Barcelona, November 13 – Barcelona City Council has announced the allocation of surface rights for three municipal plots, paving the way for the construction of 406 new affordable rental homes. This initiative marks the resolution of the first open competition in the Catalan capital for the promotion, construction, and management of protected housing, attracting significant interest from both public entities and private companies.
New Housing Projects Across Two Districts
The new housing developments will be spread across two key districts: Sants-Montjuïc and Sant Martí. The Fundació Família i Benestar Social has been awarded one of the plots, while Societat Built 4 Speed will be responsible for the other two. This strategic distribution aims to address housing needs in different areas of the city.
The Adjudication Process and Developer Involvement
The initiative, approved by the Economy and Finance Commission, saw a total of 13 candidatures submitted, highlighting the sector’s engagement with affordable housing solutions. The City Council will grant surface rights for 75 years, with an option to extend up to 90 years. This model allows the municipality to retain ownership of the land and eventually acquire the constructed buildings once the concession period ends.
All 406 units will be designated as affordable rental housing, with maximum prices set according to the general regulations for protected housing. The allocation of these homes will be managed by the Consorci de l’Habitatge de Barcelona, prioritizing individuals registered in the protected housing applicant registry.
Locations of the New Developments
The plot managed by Fundació Família i Benestar Social is situated at Acer Street 2-4, within the Marina del Prat Vermell neighborhood in the Sants-Montjuïc district. Societat Built 4 Speed’s projects will be located at Ascó Street 17-27 and Llull Street 255-363, in the Diagonal Mar and Front Marítim del Poblenou neighborhoods, respectively, both within the Sant Martí district.
Addressing Barcelona’s Housing Challenge
This development comes as Barcelona continues to grapple with housing affordability issues. The city has been actively seeking solutions to increase the supply of social and affordable housing. In a related effort, Barcelona is set to receive 113 million euros from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to construct 641 social housing units, further underscoring the city’s commitment to addressing its housing crisis.
How to Apply for Protected Housing
Prospective tenants interested in these affordable rental units, or other protected housing options, must be registered in the Registro de Viviendas de Protección Oficial (Protected Housing Registry) in Barcelona. Detailed requirements and steps for inscription can be found on the official municipal channels. The Consorci de l’Habitatge de Barcelona plays a crucial role in managing the allocation process, ensuring fair access to eligible applicants.
This comprehensive approach, involving both public and private sector collaboration, is expected to make a significant impact on the availability of affordable housing in Barcelona, providing much-needed relief to residents seeking stable and reasonably priced accommodation.
Source: https://www.elperiodico.com/es/barcelona/20251113/barcelona-viviendas-alquiler-asequible-406-pisos-123667881
