Red tape tracker

Canada
A two-year foreign buyer ban due to end on January 1 2025 has been extended to 2027. Permanent residents and some temporary workers are exempt, along with some rural and “recreational” property.

New York
In September 2023, a de facto ban on short-term lets came into effect. Partial home stays of less than 30 days remain permissible, if the property is registered with the Mayor’s Office and the host present throughout.

UK
A Labour Party victory in the UK general election is expected to end the non-dom tax regime, increase stamp duty for overseas buyers and potentially lead to changes to inheritance tax rules.

France
From 2025, properties rated G for energy efficiency can no longer be let. Since August 2022, rents for F- and G-rated properties cannot be increased. The rules do not apply to furnished holiday lets.

Hong Kong SAR
The rates of both ad valorem and buyer’s stamp duty have been reduced for non-permanent residents, meaning a reduction from 30% to 15% overall.

Portugal
The Non-Habitual Residency initiative, with lower tax rates for non-residents, was due to end in 2023 but has been extended for applicants who can prove their move was planned prior to December 2023.

UAE
UAE has reintroduced the three-month or 90-day visit visa, which can be extended within the country for an additional cost.

Chinese mainland
New housing policies across first-tier cities include lowering the down payment ratio for first-time and second-home purchasers and extending the maximum mortgage term to 30 years.

Australia
Fees for foreigners allowed to buy existing houses will be tripled, and taxes for foreigners who leave dwellings vacant doubled. Plus, January saw the country's “golden visa” scheme halted.

New Zealand
Mortgage interest can once again be deducted from rental income for tax purposes and investors now need to hold a property for two years rather than 10 to avoid paying capital gains tax.

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