EXCLUSIVE: Spain’s supposed ‘war on Brits’ continues as the Spanish government are considering introducing 100% tax on non-EU residents looking to buy property – and the King of Benidorm is not happy
The ‘King of Benidorm’ expressed his initial fears of the Spanish government’s ‘war on Brits’ as they announced potential plans to penalise non-EU residents residing in the country.
In yet another blow for sun-starved Brits, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez declared that he is considering up to ‘100% tax’ on those not from the EU which, of course, includes Brits since we voted to leave back in 2016.
This could pose as a real issue for British retirees, who are the prime demographic that seek out buying houses and relocating to Spain, and those looking to make income from renting out their holiday homes.
And with one of the hotspots for non-natives setting up camp in Spain being Benidorm, could this be the end of Costa Blanca’s ‘Little England’?
One concerned resident is the unofficial ‘King of Benidorm’, real name Nigel Pope, who has been renting in Benidorm after relocating from Cornwall seven years ago.
The Costa Blanca ‘royalty’ fears for his own future as Spain plan to relentlessly target their ongoing housing crisis, which is negatively impacting locals.
Speaking exclusively to Daily Star, the unofficial royal of Benidorm admitted: “Of course I am a little concerned that in the future I might not be able to find cheap rentable places where I want to be in Benidorm and would have to move further out to where they are still cheaper.
“I have not spoken to anyone other friends about it, but I expect they feel the same way.”
Currently there are roughly about 3,380 British expats who reside in Benidorm, accounting for roughly 8.7% of the population. It stands that Benidorm is the most ‘British’ town in Spain, with over 40 British shops, restaurants and pubs dominating the strip.
Neighbouring Orihuela is home to 10,025 Britons, yet only 18 British venues can be found here. It’s estimated that 284,000 Britons live in Spain as of 2023 and that 12,470 of 27,000 Spanish property sales from foreigners involved a British buyer in the same year.
These figures have presumably spurred Spain’s Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, to reveal a package of 12 proposals aimed at providing “more housing, better regulation and greater aid” for locals.
Mr Sanchez said that the new 100% levy would help “prioritise the availability of housing for residents” and accused the 27,000 foreigners from outside the EU who purchased homes in Spain in 2023 of buying the properties “not to live in them, but to speculate.”
It is not currently known if these proposed plans will effect British people who reside in rented accommodation, like Nigel.
Despite concerns about this supposed ‘war on Brits’, Nigel is attempting to remain optimistic about his future in Benidorm.
He’s managed to build a strong 70,000 following on TikTok where he provides ‘digital’ tours of Benidorm, alongside his bar job.
Nigel hopes that those just seeking a holiday will be unaffected and noted that Benidorm is currently ‘buzzing’ with Brits this year already.
He said: “I don’t honestly expect these new proposals will have any impact on anyone coming here for a holiday as it will be business as usual.
“And, of course, Benidorm will continue to be an amazing place to spend their holidays, especially as Benidorm has become the ‘number one’ destination for tourism.
“It being used for many national events, like the upcoming ‘BeniFest’ on January 28 til February 2, where the finals for choosing Spain’s entry for this year’s Eurovision Song Contest are taking place again for the third year running.
“It’s a big event for Benidorm, with stages and big screens placed around the Old Town for all to witness and take part.
“Benidorm is still busy and will be even busier for the events that are taking place again this year, especially as we enjoyed temperatures in the mid to high 20Cs a few days ago at the beginning of January.”