EU in warning to Spain over property policies

Excessive urbanisation and the threat to legitimately owned property in Spain has been criticised by the European parliament.

Members voted by 349 to 110 to suspend aid from the EU to the country until it ends "extensive urbanisation" practices that include a lack of respect for the environment or those who already live in such locations - which may include Britons who have bought property there.

The parliament also criticised the "outrageously slow" process of compensating victims of illegal building practices in the country who were unaware that their homes had been constructed unlawfully.

Such legal changes may help protect the future prospects for those buying in Spain, ensuring they have better access to redress and less chance of being caught up in new urban sprawls.

Earlier this month a court case in Spain ruled that a nationality-based property inheritance tax law breached EU discrimination legislation.

The practice has hitherto seen Spanish nationals charged 15 per cent tax when they sold a property on, while foreigners had to pay 35 per cent.
 

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