Business
Spain is contemplating a 100% tax on homes purchased by non-EU buyers due to concerns over rising property prices and the impact of foreign investment on the housing market. The government aims to address issues related to housing affordability for local residents, as increased demand from overseas buyers has contributed to escalating costs. This proposed tax could serve as a measure to regulate foreign investment and ensure that housing remains accessible to Spanish citizens. Additionally, it reflects broader efforts to prioritize domestic needs in the face of global real estate trends.
2025-03-19 12:07:17
Spain is preparing to implement a series of initiatives aimed at tackling its escalating housing crisis, which includes the introduction of a tax of up to 100% on properties purchased by individuals who are not citizens or residents of the European Union.
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On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, a sign promoting an apartment for sale is displayed beside residential buildings in Madrid, Spain. The sign, written in Spanish, states: "A refurbished apartment featuring two bedrooms, two bathrooms, and a private courtyard."
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On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, visitors stroll through a neighborhood in Madrid, Spain, where short-term rental options, such as AirBnB, are abundant, pulling their suitcases behind them.
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FILE - A residential building facing eviction is captured in the heart of Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday, July 10, 2024. The central banner displays a message in Catalan: "temporary rental housing: neighbors evicted."
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FILE - Protesters march through downtown Barcelona, Spain, on Wednesday, June 19, 2024, voicing their opposition to the Formula 1 Barcelona Fan Festival as part of a residents' demonstration against the impacts of mass tourism.
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On Tuesday, January 14, 2025, a man strolls by a real estate agency showcasing apartments available in Madrid, Spain.
MADRID (AP) — Spain is planning a raft of measures to address its brewing housing crisis, including an up to 100% tax on properties bought by people who are neither citizens nor residents of the European Union.
El primer ministro español, Pedro Sánchez, presentó esta semana un plan destinado a abordar la asequibilidad de la vivienda y los altos alquileres en la nación del sur de Europa. Afirmó que el objetivo general era ofrecer "más vivienda, una mejor regulación y una mayor ayuda".
Sánchez stated while unveiling the plan, "The West is confronted with a critical challenge: to avoid transforming into a society split between the wealthy landowners and the impoverished tenants."
Nevertheless, it is still uncertain whether the proposal presented by Sánchez’s minority coalition will receive approval in parliament. Let’s take a closer look at the current situation:
The housing affordability crisis in Spain
Similar to many affluent nations, Spain is grappling with an escalating issue of housing affordability. The surge in rental prices is particularly severe in urban centers such as Barcelona and Madrid, where wages have not kept pace, particularly affecting the younger population. Additionally, property prices continue to climb consistently, especially in metropolitan and coastal regions.
Rental costs have surged due to the prevalence of short-term leases primarily targeted at tourists. Spain ranks among the top destinations globally, welcoming over 88.5 million visitors in 2024 alone. The tourism sector plays a crucial role in the nation's economy.
The downsides of mass tourism have occasionally led to friction between tourists and local inhabitants, who are worried about increasing expenses, the surge of short-term rental options on sites such as Airbnb, and the strain on water resources in certain regions of the country, notably the Canary and Balearic Islands.
Last year, protesters took to the streets on various occasions across the country to express their frustrations about the growth of tourism and high rents. Barcelona’s town hall has pledged to completely eliminate all short-term rentals to tourists in the coming years.
Spanish housing minister Isabel Rodríguez addressed reporters on Tuesday regarding the plan, stating, “What the citizens anticipate from us is decisive action.”
Restricting foreign purchases of real estate in Spain
Spain intends to restrict the acquisition of homes by foreign buyers by increasing taxes by as much as 100% on properties purchased by individuals who are neither EU citizens nor residents of an EU nation. This move primarily targets those looking to invest in or vacation at these properties.
Sánchez did not offer a schedule or specifics regarding his approach to executing the tax.
“This would be a game changer,” remarked Sarah Conroy, an English real estate agent with more than thirty years of experience in the luxury Marbella market in southern Spain. While she did not disclose specific numbers regarding her non-EU clientele, she mentioned that they included British buyers post-Brexit, along with clients from Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
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"They have to take action since locals are struggling to find affordable rentals due to high prices," Conroy remarked. "From my experience, about 80% of my clients are purchasing vacation properties."
Last year, Spain announced that it was scrapping its so-called “golden visa” program that allows wealthy people from outside the EU to obtain residency permits by investing more than half a million euros (roughly 515,000 dollars) in real estate.
Joan Carlos Amaro, a real estate analyst and economics professor at Esade Business School, expressed his skepticism regarding the effectiveness of the tax in addressing Spain's housing crisis. He doubts that it will ensure that typically high-end properties are made accessible to middle-class Spaniards, despite the ongoing challenges in the housing market.
"Any measures that create obstacles and hinder the market's operation ultimately harm everyone," Amaro stated during an event in Barcelona. "These foreign individuals contribute to the economy by spending money, and the construction of the homes they occupy generates employment opportunities."
Amaro expressed his belief that he perceived it more as a political strategy rather than a decision grounded in solid economic reasoning.
Several additional proposals have been suggested.
Spain intends to develop additional public housing and designate approximately 2 million square meters (21.5 million square feet) of residential land for a newly established public housing authority.
Additional suggested measures involve increasing taxes on vacation rentals, offering tax incentives and safeguards for landlords who offer affordable housing options, and revising regulations to expedite construction timelines and enhance the availability of land for private development.
Housing holds significant political importance in Spain for several reasons. Firstly, the country has faced a prolonged housing crisis, with skyrocketing prices and a shortage of affordable housing options, particularly in urban areas. This situation has led to widespread social discontent and protests, prompting political parties to address housing issues in their platforms. Secondly, housing is closely linked to social inequality and economic stability. Many Spaniards struggle to secure stable and affordable housing, which affects their quality of life and economic opportunities. As such, policies aimed at improving housing accessibility and affordability resonate with a large segment of the population, influencing electoral outcomes. Additionally, housing policies can impact regional disparities, with some areas experiencing more acute housing challenges than others. This can lead to tensions between different regions and the central government, further complicating the political landscape. Finally, the rise of new political movements in Spain, such as Podemos, has shifted the focus towards social justice issues, including housing. These parties advocate for stronger regulations on the real estate market and increased government intervention to protect tenants and promote affordable housing development. Overall, housing is a critical political issue in Spain, intertwining economic, social, and regional factors that shape the country's political discourse and policy-making.
The rising cost of living has driven voter discontent across many wealthy countries in recent years, including the United States.
As a prominent Socialist leader in Europe, Sánchez faces a vital challenge in addressing the housing crisis, which is essential for maintaining the stability of his left-wing minority coalition following his victory in the 2023 elections for another four-year term.
Furthermore, as stated in the Spanish Constitution, every Spanish citizen has the right to access a "decent and adequate" residence. In principle, the government is obligated to ensure that individuals can exercise this right.
Wilson made contributions from Barcelona.
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