Barcelona, January 5, 2026 – Barcelona is set to launch a new fair focusing on affordable housing, a direct response to the ‘The District’ real estate event’s move to Madrid in 2026. Mayor Jaume Collboni confirmed this development in an interview with Nació, stating that the new event aligns with the city’s priorities for public and social housing.
A Strategic Shift in Barcelona’s Real Estate Agenda
The decision to host an affordable housing fair comes after four consecutive editions of ‘The District’ were held in the Catalan capital. Mayor Collboni emphasized that the affordable housing sector is experiencing significant growth and requires dedicated platforms for discussion and collaboration. The new fair will highlight public policies and social promotion models in housing.
Collboni acknowledged that the relocation of ‘The District’ is part of the typical dynamics of professional trade shows. However, he stressed the importance of Barcelona responding with initiatives that reflect its urban vision. “The idea is to create a salon with its own identity and a clear purpose. Barcelona wants to highlight an economy oriented towards welfare and access to housing,” he stated.
Industry Support and Future Investment
The Mayor revealed that the city council has already received a concrete proposal from sector promoters. These promoters believe there is currently no fair in Spain exclusively focused on affordable housing. The city council will review the proposal with interest, deeming it consistent with its social and economic objectives.
Collboni underscored the significant investment expected in social and affordable housing from public administrations over the next ten to fifteen years. This forecast, he noted, justifies the creation of a specialized fair. The event will serve as a meeting point for administrations, developers, and experts to share experiences and solutions, as well as to showcase ongoing projects and new policies. Barcelona aims to lead this discussion and position itself as a reference point in housing policies that meet the real needs of its population.
Broader Context of Housing Initiatives in Barcelona and Spain
This initiative comes at a time when Barcelona is actively engaged in various housing projects. The City Council has launched an open competition to build three developments with 350 affordable rental homes in the neighborhoods of Marina del Prat Vermell and Diagonal Mar i el Front Marítim del Poblenou. This project, part of the ‘Pla Viure’ and the future Strategic Housing Plan, aims to deliver 3,300 public homes by 2027, with an additional 2,000 under construction and plans for 10,000 protected homes on municipal land. [ajuntament.barcelona.cat](https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/arxiumunicipal/arxiuhistoric/es/news/lajuntament-llanca-un-concurs-obert-per-construir-tres-promocions-amb-350-habitatges-de-lloguer-assequible-1463812)
Furthermore, Barcelona is implementing measures to increase residential housing supply by converting tourist-use homes back to residential use and reforming the 30% protected housing reserve for new developments. The goal is to eliminate all 10,101 tourist apartments in the city by November 2028. [ajuntament.barcelona.cat](https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/gracia/es/noticies/medidas-para-hacer-frente-a-la-emergencia-de-vivienda-y-aumentar-la-oferta-de-vivienda-1413270)
The city is also undertaking a citizen participation process to develop the new Barcelona Housing Plan 2026-2033, aiming to redefine housing policies and address current and future challenges. This plan focuses on universalizing the right to housing, rehabilitating existing homes for sustainability and comfort, and addressing vulnerability. [ajuntament.barcelona.cat](https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/ciutatvella/es/noticias/el-ayuntamiento-inicia-el-proceso-participativo-ciudadano-para-elaborar-el-nuevo-plan-de-vivienda-de-barcelona-20252032-1494534) [ajuntament.barcelona.cat](https://ajuntament.barcelona.cat/lescorts/es/noticia/lajuntament-inicia-el-proces-participatiu-ciutada-per-elaborar-el-nou-pla-dhabitatge-de-barcelona-2025-2032-2_1494625)
On a national level, the Spanish State Housing Plan 2026-2030 is set to receive an unprecedented allocation of 7 billion euros, aiming to establish housing as the fifth pillar of the welfare state. This plan focuses on increasing the affordable housing stock, rehabilitating existing homes, reducing the age of emancipation for young people, lowering financial burdens for housing access, and reversing strained market areas. [lamoncloa.gob.es](https://www.lamoncloa.gob.es/consejodeministros/resumenes/Documents/2025/160925-PEV%2026-30_RESUMEN%20EJECUTIVO_250916_150204.pdf)
Source: brainsre.news
