One of the devices used among families in tax planning between generations here in Spain to reduce the effects of gift or inheritance tax is the “Usufruct”.  This is the right of a person to have the benefit of the use of property, such as the right to live in the family home, without actually becoming the owner.   For example a surviving parent can retain the Usufruct for their lifetime while the “Bare Property” or “Nuda Propiedad” is passed on to children or other descendents.    A Usufruct can also be granted for a fixed period. 

Rights of access, and rights to use and enjoy shared facilities can be extremely important elements of any property.  Where the property stands alone and immediately adjoins a public road establishing these rights can be a simple matter of entering and leaving the property from the road and making connections to the electricity, water, and drainage services that run along the road.