"Banning the sale of Mallorca homes to non-residents is bordering on racism," says opposition candidate

camila culverrAre Spanish buying property in Mallorca I assume are also regarding as non residens? Considering the vast country Canada is, I find it strange to have that rule, however they are on their own and not part of a block the same as EU, so they can decide as they like.

Jason DWhich exactly countries have "heading down that road" in EU, not being able to buy property where you want? Can't think of one but you obviously is more enlightened - or is it just the normal moaning Brit?

Just a last thought: Mr. WILLIAMS claims there are " better ways to facilitate affordable housing", fine Mr. Williams, suggestions?? Have you seen that in Deia there are app 200 houses empty all year, which the local government claims it will pay the owners to rent out for social housing??? Last, but most revealing here is that you state how estate agency's are a "rather lucrative business in Mallorca"...which one do you work with???

Considering the vast amount of countries which are now limiting or banning property sales to foreigners, Austria, Sweden, Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, Mauritius, and more, there is obviously a problem. It is known that many many foreigners who buy property in Mallorca are not using it for a residence, it is used for vacation rental to their compatriots. Mallorca is an island, which means that available housing is very limited. This has nothing to do with politics, or idealogogy as you mention. This is reality Ask any Mallorquin who is not an estate agent. I for one have left the greed and insane prices and moved to Galicia.

camila culverrWell, first, Canada is a completely different kettle of fish, and frankly, I'm not sure if I agree with their position either, because there's other, better ways to facilitate affordable housing without destroying a rather lucrative part of the overall economy (which frankly is more of a risk here than in Canada). Second, this is highly unlikely to be implemented anyway, at least in the form that's sensationalised here, for a couple of important reasons... A) If it were implemented, it would almost assuredly result in the loss of the next elections for the current government, and the opposition would clearly dispose of it in short order. It would adversely affect too many ordinary voters, and a plethora of businesses and other interests (not just inmobiliaria). And it still wouldn't create affordable housing for the less fortunate. The presiding political party in government surely must be concerned about this, even if their more radical coalition partners are ideologically hell bent on it. B) There's the EU. It's the worlds largest free trade block, and Spain is a full member. This proposal is in many ways contrary to the fundamentals of the EU charter. It's doubtful that the EU would be as enthusiastic about this as minor parties in a coalition government here. Germans, for example are the largest foreign buyers of property here. And erm, if it's EU-wide legislation, it's subject to veto by any member state. Besides, the property price boom is waning, and there's likely to be another global economic downturn soon, so that will undoubtedly put a damper on property prices everywhere. The urgency to throw the baby out with the bathwater is therefore a bit irrational. Lastly, for the benefit of the self proclaimed libertarians here, this has nothing to do with communism or racism or anything else. In fact, ideologically, it's eerily similar to Brexit radicalism.

The price of homes in the Baleares is more and more out of reach for the middle class; the exorbitant rise of house prices is directly related to wealthy "foreigners" agreeing to pay inflated prices (classic case of the "rich gringo mentality). The greed of estate agents also adds to overall market increases. Canada is now prohibiting sale of homes to non residents because they understand that foreigners are willing to pay higher prices than locals, and there is now a serious shortage of affordable housing. Hello Mallorca???

Proof it's all just another anti-Brit tactic. Those "commies" could learn a few things about a successful "free market" from Britain, but the whole place is overrun with foreigners and too insular and racist to figure it out. Good job we left that mess 🇬🇧

It's certainly bordering communism. But then again, Europe as a whole has been heading down that road for years now with little to no push back. Cut out the rot that is the overbearing power arm of the state and allow a free market to flourish.

What has this to do with Brussels or the EU? Idiot Armengual pushing the blame when she has no answers.