The Barcelona metropolitan area accounts for a significant 41.3% of Catalonia's protected housing stock, totalling 40,744 flats. This concentration highlights the region's historical commitment. It provides affordable homes for its 3.4 million residents.

Metrópoli Abierta analysed Catalan Government data. This substantial share positions the metropolitan area as a leader in subsidised accommodation. Decades of urban planning and local policies have prioritised the construction of these affordable properties. Notably, 56% of this housing will retain its protected status permanently, ensuring long-term affordability for residents. Rafael Angulo from Metropolitan House stated, "Social housing is viable, but with very tight margins."

Barcelona city itself leads with an estimated 16,160 protected homes built between 1980 and 2024. However, half of these properties will lose their protected status by 2040. This would leave only 8,316 permanently protected homes. Both the Spanish and Catalan governments are exploring options for perpetual protection licences for public housing. This aims to expand the protected housing stock alongside new construction efforts.

Expanding Barcelona's Public Housing

The Barcelona City Council's "Live Plan" (Pla Viure) seeks to increase and accelerate public housing construction. One major project, Glòries Island (Illa Glòries), will add 238 homes by the end of the year. This project represents a 44 million euro investment. The City Council aims to deliver an additional 1,500 protected homes by the end of its current term. This adds to 5,000 homes already under construction. Furthermore, the plan prepares land for 10,000 more homes, targeting a public housing stock of 15,000 by 2027. The council plans to maintain a pace of approximately 1,000 new protected homes annually.

Leading Municipalities in Affordable Homes

Beyond Barcelona city, other metropolitan municipalities also lead in public housing construction. L'Hospitalet de Llobregat has 3,382 protected homes. Badalona follows with 2,059, and Sant Adrià de Besòs with 1,555. These figures come from a Catalan Government estimate, which excludes homes built before 1980 due to data limitations. Sant Adrià de Besòs, however, clarifies that its La Mina neighbourhood alone features 2,344 permanently protected homes built in the 1970s.

L'Hospitalet City Council aims to generate 4,000 protected homes over the next six years. These will come from new builds or by reclassifying and mobilising existing properties. The council also confirmed the start of construction on seven plots during this term. These plots are part of the Catalan Government's "Plan 50,000" (Pla 50.000) and are designated for social rental housing. José Gras, Sant Adrià's Councillor for Territory, stated, "We are no longer the backyard, we are creating Catalonia's most powerful productive ecosystem."

Factors Driving Housing Policy

Sant Adrià de Besòs stands out for its balance between protected and market-rate housing. Councillor Gras explained, "Historically, its democratic governments have shown social sensitivity with urban planning policies." He cited the La Catalana neighbourhood as proof, noting its nearly 40% protection rate when not legally required. L'Hospitalet also sets reserves exceeding 40% for protected housing. These cities, including Santa Coloma de Gramenet and Cornellà, share structural factors explaining their focus on affordable housing.

Mercedes Blanco, a Pimec representative on the Catalan Government's Housing Advisory Council, highlighted high population density as a key factor. She noted, "These are large, very populated cities, closely integrated and directly close to Barcelona." This proximity creates a continuous urban system. Commuting for work and personal reasons happens normally, as if it were one large city. This urban continuity increases the perception of these municipalities as natural extensions of Barcelona. Blanco added, "In practice, they function as additional neighbourhoods within the same urban fabric. This increases pressure on the housing market and accentuates the need for affordable solutions."

Income Levels and Land Availability

Another critical factor is the income level of residents, which drives the need for affordable housing. Blanco explained, "The average salary in these populations limits access to certain areas of the real estate market. Prices there respond to buyers with greater purchasing power." Consequently, a significant portion of the population can only access more affordable housing types. This forces municipalities to adapt their residential offerings. Councillor Gras emphasised Sant Adrià's ongoing commitment. He said, "Sant Adrià will continue to lead in guaranteeing access to what we consider a basic right like housing, regardless of economic situation." This follows the completion of projects like La Catalana and the transformations of the Three Chimneys, Besòs neighbourhood, La Mina, and the Cardboard Factory, which will add over 1,500 protected units.

Finally, land availability plays a determining role. Unlike Barcelona, where land is almost exhausted, these municipalities still have room for new residential projects. Blanco concluded, "This capacity allows them to promote both affordable housing and the growth of the public stock. It consolidates their strategic role within the metropolitan area."

Permanent Protection for Public Housing

The Catalan Parliament recently approved the indefinite extension of public housing protection in designated "stressed areas." Most metropolitan municipalities fall into this category. This administrative decision prevents approximately 40,000 homes across Catalonia from entering the free market. Under previous legislation, these homes would have lost their protected status by 2030. The Catalan Government justifies this protection as a barrier against speculation and investment funds. Access to housing has become a primary concern for citizens. Councillor Gras affirmed, "It is the only way to create housing infrastructure." However, some residents in the wider Barcelona area are demanding an end to the indefinite protection of subsidised housing.

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Originally published by Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life. Read original article.