UK tourists urged to 'cancel' Spain plans and holiday in three other countries instead

UK tourists are being urged to cancel their Spain hotel and apartment bookings and holiday elsewhere amid strict new rules. A war on British tourists has hit Spain, with the European Union country introducing a new '100 per cent tax' on expats buying homes - and strict Big Brother-like laws for hotel guests.

Now, the European countries where Brits can buy a home to avoid Spain's new 'anti-expat' tax has been revealed. Earlier this week, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that non-EU residents could be forced to pay up to 100% tax on the value of their properties.

In 2023, non-EU residents bought 27,000 properties in Spain, which Mr Sánchez said were "not to live in, but to make money from". Experts and property gurus say UK tourists can buy elsewhere - including France, just over the Channel.

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Mark Harvey from Knight Frank estate agency recommends the southwest region around the Pyrenees foothills or inland areas from the Var coast, between Nice and Marseilles, such as Lorgues. Greece is another option for UK tourists, experts say.

The holiday hotspot - which is renowned for its islands like Crete, Kos, Corfu, Rhodes and more - offers a golden visa for non-EU citizens who invest at least €250,000, although new regulations stipulate a minimum investment of €800,000 for properties in popular areas, including Athens and numerous islands.

As well as Greece and France, Montenegro is a more underrated option. The likles of Porto Montenegro, Lustica Bay and Portonovi are ideal for UK tourists who want to start a new life abroad, experts have commented this week.

Montengero offers no stamp duty on new-build homes, property tax of 0.56%, income tax ranging between 9-15%, and capital gains of 15%. Brits are given a temporary residence permit, which is valid for a year and comes with a €25 fee.

Or you can get a renewable permanent residence permit that lasts up to five years.