Get a move on! Mallorca’s politicians are trying to BAN Britons from buying island holiday homes

Many of us have long dreamed of snapping up a beautiful property in Spain for a bargain price and lounging in the Mediterranean sun.

But these dreams could soon be dashed as Spanish officials continue to attempt to curb the number of expats flocking to its shores.

Nationalists in the Balearic Islands yesterday tried to ban Britons from buying a second home or retirement property in holiday hotspots.

The draconian plans were set to block UK residents from buying on the popular islands of Mallorca, Menorca and Ibiza – the latest suggestion by Spain’s Left-wing politicians to slash the number of overseas buyers.

The proposals have been rejected – but the plans were the latest in a long series of anti-tourism measures.

So, is the sun setting on the Spanish home ownership dream?

What was proposed?

Britons and other non-residents were very nearly banned from buying a property in much-loved destinations in the Balearic Islands unless they lived there for five years.

This was the proposal being thrashed out yesterday by politicians in the Balearic parliament.

MP Lluis Apesteguia, of Left-wing party Mes per Mallorca, which tabled the Bill, urged the parliament to prioritise houses for those living on the islands and not those who want to ‘continue with this Monopoly game they have set up with our homes’.

The rules were set to define non-residents as anyone who has lived in the region for less than five years.

Municipalities would have been able to limit purchases for non-residents in different ‘tension’ regions.

It caused a wave of worry among prospective expats, as supporters argued the crackdown could set a precedent across Spain – mirroring similar rules in Denmark and Malta.

In Denmark, prospective buyers need to have permanent residence or to have lived there for five years.

Buyers can breathe a sigh of relief, for now, as the extreme plans were rejected in a tense parliamentary vote in the Balearic Islands’ capital Palma yesterday afternoon. 

But these blueprints were the latest in a long line of drastic attacks suggested by Spanish politicians to curb tourism.

In 2024, the prime minister, Pedro Sanchez, announced his socialist government’s intention to scrap the ‘golden visa’ scheme. 

This visa offers fast-tracked residency to foreign investors who buy property in Spain worth at least €500,000 (£430,000).

Despite the lucrative investment it brought into the country, the golden visa was axed in April 2025.

And last year, the prime minister went one step further and announced his government would raise the tax that non-EU foreigners – including Britons – pay when buying a property in Spain to 100 per cent of its value.

While still just a proposal at this stage, it could double the cost of buying a Spanish home if implemented.

And the extreme suggestions may not be over yet.

Nikolaus Thomale of co-ownership platform Myne explains: ‘These kind of proposals are a recurring theme.

‘We are seeing a lot of tension, discussion and protests over tourism.’

Why are expats being targeted?

Overtourism and high property prices are driving radical politicians in Spain to try to curb the number of foreign nationals moving there.

Interest in emigrating to the country has soared in recent months. The number of internet searches for ‘move to Spain’ hit its third highest peak in five years in January.

As interest in the limited housing stock has risen, so have prices. Property in the Balearics is some of the most expensive in Spain at more than €5,000 (£4,360) per square metre.

In total, about 90,000 of properties on the islands are owned by foreign nationals. Mr Thomale says tourism makes up 80 per cent of Mallorca’s income, adding: ‘It is essential for local jobs and businesses, but puts a lot of pressure on the community.

‘Housing becomes unaffordable and many homes sit empty in the off season.’

Officials proposed the property purchase ban as they argued ‘extraordinary measures’ must be enforced.

They claimed that an increasing number of properties are being used as second homes and holiday lets, freezing out locals who want a permanent place to live.

The plan – although rejected – was the latest anti-tourism crackdown to engulf the islands after over-tourism protests last year hit the region.

What if I want to buy soon?

Demand is still rising for properties in the Balearics.

Mr Thomale urges people not to panic about potential future regulations.

But he says now may prove a good time for any aspiring buyers who have been sitting on their hands to act.

‘If your purchase is under way, now is the time to move,’ he says.

‘Check everything with your purchase really thoroughly and do your due diligence. Have local lawyers involved and make sure whatever you are seeking to acquire is legal.’

Expats can currently buy property in Spain with no restrictions – whether they are an EU or non-EU citizen – as long as they can afford the large deposit.

You may be able to get a mortgage with a Spanish bank, but you are likely only to be able to borrow up to 70 per cent of the total value of the property.

Buyers will also need an NIE – a number given to non-residents. It is used by buyers for their dealing with banks and the tax agency.

The only obstacle for British expats is if they want to stay in their holiday home for more than 90 days in any 180-day period.

This is the current travel allowance for non-EU citizens in the Schengen area, which includes Spain.

If you wish to stay longer than this and do not intend to work in Spain, then you must apply for a so-called non-lucrative visa.

This suits those who want to retire to Spain or live there for long periods of time.

Applicants must be able to prove they have the means to support themselves without working in Spain.

• Are you planning to move to Spain? Email l.evans@dailymail.co.uk