Make or break for Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez next month. | Photo: Nacho Gallego
Humphrey CarterPalma20/10/2026 10:16
If Spain swings to the right at the general election next month the result could apparently lead to a number of changes for British residents. At the moment, the conservative Partido Popular (PP) leads aggregate polling trends, while the state-run pollster shows the ruling Socialist Party (PSOE) in front ahead of Spain’s snap general election scheduled for November 29, 2026.
Recent data reveals a sharp contrast between independent polling aggregates and official state surveys. According to the tracking data updated on October 19, 2026 by PolitPro’s Election Trend, the center-right PP maintains a solid lead nationwide. However, the state-run Centre for Sociological Research (CIS) published a poll on October 14, 2026, placing the PSOE significantly ahead.
Most independent polls suggest a potential combined parliamentary majority for the conservative PP and the far-right Vox. According to immigration and legal analysts tracking the election, a right-wing victory could impact British expats in some key areas.
The centre-right PP has historically favored cutting or eliminating the Impuesto sobre el Patrimonio (Wealth Tax) and the temporary solidarity tax on large fortunes. For affluent British retirees or investors, a PP-led government could lower the overall tax burden on global assets.
Right-wing regional governments in Spain have systematically reduced inheritance and gift taxes. A national right-wing shift could solidify these tax exemptions, making it cheaper for British residents to pass Spanish assets to heirs.
The snap election was triggered after PP and Vox voted down the left-wing government’s emergency housing measures. A right-wing administration is expected to repeal parts of the Housing Law (Ley de Vivienda), removing rent caps. This could benefit British landlords letting out property but may increase costs for British tenants.
Both PP and Vox have promised much tougher, faster eviction laws to protect property owners, an issue of high concern for British second-home owners. While Vox heavily advocates for tighter overall border controls and immigration overhauls, their focus is primarily directed at illegal immigration. The right-wing stance generally favours wealthy foreign investment.
The current socialist government’s plans to scrap the “Golden Visa” programme could be reversed or modified under a right-wing executive. Any major overhaul of the immigration system or the creation of new ministerial portfolios could lead to initial administrative backlogs for British nationals applying for residency renewals or Non-Lucrative Visas.
Because the UK is a third-country nation, the strict 90/180-day travel rule and Schengen zone limitations are governed by EU-wide law, meaning a change in Madrid cannot unilaterally grant British tourists longer stays. However, a right-wing government’s approach to bilateral UK-Spain agreements regarding driving licenses, healthcare integration, or worker exchanges will depend heavily on reciprocal treatment of Spanish citizens living in the United Kingdom.