Summer houses or second homes

(Photo: Lisbeth Kirk)
Denmark has an opt-out (derogation) from the treaties allowing it to keep national laws which prohibit foreigners from buying summerhouses and second homes in Denmark if they do not live in Denmark.
When Austria, Sweden, and Finland joined the EU, they had a five-year transition period.
Since 1st January 2000, the purchase of second homes is now permitted in these three countries.

The future

Of the new applicant countries, only Malta got a permanent opt-out from the free sale of houses. People have to reside in the country for 5 years to be allowed to buy a second home in Malta.