Do I need to inform the Inland Revenue that I am leaving the UK to go and live abroad permanently? Yes you do. Once you know the date of your departure you should notify the Inland Revenue by
completing a P85 form. This form asks for details such as duration of absence (i.e. permanent or not) as well as any continuing ties to the UK such as property.
Do I need a lawyer to buy abroad? In most countries, strictly speaking you don't. But it is advisable to use a lawyer who will be able to look after your interests. One question you should ask yourself is would you buy a property in your home country without a legal representative? Also remember that whilst you or your Spanish representation will sign the documentation before a Notary, you should remember that the Notary is there simply to make sure the paper work is correct and not there to protect your interests.
My wife receives a pension from her late husband. It is paid each month into her bank account. What will be the best way of converting this money into euros each month? Obviously, we don't want to end up having a sum charged each month for commission so wonder if you can give us any advice?By far the best way to do this is through a specialist currency exchange company. There are several on the market and you will generally get a far superior exchange rate for this kind of transaction.
What is UK tax residence and what is its relevance?
Generally speaking, it is where an individual lives in the UK for more than 183 day in a tax year or spends an average of 90 days per year in the UK over a four year period. It is important, as a non-UK resident is not liable to UK tax, except for certain circumstances