Spain's coalition government has approved new housing measures aimed at curbing speculative investment and protecting tenants, following widespread protests sparked by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman. The proposals include a potential ban on evictions until 2030 and stricter regulation of rental properties, though they require parliamentary approval.
The new housing measures aim to address Spain's housing crisis by protecting tenants and curbing speculative investment, potentially impacting millions of residents and the real estate market. The need for parliamentary approval introduces uncertainty regarding the final form and implementation of these significant policy changes.
Spain's coalition government has approved new housing measures following widespread protests against the country's housing crisis. The measures were prompted by the eviction of an 87-year-old woman from her Madrid home last week, an event that has become a symbol of the issue.
Ministers discussed proposals including a potential ban on evictions until 2030, a rollover of existing contracts until 2028, stricter regulation of short-term and room rentals, and a ban on housing purchases by investment firms. Health Minister Mónica García stated that these measures would provide relief to over five million people and aimed to intervene in the speculative housing market.
However, the proposals require approval from parliament, where the leftist coalition government lacks a majority. Míriam Nogueras, spokeswoman for the Junts party, criticized the plan for potentially lumping small landlords in with large investment funds.
The lawyer for the 87-year-old woman, Maricarmen Abascal, announced that she would be allowed to return to her home after reaching a deal with the property's owner. Abascal had been hospitalized after her forced removal. Protests have occurred in Madrid and other cities including Barcelona, Seville, Malaga, and Cadiz.
Pick the topics you care about. Get only what matters, on your cadence.