In the 2013 budget, the government proposes to tax rents on a ceded basis at a tax rate of 25%.
I propose to extend property taxation to all properties - which meet the definition of a dwelling and where the owner of that dwelling does not have a registered permanent residence, whether or not they are rented out.
I propose a tax on empty dwellings of 40% on the opportunity income that the owner of the property would receive if he were to rent it out on the market.
Example:
A flat worth €100,000; annual opportunity rent (6% of the property value) €6,000/year. Tax on this empty flat - €2,400/year.
Reason for the proposal:
There is nothing wrong with people investing large sums of money in gold, silver, diamonds, antiques, etc.
But it seems to me very, very wrong for people to invest large sums of their money in housing or food, with the intention of taking the housing or food off the market and depriving other people of a life worth living.
Housing is meant to be lived in. Food is for survival.