Declutter your home

stamp duty on buying property.

It’s no secret that, unlike volatile investments such as stocks and bonds, real estate offers a gradual and constant increase in value over time. According to Idealista, property prices in Spain have risen by 16 per cent in the last five years. You can also generate passive income on your property by renting it out as a holiday home when you are not there.

A lot of people don’t know that Spain offers lenient tax allowances which reduce a landlord’s bill by 70 per cent or more (applies to EU residents only). You can deduct all property maintenance costs, including legal fees (used to compute the rental tax) and mortgage interest! Property provides excellent returns on investment after deductions.

DECLUTTERING your home can be a daunting task, but it doesn't have to be. With the right attitude and approach, you can easily transform your cluttered space into an organised one. By following these simple tips, you'll be able to enjoy a clutter-free home in no time!

In the living room, get rid of any old magazines that you have read, or books on the shelf that you won’t read, by donating them to friends or charity. Get rid of any excess blankets or ones that are threadbare. Remove anything that is broken, uncomfortable, or no longer of use - such as DVDs and CDs that can be streamed and broken photo frames.

In the kitchen, remove any out-of-date food and old condiments, freezer food with frost burn, and old herbs and spices. Throw away any chipped or excessive glassware and ceramics such as mugs and glasses, containers without lids, drinks bottles and flasks that are no longer used, and the hundreds of carrier bags we all collect!

Decluttering leaves you feeling relaxed and in control of your home.

In the bedroom, declutter your wardrobe and donate any unwanted clothes, jewellery, scarfs, belts, and shoes that no longer fit or are uncomfortable. Throw out any make up you no longer use or that may be past its best, organise any loose change and receipts, get rid of odd socks, and use stylish hangers inside your wardrobe or on walls to make sure everything is tidy.

In the bathroom, get rid of old or expired toiletries, old or tatty towels, shower caps and bath robes you don’t use, stained cloths and flannels, and cleaning products and tools that haven’t been used in a while (we’ve all got them!)