Barcelona City Council has approved a record €320 million investment plan until 2029 to expand its public housing stock and address the affordability crisis in the real estate market. The primary goals are to increase the supply of affordable housing and curb speculation and high rental/purchase costs.
Key Aspects of the Plan:
Construction: The plan envisages the creation of 5,500 new affordable housing units within the next four years. This will double the current construction rate, reaching the target of 1,000 units completed or under construction annually.
Location: The bulk of the investment (a significant portion of the €320 million) will be focused on the districts of Sant Martí and Sants-Montjuïc.
Acceleration: An "emergency package" has been implemented to streamline licensing and permitting. Strategic agreements with the Catalan Land Institute (Incasòl) for land transfer will reduce bureaucratic delays. Inter-administrative collaboration is key.
Comprehensive Approach: Beyond new builds, funds will be used to acquire existing properties for the public stock and to refurbish vacant or dilapidated buildings into affordable housing. This diversified strategy maximizes impact.
Funding: It will combine EU funds, favorable bank loans, and municipal resources, ensuring long-term financial sustainability.
This unprecedented investment reaffirms Barcelona's commitment to social housing and positions it among European cities leading in public intervention to regulate the market and ensure access to affordable housing. The plan addresses the current crisis and outlines a long-term vision for a fairer city.