Spain has been told to change its property laws by the European parliament to prevent excessive urbanisation.

The call – which could benefit those buying Canary Islands property – saw MEPs voting 349 to 110 to suspend European Union (EU) aid to the country unless it changed its regulations.

As well as criticising "excessive urbanisation" in coastal areas, the parliament also hit out at the "outrageously slow" process involved in compensating those affected by unlawful building practices.

Such a situation could lead to those buying Canary Islands property getting better protection under the law.

Recently, a court case in Spain ruled that charging more capital gains tax to foreigners if they sell on a property was illegal under EU discrimination law.

The country had been charging its own nationals at a 15 per cent rate, while Britons and others had to pay 35 per cent.

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