Pressure on European Union to reverse Spanish government ruling
Controversial 90-day rule leaves Spain losing ‘millions’ on property sales as non-resident UK citizen Think twice about buying a house in Spain. Under current law, British nationals (non-residents) can only stay in Spain for 180 days a year, divided into two blocks (90 days) each, creating significant costs for the real estate sector. It is not only the real estate sector that is suffering losses, but so is the government due to the loss of real estate taxes.
A leading real estate agent in Spain said: “British people are the biggest foreign buyers of real estate in Spain, but it’s outrageous that they can only enjoy their holiday home for 180 days a year.” British holiday home owners are a major contributor to Spain’s economy, and some keep their bars and restaurants open during the slow season of the year, especially on the mainland.
The Spanish government opposes the 90-day rule and said it is opposed to the European Union, unlike France. France appeared to intend to overturn the 90-day ruling, which was also voted on in the Senate, but French courts declared the measure “unconstitutional.”
Home sales to non-residents (including British nationals) have fallen, with some blaming the 90-day rule for this situation. “The UK is the second most important property market in the country after Spain. They need help at the moment…”