fbpx Will Europe be TRUMPed? – Plus 5 Acres in Vilnius for under 60k!

Will Europe be TRUMPed? – Plus 5 Acres in Vilnius for under 60k!

Our 5th newsletter explores how Spain’s bold new tax policy on non-resident property owners could transform its real estate market. Explore the implications, Europe’s shifting residency landscape, and why now might be the best time to act.

1 Spain is debating a 100% tax for non-resident property owners

In my humble opinion, Europe remains one of the best places on the planet to live, offering visa-free access to 27 unique, wonderfully diverse cultures and histories.

Perhaps though it’s increasingly becoming a case of the haves and have-nots.

Those fortunate enough to hold European residency can enjoy the continent unencumbered, with its natural beauty and rich history all around while those who have left it too late, or are trying to gain entry through less legitimate avenues, are finding the doors are closing.

In some cases, this is happening gradually (as in Portugal), while other governments—such as the new one in Spain—are acting fast, and gaining popularity at home while they do it.

In living memory, Spain has been an exotic, affordable, and easy second home or lifestyle destination for Brits seeking to escape the gloom at home.

As a result, large parts of the country have been transformed into little more than package holiday strip-malls, often spoiled by the behavior of chubby Brits looking to get maximum value from their £299 week-long trips, leaving behind streets soaked in urine and vomit.

For years, as a result, I’ve felt terrible for Spain (and avoided it like the plague). It seems Spain has finally decided that the juice simply isn’t worth the squeeze and it’s now actively making itself less attractive to large groups of people. Frankly, I can’t blame them.

Getty Images A scenic view of homes on a hilltop in Spain's Costa del Sol
Getty Images A scenic view of homes on a hilltop in Spain’s Costa del Sol
“This includes the introduction of a tax for those from outside the European Union (EU) who do not currently live in Spain, which will be paid when they purchase a property. Proposals from the Spanish government suggest this levy could be as high as 100pc of the value of the home, much higher than current rates…

It was previously announced that the country’s famous “golden visa” scheme will close on April 3 this year, after the Government decided to shut out more expats. The minimum required investment for the visa had been €500,000 (£420,000).”

I’ve never understood the appeal of arriving at a café in Paris for breakfast and asking for a “full English,” or sitting in a “resort” in Benidorm drinking English pints with a fish and chips.. though I’ve seen it happen often.

Many European countries are currently reclaiming their culture, sovereignty, and border control within the framework of the broader European vision.

Spain appears to be the first to take a vocal stance in this direction. Several new laws have been passed, targeting public drunkenness, nudity, vandalism, and even loitering, all accompanied by hefty fines, or worse. Being on holiday simply isn’t a good enough excuse for bad behaviour anymore.

This latest move however is sure to hit many where it hurts—a new tax on homes for non-residents, which could go as high as 100%. As I’ve said before, Europe is closing. In my opinion, Spain has just slammed the door.

Things aren’t all bad. Remember, all respectful visitors are still widely welcomed with open arms. Try the local food, and for gods sake, learn to say hello (and thank you) in the local language and you’ll have an amazing time.

Takeaway:
If you’ve been thinking about European residency for a while, perhaps it’s time to act.

Our Gateway to Europe residency program remains open, and we are still (miraculously) securing European residency for clients in under four weeks.

Get in touch with us now to to book a time for a face-to-face consultation.

2 Trump cancels asylum applications – will Europe follow?

The US-Mexico border is effectively closed off to migrants seeking asylum in the United States within hours of President Donald Trump taking office, an extraordinary departure from previous protocols that has left many concerned migrants in limbo.

Venezuelan Yenyile Díaz, who has also spent months living in Ciudad Juarez with her family, said they had all lost their appointments following the shutdown of CBP One…

Full CNN Story HERE

Migrants seeking asylum in the United States gather near the border wall after crossing a razor wire fence deployed to inhibit their crossing into the United States, as a member of the Texas National Guard escorts them, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico December 19, 2024.
Migrants seeking asylum in the United States gather near the border wall after crossing a razor wire fence deployed to inhibit their crossing into the United States, as a member of the Texas National Guard escorts them, as seen from Ciudad Juarez, Mexico December 19, 2024.
“For anyone who has read European news recently, or visited any major European country, including the UK, you’ll notice towns and cities transformed with temporary accommodation and a new wave of population looking to make Europe their home.

