Spanish Prime Minister Suggests Major Tax for Non-EU Property Buyers
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Synopsis
Spanish PM Pedro Sanchez has put forward plans to impose a tax rate of up to 100% on property purchases by non-EU residents, aiming to address the housing shortage. The proposal includes measures to deter foreign investors from buying properties solely for rental income.
Key Takeaways
- Proposed tax could reach 100% for non-EU property buyers.
- Targeting short-term rental practices by foreign investors.
- 27,000 properties purchased by non-EU residents in 2023.
- Additional housing policies under careful study.
- Tax incentives proposed for low-rent housing.
Madrid, Jan 14 (NationPress) The Prime Minister of Spain, Pedro Sanchez, has revealed intentions to introduce a tax rate that could reach 100 percent on properties acquired by individuals who are not citizens of the European Union or residents of Spain, as reported by EL Pais on Tuesday.
During the 'Housing - Fifth Pillar of the Welfare State' forum, Sanchez characterized this measure as unprecedented, aimed at tackling the housing crisis in Spain. This tax would potentially impact buyers from nations like the United Kingdom, China, regions in Latin America, the Middle East, and the United States, provided they lack Spanish residency.
One of the primary objectives is to discourage foreign nationals from acquiring properties exclusively for the purpose of short-term rental.
Sanchez emphasized the necessity for Spain's available homes to be accessible to residents, pointing out that in 2023, 27,000 properties in the country were purchased by non-EU residents not to reside in them but to profit from rentals.
While the Prime Minister did not specify a timeline for this tax implementation or the 11 additional housing policies discussed at the forum, he mentioned they are currently under thorough examination.
Additional proposals include tax incentives for affordable housing, as well as heightened taxes and stricter regulations on tourist accommodations, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
“It isn’t fair that individuals owning multiple properties for short-term rentals pay less tax than hotels,” Sanchez remarked.
