France and Portugal Join Spain in Tough Stance Against British Buyers
France and Portugal are tightening rules on British holiday homes, following Spain’s new tax measures aimed at non-EU property buyers.
Spain, Portugal, France, Greece, British Buyers, Tourism, Housing Crisis
Spain: France and Portugal are now stepping up to the plate, following Spain’s lead in cracking down on British holiday home buyers. It all started when Spain’s Prime Minister announced hefty taxes for non-EU citizens wanting to buy property there. This news has sent shockwaves through the UK, especially for those dreaming of retiring in sunny Spain.
But it’s not just Spain making moves. Portugal is also feeling the heat, with protests erupting over the lack of affordable housing. People are holding signs saying things like, “I have to choose between paying for a house or eating.” It’s a tough situation.
Last year, France jumped in too, passing a law to tackle the booming short-term rental market. The number of listings skyrocketed from 300,000 to 1.2 million in just a few years. They’re trying to make housing more accessible for locals.
Greece isn’t sitting idle either. They banned new short-term rental licenses in key areas of Athens, citing the pressure on local communities. It’s clear that many countries are feeling the strain of tourism and foreign investment.
Spain is particularly focused on second home ownership, pushing for policies that prioritize affordable housing. They’ve even introduced a tax that could go as high as 100% for non-EU buyers, which would hit British buyers hard.
Historically, Brits have loved buying properties in Spain, drawn by the allure of beautiful villas at lower prices than in the UK. But locals are feeling overlooked as foreign investors scoop up homes, leading to a growing sense of frustration.
In 2023 alone, non-EU buyers snapped up 27,000 properties in Spain, which has raised eyebrows among locals. Meanwhile, in Athens, residents are expressing their anger through graffiti and protests, with messages like “Tourists Go Home!” echoing through the streets.
Anna Theodorakis, a local resident, shared her feelings about the situation, saying it’s “very depressing.” She believes people need to take to the streets to fight for their homes, especially as Greece welcomed 32 million tourists last year.