Many new arrivals have come through “illegal” routes into Europe, just as they have into the US from Mexico—unannounced and, in many cases, uninvited. Over the years, we have welcomed them with open arms on humanitarian grounds, as most new arrivals apply through various asylum regulations.

In the last 10 years, around 10 million migrant applications for asylum have been registered in the European Union. This is, of course, in addition to “normal” residency routes, such as employment, education, and business.

The additional workload and resource requirements from these asylum applications and resettlement programs have placed many EU member states under tremendous pressure.

Many people in Europe are now closely watching to see whether or not the European Union will follow the lead of the US in restricting or eliminating this route.

If they do so, some argue this could free up significant resources for European development, economic investment, and the processing of legal residency applications.

Love him or hate him (and opinions do seem polarizing), Donald Trump has swept into the White House with clear and decisive action—something that has been lacking in Western politicians for decades. His plan appears clear: economic expansion and a boom for America.

Many European leaders find this rhetoric attractive, following years of austerity and overburdened social systems focused on welfare agendas. Countries like Poland, Hungary, Portugal, and Spain have all moved rapidly in recent months towards the right, with a focus on national prosperity.

Trump’s arrival in the White House, and his agenda, could be a welcome sight for those, and many other European countries, looking to expand their economic growth instead of their social welfare programs.”
– Aaron Banks, Baltic Capital Partners | CEO

3 Vilnius, Lithuania Celebrates 702 Year History this Week

Seven hundred and two years ago, the founding father of Vilnius, Grand Duke Gediminas, wrote letters to people in Western Europe, inviting them to Vilnius and asking skilled artisans to contribute to the new city.

This letter was addressed to several German cities, including Lübeck, Sund, Bremen, Magdeburg, Cologne, and others in the Holy Roman Empire.

Gediminas explained that despite Lithuania being a pagan country, it was highly tolerant towards Christians.

In his invitation, he urged knights, merchants, doctors, artisans, and others to come to the Grand Duchy, assuring them the freedom to practice their trade and faith without any restrictions.

Notably, Gediminas extended the invitation to German Jews and Christians alike, marking a crucial moment in the establishment of the Jewish community in Lithuania.

Peasants were promised a ten-year tax exemption, and merchants were granted immunity from tariffs and taxes.

– It seems us peasants of today, are a lot worse off than those of just 700 short years ago. Now that’s what I call a gradual decline! Where’s my 10 year tax break?! – Aaron Banks

Gediminas' Tower - Wikiwand
Gediminas’ Tower – Wikiwand
“According to the legend, Grand Duke Gediminas dreamt of an iron wolf on a hill during a hunting trip in Šventaragis valley (near today’s Cathedral Square).

Taking this as a divine sign, he decided to build a mighty city, Vilnius, immediately. The vision foresaw a city as strong as iron and famous worldwide, echoing the howls of a hundred wolves!”

4 ‘Once-in-a-century’ discovery reveals spectacular luxury of Pompeii

On a recent trip to Italy (yep I’m that guy now), I made sure I took some time to finally tick a big one off my bucket list.

A slow, gorgeous, walking tour through the ancient city of Pompeii… in 46 degrees (with occasional heavy rain).

Sweating like a pedophile in church, and with my Toga confiscated at the gate, every cobbled step was a revelation.. Quick takeaway though – never visit that part of Italy in August!

You see these things on documentaries, or in the media, but it was truly remarkable to venture forth in person, the crunch of volcanic rock under every step, finding whole buildings in place, mosaic masterpieces untouched.

Perhaps that’s what stands out most for visitors, I guess a vivid glimpse of our mortality, the fleeting nature of our existence, frozen in time. It was a wonderful experience, though did drive me to sample 4 bottles of Chianti (and a very fine Limoncello) at lunch with the realisation that this has all happened before..

Perhaps though, the best part personally, is that as a kiwi, I’m able to say “on a recent visit to Italy” more than once or twice a year 🙂

There’s a direct flight from Vilnius to Naples (Pompeii is around 45 minutes from Naples), leaving several times a week and taking no more than two hours.

I would highly recommend anyone coming to visit us to complete their residency, to make the next stop on their trip Naples, flying out of Vilnius.

I haven’t seen the new discovery below yet in person – but I can’t wait! (plus I need to re-stock the limoncello, the damn stuff evaporates at my house

Learn more at the BBC

Tony Jolliffe/BBC Detail of a fresco recently uncovered at Pompeii
Tony Jolliffe/BBC Detail of a fresco recently uncovered at Pompeii
“Archaeologists have discovered a sumptuous private bathhouse – potentially the largest ever found there – complete with hot, warm and cold rooms, exquisite artwork, and a huge plunge pool. The spa-like complex sits at the heart of a grand residence uncovered over the last two years during a major excavation.

It’s these spaces that really are part of the ‘Pompeii effect’ – it’s almost as if the people had only left a minute ago,”
– Dr Gabriel Zuchtriegel, Director of the Archaeological Park of Pompeii

5 Plant your Flag! Featured Property

This is the perfect choice for those who dream of owning a lovely homestead with beautiful nature, only 20 km or 25 minute drive from the CBD.

Good infrastructure: approx. 1 km to the nearest public transport stop (bus route 66 to Žalgirio st.), approx. 1 km to the nearest local shop. Only 380 m to the Neris river (very well maintained waterfront, outdoor fitness equipment nearby).

FEATURES:
– Convenient access to the house;
– Access to the gated community through automatic gates;
– Neighbours living permanently in the neighbourhood;
– Levelled, landscaped and fenced on 3 sides plot of 5.82 acres;
– Convenient location: only 20 km or 20-25 minutes by car to Konstitucijos Ave (the CBD).

GENERAL INFORMATION:
– Address: Sodiečių 4-oji g., Skirgiškių kaim;
– Surface area of the house: 83,53 sq. m;
– Apartment – 2 floors;
– Number of rooms: 4;
– Year of construction – 1994;
– Construction material – log;
– Heating – electricity (electric radiators) and wood-burning stove with fireplace;
– Plot size – 5,82 a;
– The plot has a regular shape, it is levelled and landscaped.

FACILITIES:
– Walls – wooden paneling;
– Flooring: wooden;
– Windows – wooden.

https://en.aruodas.lt/namai-vilniaus-rajone-skirgiskiu-k-sodieciu-4-oji-g-parduodamas-kv-m-sodo-namas-su-a-2-1650089/?center=1&search_pos=36

Vilnius district municipality, Skirgiškių village, Gardeners 4th St., log farmstead
Vilnius district municipality, Skirgiškių village, Gardeners 4th St., log farmstead
“You’ll thank me for these!.. After the response we had to the last property we shared with you, we’ve decided to make it a regular event.

Each newsletter will feature a property, we have hand-picked to demonstrate some of the options, and lifestyles available in this part of the world.

Recently, I’ve shared with many clients that, in my personal opinion, investing in real estate, in Lithuania is a very good idea.

In many ways it reminds me of the Australasian real estate environment, 30-40 years ago. You can still purchase a family home here though, and pay it off in two or three years. Perhaps even better, that home is usually located no more than 30 minutes from the city.

The house we have found today, is a fine example of this.

It’s been a very, very long time indeed since you could buy a property of this caliber, 30 minutes to a major international tech hub (home to Nasdaq, Revolut and Wise to name a few), and the CBD, for under €60,000 anywhere in Australasia.. and forget about the UK!

Vilnius is beautifully located in Europe, with a flight time of under two hours to at least 15 out of 27 of the European countries, and most flights cost less than €50 of booked in advance.

Even better yet, you can leave wellness and pop over to the club in London in time for lunch. Flight time is around 90 minutes to London.

When you come home, put your feet up next to the fire in the lovely offering opposite….”
– Aaron Banks, Founder | CEO

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