Catalan government studies speculative housing purchase restrictions as President Salvador Illa announces potential measures to address the region’s affordability crisis.
During Wednesday’s parliamentary control session, Illa confirmed his administration would examine prohibiting speculative property acquisitions if legally feasible.
Catalan Government Studies Housing Market Intervention
The announcement came in response to questions from CUP deputy Laure Vega, who highlighted growing concerns about housing accessibility. Furthermore, Vega pressed for limits on individual property ownership, referencing a Barcelona Metropolitan Strategic Plan study indicating majority public support for such restrictions. Consequently, Illa confirmed the Department of Territory, Housing and Ecological Transition is already examining this proposal.
Meanwhile, the parliamentary session also addressed tax policies and the recently frozen self-employed contribution increase. Both Junts and ERC criticised Illa for not publicly opposing the initial rise, though the Catalan leader welcomed the eventual reversal that protected lower-income workers. Additionally, Junts announced plans to propose legislation reducing income tax and eliminating inheritance tax, arguing Catalan families face unprecedented financial pressure.
The housing debate occurs alongside other significant developments in Barcelona’s property landscape, including recent property tax freezes in neighbouring municipalities. This coordinated approach suggests regional authorities are pursuing multiple strategies to stabilise housing costs.
According to official parliamentary records, Illa defended his government’s housing strategy, emphasising their flagship policy to mobilise all available land in Catalonia for constructing up to 214,000 homes, half designated as protected housing. Nevertheless, opposition parties demanded more ambitious action against property speculation.
Environmental concerns also featured prominently, with Illa denying new construction in flood-prone zones while committing to update emergency systems for extreme weather events. The government’s €37 million package approved for Terres de l’Ebre to prevent future flooding demonstrates this commitment.
The session concluded with debates on two government decrees requiring parliamentary majority support, including one creating an Additional Extraordinary Fund 2025 for Local Entities. