Residency in Murcia
What is the difference between an NIE and Padrón registration in Murcia?
NIE (Número de Identificación de Extranjero): Your Spanish tax identification number, required for:
- Buying or selling property in Spain
- Opening a Spanish bank account
- Filing non-resident tax (Modelo 210 / IRNR)
- Applying for residency (TIE card)
- Signing any official legal contract
Padrón (Empadronamiento): Your municipal census registration, required for:
- Accessing the Spanish public health system (tarjeta sanitaria)
- Enrolling children in local schools
- Applying for residency and the TIE card
- Proving local residence for legal and administrative purposes
How do I obtain a TIE in Murcia — what is it and who needs one?
The TIE (Tarjeta de Identidad de Extranjero) is the physical residency card for non-EU nationals (including UK nationals post-Brexit) who plan to live in Spain for more than 90 days. EU nationals receive the green certificate instead.
Step-by-step process:
- Step 1: Obtain your visa or residency authorisation (Non-Lucrative, Digital Nomad Visa, family reunification, etc.)
- Step 2: Enter Spain and register on the Padrón at your local Ayuntamiento.
- Step 3: Obtain your NIE if you haven’t already.
- Step 4: Book your appointment at the Oficina de Extranjería in Murcia city or Cartagena via the Sede Electrónica. Book as early as possible.
- Step 5 — Documents needed: Valid passport + copy, visa/residency authorisation, completed EX-17 form, Padrón certificate (under 3 months old), proof of financial means, private health insurance (if required), 2 passport photos, Tasa 790 Código 012 fee payment.
- Step 6: Attend, submit biometrics, and collect your card (typically 30–45 days later).
Stravia’s relocation service covers the full TIE application process. Available as an all-inclusive one-off fee covering the complete process from start to finish. Contact us for a personalised quotation.
What is the Certificado Digital and why do I need one as an expat in Murcia?
The Certificado Digital is your electronic identity credential for all Spanish government portals online. With it you can:
- File and check your Spanish tax returns (Agencia Tributaria) online
- Submit and track immigration applications (TIE renewal, etc.)
- Access social security (Seguridad Social) services
- Complete Padrón-related processes digitally
- Sign documents electronically — legally binding in Spain
- Interact with CARM (Comunidad Autónoma de la Región de Murcia) portals
Obtaining it requires a valid NIE and in-person identity verification at an authorised authority (e.g., Agencia Tributaria or FNMT).
How do I get an NIE appointment in Murcia in 2026?
Two routes are available:
- In Spain: Apply at the Oficina de Extranjería in Murcia city or Cartagena. Book via the Sede Electrónica government portal.
- From the UK or abroad: Book through the Spanish Consulate General in London, Edinburgh, or Manchester. Wait times have increased significantly post-Brexit.
Documents needed: valid passport, completed EX-15 form, proof of the reason for your NIE application, and the Tasa 790 Código 012 fee payment receipt.
Stravia’s expat relocation package includes NIE assistance: €35/hour + IVA, or as part of a one-off full set-up package — contact us for a personalised quotation.
How do I renew my TIE residency card in Murcia?
TIE renewal must be completed before your card’s expiry date. Standard documents required:
- Current TIE card (original and photocopy)
- Valid passport (original and photocopy)
- Proof of continued compliance with original visa conditions
- Current Padrón certificate (less than 3 months old)
- Proof of financial means (bank statements or payslips)
- Private health insurance (if on a Non-Lucrative or Digital Nomad Visa)
- Sworn translations for any supporting documents not in Spanish
Stravia includes TIE renewal assistance in our relocation package. Price upon request — please contact us for a personalised quotation including document preparation and appointment coordination.
Do EU nationals moving to Spain still need to register and get a green certificate?
Yes. EU nationals who intend to reside in Spain for more than 90 days must register as an EU resident under Real Decreto 240/2007 (Form EX-18). This results in a green certificate (Certificado de Registro de Ciudadano de la Unión) — not a TIE, which is only for non-EU nationals.
The green certificate is required for:
- Buying or renting property
- Opening a Spanish bank account
- Signing utility contracts
- Registering a vehicle
- Getting a Spanish driving licence exchange
- Accessing public healthcare (tarjeta sanitaria)
- Padrón registration in many municipalities
Stravia assists EU national clients with the full green certificate registration process as part of our relocation consulting service.
Short-Term Rentals & Tourist Licences — Murcia 2026
How do I get a short-term rental licence (VUT) in Murcia in 2026?
A short-term rental licence (Vivienda de Uso Turístico / VUT) is legally required. Operating without one risks fines from €3,000 to €90,000.
- Step 1 — Property compliance check: Smoke detectors, fire extinguisher, first aid kit, adequate ventilation and natural light.
- Step 2 — Declaración Responsable: File with CARM via online or in-person portal.
- Step 3 — VUD registration: Receive your VUD number, which must appear on all advertising including Airbnb and Booking.com.
- Step 4 — NRU (National Rental Registry): Under 2026 rules, each property must also obtain a Número de Registro Único (NRU) — mandatory for listing on major platforms.
Stravia assists with the full licence and registry process across the Murcia Region.
How do I legally register guests with the Guardia Civil in Spain (Hospedías)?
Every short-term rental operator must register guest data via the Sistema de Gestión de Hospedías (SES Hospedías) platform within 24 hours of check-in. Required data per guest:
- Full name and nationality
- Passport or ID number and type
- Date of birth and country of residence
- Check-in and check-out dates
Stravia can set up and manage your Hospedías guest registration as an ongoing compliance service.
What is the N2 annual rental declaration and do I need to file it?
The N2 is the 2026 mandatory annual reporting requirement for all short-term rental property owners registered on Spain’s VUD National Registry. You must declare:
- Total nights rented in the previous calendar year
- Total rental income received
- Property occupancy data by season
- Details of the rental platform(s) used
The N2 is a statistical and compliance filing — separate from your income tax obligations. Non-compliance risks suspension of your NRU number, making your property ineligible for listing on major platforms.
Stravia’s administration team can handle your N2 filing as part of an annual compliance package. Prices upon request — please contact us for a quotation.
What are Stravia’s rental finder’s fees for short and long-term rentals?
Rental Type | Finder’s Fee |
Short-term / holiday rentals | 7% of total booking price per booking |
Long-term rentals | One month’s rent (one-time) |
Owner services include: property listing and marketing support, direct tenant referrals, rental contract drafting and review (additional cost), maintenance coordination, and move-in/move-out management.
All prices exclude IVA at 21%.
Non-Resident Tax, Modelo 210 & Finance
What is the Modelo 210 non-resident property tax in Spain and do I have to pay it?
The Modelo 210 (IRNR — Impuesto sobre la Renta de No Residentes) is the annual tax return every non-resident property owner in Spain must file — even if the property is not rented out.
- Property not rented: Tax is based on a percentage of the Valor Catastral (rateable value). EU/EEA residents: typically 19%; non-EU (including UK post-Brexit): 24%.
- Property rented out: You declare actual rental income. EU/EEA residents can deduct allowable expenses; non-EU residents generally cannot.
The Modelo 210 must be filed quarterly (if renting) or annually. Missing the deadline incurs surcharges and fines.
Stravia’s administration team can handle your Modelo 210 filing. As each case varies depending on property type, number of properties, and residency status, pricing is on a case-by-case basis. Please request a personalised quotation.
What is the Modelo 720 foreign asset declaration and who needs to file it?
The Modelo 720 is Spain’s declaration of foreign assets held abroad. Required for Spanish tax residents who hold overseas assets exceeding €50,000 per category:
- Bank accounts held at foreign financial institutions
- Securities, shares, and life insurance policies outside Spain
- Real estate and property rights located abroad
Filing deadline: 31 March each year. Note: applies only to tax residents in Spain — non-residents are not obligated to file the Modelo 720, though the Modelo 210 does apply.
Stravia can provide guidance and administrative support for Modelo 720 queries as part of our consultancy services.
Expat Relocation to Murcia — Consulting & Support
What relocation consulting services does Stravia provide for people moving to Murcia?
Stravia’s relocation consulting covers the full spectrum of administrative and practical needs when moving to Murcia, Costa Cálida, or the Mar Menor region. Our team is bilingual (English and Spanish) with deep first-hand experience of the Spanish immigration and administrative system.
- NIE appointment booking and document preparation
- Padrón (Empadronamiento) registration assistance
- TIE residency card applications and renewals
- Certificado Digital setup assistance
- Health insurance guidance (private and public system access)
- Immigration and consular coordination
- Legal document drafting and contract review
- Business setup support for self-employed expats
- Administrative representation for clients abroad (Power of Attorney coordination)
- Airport transfers and car rental coordination
- Property conveyancing support (prices on request)
Consulting rate: €35/hour + IVA. Administration rate: €30/hour + IVA. Many services are offered as a package — please contact us for a personalised quotation.
Can Stravia assist with digital and business services for expats and entrepreneurs in Spain?
Yes. Stravia offers digital and business support for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and individuals setting up in Spain. Services include:
- Business setup support and administrative coordination
- Legal document drafting and contract customisation
- Administrative representation for clients based abroad
- Health insurance guidance and introductions
- Contents and building insurance coordination
- Website, digital presence, and documentation support
Personalised quotations available upon request. Please contact us to discuss your specific requirements.
What is the second occupancy certificate (Cédula de Habitabilidad) and do I need one?
The Cédula de Habitabilidad de Segunda Ocupación confirms a property meets minimum habitability standards. In Murcia it is issued by the Ayuntamiento or Comunidad Autónoma. You will need it for:
- Connecting or transferring utility contracts (electricity, water, gas)
- Obtaining a short-term tourist rental licence (VUT)
- Certain property sale transactions
Many older properties in the Costa Cálida have lapsed or never obtained this certificate. Stravia can advise on the process and assist with applications.
How can Stravia help with property conveyancing when buying or selling in Murcia?
Buying or selling property in Spain — whether a new build or second-hand — involves a series of legal, administrative, and financial steps that can be complex and unfamiliar for overseas buyers. Stravia provides practical conveyancing support and coordination throughout the process, working alongside your legal representatives to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Buying a second-hand (resale) property in Murcia:
- NIE: Both buyer and seller must have a valid NIE. Without it, no property transaction can proceed.
- Nota Simple: A land registry extract confirming the property’s ownership, boundaries, and any debts or charges registered against it.
- Cédula de Habitabilidad: The occupancy certificate confirming the property meets minimum habitability standards — required for utility contract transfers.
- Certificado de Eficiencia Energética: A mandatory energy performance certificate.
- IBI receipts: Confirmation that local property tax (Impuesto sobre Bienes Inmuebles) is up to date.
- Community fees certificate: For properties within a residential community, confirmation there are no outstanding community charge arrears.
- Private purchase contract (Contrato de Arras): A binding preliminary agreement and deposit, typically 10% of the purchase price.
- Escritura Pública: The public deed of sale signed before a Notary (Notario), at which point ownership legally transfers.
- Property transfer tax (ITP): Paid by the buyer — typically 8% in the Region of Murcia for second-hand properties.
- Notary and Land Registry fees: Paid at and following completion.
Buying a new build property in Murcia:
- Developer checks: Verification of the developer’s licence, planning permissions (Licencia de Obras), and bank guarantees protecting your deposit.
- Reservation contract and stage payments: New builds typically involve a reservation fee, followed by stage payments during construction.
- Licencia de Primera Ocupación: The first occupancy licence issued by the Ayuntamiento — essential before you can connect utilities or register on the Padrón.
- IVA instead of ITP: New build purchases are subject to IVA (currently 10% for residential properties) rather than transfer tax, plus Stamp Duty (AJD) at approximately 1.5%.
- Escritura Pública and Land Registry: Same as resale — completed before a Notary with subsequent registration.
Selling a property in Murcia:
- Capital Gains Tax (CGT / IRNR): Non-resident sellers are subject to a 3% retention at source by the buyer on account of potential capital gains tax liability. EU/EEA residents pay 19%; non-EU residents pay 24% on the gain.
- Plus Valià (IIVTNU): The municipal tax on the increase in urban land value, payable by the seller.
- Energy performance certificate: Required for all property sales.
- Mortgage cancellation: If a mortgage is registered against the property, it must be formally cancelled at the Land Registry before or at completion.
