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In a bold move to address its escalating housing crisis, Spain has announced plans to implement a 100 per cent tax on property purchases made by non-EU buyers, including British citizens. The dramatic measure, unveiled by Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, aims to curb foreign speculation in the Spanish property market and improve housing affordability for locals.
The proposed legislation would affect non-EU citizens who are not residents of the bloc, potentially doubling the cost of property acquisition through a punitive tax structure. The measure comes as Spain grapples with soaring property values, particularly in popular coastal regions and major cities where foreign investment has traditionally been robust.
Data from Spain’s Association of Registrars reveals that non-Spanish buyers accounted for 15 per cent of all property purchases in the third quarter of 2024, with British buyers leading the pack at 8.5 per cent of foreign transactions. The government reports approximately 27,000 houses are purchased annually by non-EU residents, predominantly for speculative purposes.
Industry experts have expressed scepticism about the proposal’s effectiveness. Antonio de la Fuente, managing director at real estate group Colliers, suggests the measure might be more symbolic than practical, noting that non-EU purchases represent a minimal fraction of Spain’s 26 million homes. The uncertainty surrounding the legislation could, however, deter both individual and institutional investors.
The tax initiative is part of a comprehensive 12-point plan to tackle what Sánchez describes as a “grave” housing crisis. Additional measures include increased taxation on holiday rentals, the establishment of a public housing body, and incentives for landlords offering affordable rentals.
The proposed legislation must still navigate Spain’s parliamentary approval process, where Sánchez’s government faces ongoing challenges in securing majority support. The outcome remains uncertain, but the proposal has already sparked intense debate about foreign investment’s role in European housing markets.
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