Barcelona City Council has officially handed over the keys to the first housing development completed under the ESAL agreement. This collaboration with third-sector entities is designed to boost the city’s public housing stock. The new block, known as “Les Palmeres,” brings 44 affordable rental apartments in El Raval to the market, located at Carrer de Sant Martí, 12-14.
The project was executed in partnership with the Nou Lloc and Salas foundations. They formed a Temporary Business Union (UTE) to manage the development. The initiative involved the Council transferring surface rights to the foundations to construct and manage the rentals. This was supported by subsidies from Next Generation EU funds and the Catalan Finance Institute (ICF).
Your browser does not support the video tag.Home » Affordable Rental Apartments in El Raval: Barcelona Delivers 44 New Homes
Layout and Accessibility of El Raval Apartments
The development is designed to cater to diverse household needs within the district. Of the 44 units delivered, eight are one-bedroom flats. Meanwhile, the remaining 36 feature two bedrooms. The building also includes ground-floor courtyards and 44 storage rooms for residents.
Accessibility has been a key consideration in the design. Therefore, four of the apartments have been specifically adapted for individuals with reduced mobility. These units range in size from approximately 53 to 70 square metres.
Rental Costs and Affordability in El Raval
In a city where rental prices continue to rise, this development offers significant relief to successful applicants. The monthly rent for these units has been set between €417.42 and €553.10. This depends on the specific characteristics and size of the apartment.
Tenants will also be responsible for community expenses, property tax (IBI), and other associated tributes. These are estimated to add approximately €72 to the monthly outlay.
Allocation of New Affordable Apartments
The apartments have been allocated to individuals and families currently inscribed in the Barcelona Official Protected Housing Registry. The City Council has provided a breakdown of the allocation to ensure the development serves specific community demographics:
- 11 apartments for existing residents of the El Raval and Gòtic neighbourhoods.
- 13 apartments for young people under the age of 35.
- 4 apartments for single-parent families.
- 4 apartments for people with reduced mobility.
- 12 apartments distributed among the general quota.
Housing Context in Ciutat Vella
The Ciutat Vella district remains a focal point for public housing initiatives in Barcelona. According to the latest district housing report published last summer, the area concentrates nearly 20% of the city’s protected, social, and affordable housing.
Beyond the Les Palmeres project, several other developments are currently in the allocation phase within the district:
- 11 official protected housing units on Carrer d’en Botella.
- 17 affordable rental units for young people on Carrer de l’Hospital.
- 18 units on Passeig Joan de Borbó.
- 36 flats managed by Hàbitat3 on Ronda de Sant Pau.
Furthermore, rehabilitation work is underway on two additional properties in the district. For example, a building on Carrer de Lancaster will provide 29 homes. In addition, another on Carrer de Reina Amàlia will add eight more units to the public stock.
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