To address Spain’s housing crisis, the government proposes a new tax of up to 100% on properties purchased by non-EU residents, aiming to prioritize housing for Spanish citizens. This unprecedented measure, modeled after similar policies in Denmark and Canada, targets the significant number of properties acquired by non-EU buyers for investment purposes. The plan, part of a broader housing affordability initiative, also includes tax breaks for affordable housing providers, public housing expansion, and stricter regulations on short-term rentals. Further details regarding implementation and parliamentary approval remain pending.
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A dramatic 18.1% surge in U.S. homelessness in 2024, totaling over 770,000 individuals, is primarily attributed to escalating housing costs, natural disasters, and increased migrant populations. This follows a 12% increase in 2023, and disproportionately affects Black individuals and families, with family homelessness rising nearly 40% nationwide. While veteran homelessness decreased, the overall increase highlights the urgent need for increased investment in affordable housing and evidence-based solutions to prevent and end homelessness.
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Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has launched a comprehensive housing initiative aimed at tackling the country’s housing deficit. The program, built on a partnership between the federal government and housing institutions, will construct a million homes, including 500,000 built specifically for those ineligible for traditional public housing. A key feature is a zero-interest mortgage scheme, offering low-income families a path to homeownership with favorable terms, reflecting a commitment to equitable development and contrasting with previous right-wing administrations that focused on profit-driven projects. The initiative also prioritizes building accessible, functional housing near workplaces and public services, representing a significant departure from past projects that often placed homes in remote areas.
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John Q. Hosedrinker