Barcelona’s pre-emption ordinance has cleared a crucial hurdle, setting the stage for a powerful new tool to acquire private flats for public housing.
The Urban Planning Commission resolved objections to the measure on Tuesday, paving the way for a final council vote next week.
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This move could significantly expand the city’s stock of affordable homes.
Furthermore, the new municipal ordinance will regulate the City Council’s right of first refusal and withdrawal when apartments are sold. Consequently, it provides stronger legal guarantees than the existing 2018 metropolitan plan modification. The initiative also introduces novel elements, such as transferring this acquisition right to neighbours or housing entities.
Key Details of the Barcelona Pre-Emption Ordinance
The proposal, which passed its initial commission stage in March, focuses on properties with more than ten homes or those containing empty flats that could boost the public housing pool. Additionally, buildings housing residents with forced lease extensions or people with disabilities or in vulnerable situations will be prioritised. The location in neighbourhoods at higher risk of gentrification is another key factor.
Regarding the transfer of acquisition rights, the ordinance establishes the possibility of passing them to third parties or public initiative housing developers. Moreover, it includes legal occupants of the building or private or non-profit entities aimed at promoting officially protected housing. According to reports in La Vanguardia, the council has already acquired nearly 300 homes since the 2018 plan change.
Meanwhile, the political landscape shows support from PSC and Esquerra, guaranteeing 15 favourable votes. Junts is expected to abstain, while PP and Vox voted against in committee. BComú will reveal its vote during the plenary session. Councillor Lucía Martín criticised the PSC-led government for the delay in passing an ordinance that was already on the table in 2023.
She asserted that the budget for housing acquisition has fallen by 80% since Mayor Jaume Collboni took office. Therefore, she claimed the administration has “renounced all the potential of this measure to prevent many properties from becoming seasonal rentals or colivings.” This policy shift occurs as the city tackles its housing crisis from multiple angles, including the recent elimination of tourist apartments.
The forthcoming ordinance represents a strategic effort to increase affordable housing stock directly. It provides a mechanism to intervene in the private market for public benefit. The final plenary vote next week will determine if this tool becomes a permanent feature of Barcelona’s housing policy arsenal.
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