The other countries set to follow Spain and declare war on Brits' holiday homes: France, Greece and Portugal among the EU nations looking to take action as war on tourists and expats threatens to expl

The Spanish government's shock plans to tax foreign buyers looking to buy homes has stunned British hopefuls dreaming of retiring by the sea. Housing prices are also steadily rising, especially in cities and coastal areas where many foreign buyers - including Brits - have snapped up relatively expensive properties for speculation or to let out as short-stay holiday homes through the summer. France took steps late last year to temper growing frustration over the availability of housing, passing a long-awaited bill to tighten regulations on the short-term tourist rental market. In 2023 alone, non-residents from outside of the EU bought 27,000 houses and flats in Spain, 'not to live in them, but mainly to speculate', Pedro Sanchez said Tenerife locals hold placards raising concerns about the impact of mass tourism, October 2024 A man walks past a graffiti in central Athens hitting out at overtourism Spain has set the tone with an ambitious list of policy proposals focused on reforming the construction industry, ensuring affordable rentals and offering incentives to those who follow renting guidelines. A sign at an Alicante protest reads 'F*** AirBnB', expressing frustration with the holiday home rental company A local resident who was forced out of her home in Metaxourgio, Athens, said the situation in the bustling city was becoming 'very depressing' Fury erupted in Greece last year, as messages appeared scrawled on walls in Athens ahead of the main summer rush.