Empty properties risk 'anti-social fine'
The day that controversial new legislation comes into force in Andalusia to assist families faced with repossession orders against their homes, Canarian president Paulino Rivero has said he will consider a similar move, which could see a 9000-euro fine slapped on banks and estate agents who do not release empty properties for rent.
Rivero says the Andalusian legislation, which also provides for homes about to be repossessed by banks to be expropriated for up to three years by the authorities, restores the original 'social' function of housing. "It would be worth examining the legal ramifications to see if something similar should be done here to alleviate the current eviction crisis faced by people who have been unable to keep up their payments" said the Canarian president yesterday. The Spanish government is "looking carefully" at the new Andalusian law to see if it breaches national legislation. For its part, the property sector says the threat of expropriations and fines will have a devastating impact on investment plans and will increase the cost of home loans as banks cover themselves against possible losses.
Island Connections article.
Talk about getting tough ? ::)