The Balearic Islands parliament on Thursday voted down a left-wing bill that would have barred non-resident foreigners from buying homes in designated “stressed” municipalities for up to five years. The centre-right Partido Popular (PP) and far-right Vox argued the measure would violate EU free-movement rules and deter foreign investment.
The proposal sought to protect local housing supply in a region where expatriates and short-term tourist rentals have driven prices 40 % above the national average. It would also have imposed higher transfer taxes on luxury properties and on buyers owning multiple homes. Critics said the ban risked provoking legal challenges similar to those faced by Canada’s two-year foreign-buyer prohibition.
![Spanish Right Blocks Proposal to Limit Property Purchases by Non-Resident Foreigners in Balearics]()
For individuals or companies navigating Spain’s shifting residency landscape, VisaHQ provides timely assistance with visas, work permits and other documentation. Through its user-friendly portal (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) applicants receive up-to-date guidance on requirements, processing times and supporting paperwork, reducing administrative friction when relocating staff or purchasing property in the Balearics.
For global-mobility managers the rejection preserves the status quo: EU and third-country nationals may still acquire property in the Balearics, although Spain’s Golden Visa via real-estate investment was abolished last year. However, the political debate signals growing scrutiny of foreign ownership in tourist hotspots such as Mallorca and Ibiza, which could resurface as regional elections approach in 2027.
Companies relocating staff to the islands should monitor municipal ‘under pressure’ designations that could trigger higher property taxes or licensing restrictions on tourist apartments. Local governments are expected to revisit supply-side measures such as fast-tracking social-housing projects and tightening holiday-rental permits.
The proposal sought to protect local housing supply in a region where expatriates and short-term tourist rentals have driven prices 40 % above the national average. It would also have imposed higher transfer taxes on luxury properties and on buyers owning multiple homes. Critics said the ban risked provoking legal challenges similar to those faced by Canada’s two-year foreign-buyer prohibition.
For individuals or companies navigating Spain’s shifting residency landscape, VisaHQ provides timely assistance with visas, work permits and other documentation. Through its user-friendly portal (https://www.visahq.com/spain/) applicants receive up-to-date guidance on requirements, processing times and supporting paperwork, reducing administrative friction when relocating staff or purchasing property in the Balearics.
For global-mobility managers the rejection preserves the status quo: EU and third-country nationals may still acquire property in the Balearics, although Spain’s Golden Visa via real-estate investment was abolished last year. However, the political debate signals growing scrutiny of foreign ownership in tourist hotspots such as Mallorca and Ibiza, which could resurface as regional elections approach in 2027.
Companies relocating staff to the islands should monitor municipal ‘under pressure’ designations that could trigger higher property taxes or licensing restrictions on tourist apartments. Local governments are expected to revisit supply-side measures such as fast-tracking social-housing projects and tightening holiday-rental permits.
