
's now lives in Pollenca on the idyllic island of - but there's increasing political tension there from anti-tourism campaigners who don't want Brits buying Spanish real estate. They fear the influx of foreign buyers will drive up prices and deplete the housing stock available to locals - and now a proposed property tax could mean an increase of 100% on the existing tax rate for anyone buying from outside the EU.
The announcement has shaken up the real estate industry - but the 42-year-old broadcaster is adamant that she doesn't believe it will happen. Taking to Instagram on Friday (April 18), the TV star revealed that she's "not losing sleep over it". She insisted: "This was part of a 12-point proposal aimed at tackling Spain's housing crisis, but it's far from being law."
She explained that all 17 autonomous regions in Spain would have to agree to the controversial tax in order for it to be greenlit. The mum-of-two declared: "Each [have] the power to set their own purchase transfer tax. Getting them all to agree? Unlikely.
"It's just a proposal. Pedro Sánchez leads a minority government, so pushing through new taxes on non-EU buyers? Unlikely." The TV star added: "Non-EU buyers only make up 3% of property transactions in Spain. So targeting them won't fix the housing crisis."
Laura then argued that those who despise tourism from the UK are in the minority, despite vocal protests in recent months. She continued: "The majority of locals want visitors and foreign investment. Tourism is vital, and welcomed," she continued in an optimistic tone.
"So...Thinking of booking a holiday to Spain? Do it. Considering buying a home here? There's no time like the present." One follower on , where she made her plea to Brits not to feel deterred by the negative press surrounding moving to Spain, agreed with her.
He wrote: "Well done Laura, actually telling people the truth. The media wants you to think that everyone is against the British people. Spain very much welcomes us!"
Meanwhile, Laura made her own move there less than a year ago, but her two kids Rocco and Tahlia, whom she shares with her former husband, insurance broker Alex Howard, are said to have settled in wonderfully.
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