Denmark Proposes 100,000 Krone Fine for Vacant Year-Round Homes

Denmark may soon raise fines for leaving year-round homes empty. The proposed fine will reach 100,000 Danish kroner for repeated violations. This applies to owners who ignore local residence rules. The current maximum fine is 20,000 Danish kroner.

Jacob Mark proposed the new rule change. He is the Minister for Children, Seniors, and Housing. He represents the Socialist People's Party in Denmark. The official proposal goes into public consultation on Friday.

The policy targets full-year homes in popular vacation towns. Some owners leave these houses empty for long periods. The minister said empty homes turn lively towns into ghost towns. Local shops close when residents do not live there. Community life also suffers when houses stay vacant.

Former minister Sophie Hæstorp Andersen suggested a similar fine in February. The government now wants a fivefold increase in penalty fees. Source: DR.