Stravia provides conveyancing coordination support — liaising with lawyers, notaries, the Land Registry, and utility companies on your behalf, assisting with document preparation, sworn translations, and ensuring all administrative steps are completed correctly and on time.
Conveyancing support is priced on a case-by-case basis depending on the complexity of the transaction. Please contact us for a personalised quotation.
Digital Nomad Visa Spain 2026
What is the Digital Nomad Visa Spain 2026 and can I apply to live in Murcia?
The Digital Nomad Visa (Visa para Teletrabajadores de Carácter Internacional) allows non-EU nationals to live and work legally in Spain for foreign employers or international clients. Murcia — particularly the Costa Cálida and Mar Menor — is a growing destination for digital nomads.
- Working remotely for a company based outside Spain (or international clients if self-employed)
- Meeting the minimum income threshold (seek current specialist advice)
- Valid private health insurance covering Spain
- Clean criminal record certificate (apostilled)
- Sworn translations of supporting documents into Spanish
- No prior illegal entry or overstay in Spain
Stravia assists with NIE appointment booking, Padrón registration, and coordinating sworn translations for DNV applicants.
Sworn Translations & Document Services — Murcia
What sworn translation services does Stravia provide for Spanish visa and legal documents?
For any official process in Spain — NIE, Digital Nomad Visa, tourist rental registration, or property purchase — documents in a foreign language must be accompanied by certified sworn translations. Stravia offers:
- Sworn English ↔ Spanish translations: Legally certified for court, immigration, and property transactions (prices on request)
- Contract translation and adaptation: Rental agreements, service contracts, legal documents (charged at hourly rate)
- Document formatting and preparation: Ensuring documents meet Spanish administrative requirements
- Certified translation coordination: Where a fully accredited traductor jurado is required, we coordinate the process
- Document research: Tracing and retrieving documents from Spanish public registries
How much do sworn translations cost with Stravia?
Translation pricing depends on the document type, length, complexity, and turnaround time required. Standard translation work is charged at our administration or consultancy hourly rate. Sworn (certified) translations and coordinated traductor jurado services are priced on a case-by-case basis.
Please contact us with details of your documents for a personalised quotation. We aim to respond to all quotation requests within one business day.
Sworn Translations & Document Services — Murcia
Where can I find a full breakdown of all Stravia’s service prices for 2026?
Complete summary of all Stravia 2026 pricing. All prices exclude IVA at 21%. Annual packages payable monthly by standing order or annually with a 5% prompt payment discount.
Property Management — Annual Rates |
| |
Type | Size | Price / Year |
Apartment | Studio | €150 |
Apartment | 1 Bed | €200 |
Apartment | 2 Bed | €250 |
Apartment | 3 Bed | €300 |
Apartment | 4 Bed | €350 |
Townhouse | 1 Bed | €300 |
Townhouse | 2 Bed | €350 |
Townhouse | 3 Bed | €400 |
Townhouse | 4 Bed | €450 |
Townhouse | 5 Bed | €500 |
Villa | 1 Bed | €400 |
Villa | 2 Bed | €475 |
Villa | 3 Bed | €550 |
Villa | 4 Bed | €625 |
Villa | 5 Bed | €700 |
Key Holding — Annual Rates |
|
Bronze | €150 / year |
Silver | €225 / year |
Gold (included free in all management packages) | €300 / year |
Maintenance & Professional Rates |
|
Maintenance — office hours | €30/hr + materials + €25 call-out |
Maintenance — out of hours | €40/hr + materials + €75 call-out |
Consultancy | €35/hour |
Administration | €30/hour |
Utility bill name change | €15 per bill |
Rentals — Finder’s Fee |
|
Short-term rentals | 7% of total booking price |
Long-term rentals | One month’s rent (one-time) |
Optional Add-Ons |
|
Guest check-out inspection | €40 |
Guest Welcome Pack Basic | €30 |
Guest Welcome Pack Premium | €50 |
Key delivery to guests / contractors | €30 |
Utility bill monitoring | €8 / month |
All prices exclude IVA at 21%. Sworn translation rates, property conveyancing fees, Modelo 210 filing, and full relocation packages are priced on a case-by-case basis — contact us for a personalised quotation. For larger properties please consult us directly.