What is Plus Valia ?

Plus Valia is Municipal Tax on the transfer of title deeds. This is a local tax levied by the town Hall, when a property changes hands or is transferred to another person / name. It is calculated taking into account the rateable value of the land and the period of ownership. It is possible, within a calendar year, for the Town Hall to calculate the amount of tax due before a sale, provided they are presented with all the correct information.

It is the responsibility of both buyer and seller to make sure it is paid and is, usually, a tax to be paid by the seller unless otherwise agreed.

One method to ensure the payment is made, especially in the case of a non-resident is for the buyer to hold back the amount of plus valia tax due, at the time of completion, and then present to the Town Hall the required paperwork which, when processed, needs to be collected and the tax paid (within 30 days of the sale or 6 months if an inheritance), on behalf of the owner/vendor.

Make sure that there are no Plus Valia debts from previous “changes of ownership” connected with the property. The town hall will check for you. When collecting the Payment Form from the Town Hall, check at which banks this tax can be paid as not all banks have a Town Hall account.