The mayor of London Sadiq Khan is the latest high-profile politician to call for properties in London properties that are owned by allies of Russian president Vladimir Putin to be seized.

Khan accused ministers of “turning a blind eye” to Russian oligarchs using London’s housing market “as a safe harbour” to invest their money.

Transparency International estimates that 100 London properties collectively worth around £1.1bn are owned by Russians accused of corruption or links to the Kremlin.

Khan said the London property market is being used as a “playground” for Russians accused of corruption or links to the Kremlin, as they invest their money in expensive UK homes that are left vacant.

The mayor said that he believes overseas buyers should face a higher empty homes premium, an increase in capital gains tax from 28% to 40% and a higher rate of annual tax on companies investing in properties over £500,000.

City Hall said the measures could raise up to £370m a year, which it said could help fund 2,500 low-cost homes.

The mayor had called for a register of foreign-owned UK properties in a bid to crack down on money laundering earlier this month, ahead of Russia invading Ukraine.

“London will always be open to foreign investment and the millions of people from around the world who choose to make our city home,” Khan said.

“But we must take proactive measures to insist on a greater contribution from overseas buyers, clamp down on those who look to exploit our openness, and use the money to invest in social and other low-cost homes for Londoners,” he added.