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In the kitchen, remove any out-of-date food and old condiments, freezer food with frost burn, and old herbs and spices.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!

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!)

Bringing nature indoors

AN increasing number of people are incorporating plants and flowers into their homes and offices, either in pots, hanging baskets, plant walls, plant ladders, or a good old vase. Bringing nature indoors can clean the air and remove toxins, enhance mood, increase productivity, and even help with sleep. The Euro Weekly News has been looking at some of the best reasons to bring plants into your home and office spaces, and how they can improve our health and well-being.

As well as providing decoration, plants can help remove toxins from the air, such as carbon dioxide, formaldehyde, and benzene. They also release oxygen, which can help improve air quality.

Plants and flowers can have a positive effect on our mood and mental health and can help improve our overall outlook, making us feel happier. Nurturing and caring for plants in the home also has a calming effect and can reduce stress levels and blood pressure.

Having plants indoors can also increase productivity and concentration levels. Studies have shown that plants can help reduce distractions and improve focus, and that people with plants in their workspace feel more productive, happier, and calmer.

Plants and flowers can add a beautiful and natural touch to any indoor space, and some plants, such as lavender and chamomile, are known for their relaxing properties as well as helping to improve sleep.

Snake plants, spider plants, rubber plants, peace lilies, ferns, and English ivy are some of the best indoor plants for increasing oxygen levels and purifying the air.