Will Spain’s 100% Tax Discourage British Holiday Home Buyers?
Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sánchez, has proposed an unprecedented 100% tax on homes bought by non-EU citizens, including Brits, claiming that foreign buyers are driving up housing costs and limiting availability for locals. However, the property industry has slammed the move, calling it misleading and extreme, as many British buyers are retirees or holiday homeowners rather than investors snapping up properties for profit. According to The Negotiator, this tax could effectively double the cost of a £400,000 home for non-EU buyers, making Spain a far less attractive option and pushing British buyers towards alternative destinations such as Portugal, Cyprus, or Greece.
Despite the controversy, Sánchez insists that drastic action is needed to prevent Spain from becoming a nation divided between “rich landlords and poor tenants,” as reported by BBC News. However, experts argue this policy is more political than practical, given the government’s slim parliamentary majority and the potential economic damage to regions reliant on foreign buyers. UK Property Accountants highlights that British interest in overseas property remains strong, with nearly half of all non-EU home purchases in Spain in 2023 made by UK buyers. If implemented, this tax could reshape the European property market, with Britons increasingly looking to invest elsewhere.
Sources & Credits:
- Estate agents slam plans for 100% tax on Brits buying Spanish homes – The Negotiator
- Spain plans 100% tax for homes bought by non-EU residents – BBC News
- Spain Plans 100% Tax on Non-EU Property Buyers. Should the UK Follow Suit? – UK Property Accountants
Is London Losing Its Property Power?
In a surprising twist, The Evening Standard reports that London was the only region in the UK to see a dip in property values by November 2024, with high-end areas such as Kensington and Chelsea losing tens of thousands of pounds in average value. Meanwhile, more affordable boroughs like Barking and Dagenham did better, seeing steady increases despite concerns over mortgage rates and looming stamp duty changes.
On a brighter note, the same coverage suggests that slowing inflation could offer much-needed relief for borrowers by stabilising interest rates. However, experts point out that challenges remain—particularly for owners of pricier properties—yet London still has its pull. For those ready to make a move, now might just be the time to grab a deal before the tide turns again.
Sources & Credits:
- London home values rise but growth outpaced by rest of UK – The Evening Standard
- London was the only UK region to see house price falls in year to November 2024 – The Evening Standard
A Fresh Start for Vulnerable Children: Tipton Home Gets Approval Despite Petition
According to Express & Star, Sandwell Council has approved plans to convert a five-bedroom house on Stella Road into a children’s home for 8 to 17-year-olds, despite a petition signed by over 200 local residents. Concerns were raised about parking, antisocial behaviour, and potential drug problems, but councillors felt the young people would be well supervised—some even said they might be “better supervised than if they were in a normal family.” Prem Property, which also supports vulnerable communities through its work with providers of children’s residential care, recognises the importance of such facilities in ensuring at-risk children have a safe and structured environment to grow and develop.
The care provider, Flipping The Script, highlighted their own care-system background, emphasising that these youngsters need stable homes if they are to have a fair chance at a better future. Council planners agreed, saying the new facility would function much like any regular household and that ongoing drug issues in the area should not be unfairly linked to the children who will live there. While some neighbours remain cautious, supporters believe the home will provide much-needed care and stability for children who might otherwise struggle to find a safe place to live.
Sources
- Plan for Tipton Children’s Home Approved Despite 200-Strong Petition and Drug Dealing Fears – Express & Star
- Tipton Children’s Home Approved After 200-Strong Petition – MSN News
Thinking of Buying? 2025 Might Be Your Best Bet
According to The Independent, 2025 is expected to bring a noticeable shift in the UK housing market, with first-time buyers and other house hunters gaining more influence at the negotiating table. Estate agents like Rightmove project stronger price growth than in 2024, although caution remains due to a scheduled stamp duty adjustment in the spring, possible changes in interest rates, and broader economic uncertainties.
Meanwhile, research shared by sources such as IPP Media and The Guardian suggests that higher mortgage availability and falling rates could further boost demand, potentially creating a window of opportunity for buyers seeking better deals. Prem Property, which works with landlords and investors, believes the market’s “buyer-friendly” tilt might be a welcome development for those who have been waiting for more affordable conditions—yet it warns that anyone aiming to purchase in 2025 should keep an eye on both interest rate trends and local supply levels to make the most informed choice. Ultimately, whether the market lives up to these forecasts could depend on how quickly the wider economy adapts to shifting consumer confidence and policy changes.
Credits
- Why Property Experts Are Predicting 2025 Will Be a ‘Buyer’s Market’ with Sales Boom – The Independent
- UK Property Will Be a Buyers’ Market in 2025, Analysts Predict – The Guardian
- UK Property Market Swings from Sellers to Buyers – IPP Media
Prem Property’s Vision
for Meaningful Impact in Residential Care & Supported Living Housing
This year, Prem Property is strengthening its focus on guaranteed rent management, partnering with residential care homes and supported living providers. We believe property investment should go beyond profit, it’s about supporting communities, offering stability to vulnerable individuals, and giving landlords peace of mind.
By working with trusted care providers, we procure properties for those in need, from older adults in assisted living to individuals requiring daily support. For landlords, we provide a secure, hands-off solution with guaranteed rent, removing concerns about void periods, arrears, and tenant management. We understand that some landlords may feel hesitant about renting to tenants in supported living, but our partnership with experienced care providers ensures professional oversight, so properties are well-maintained while making a meaningful impact.
At Prem Property, trust is at the heart of everything we do. We treat every property as our own, building open and honest partnerships with landlords and providers. This way, landlords enjoy steady rental income, care providers get quality housing, and communities benefit from safe and stable homes. We’re excited to expand this mission in 2025 and beyond.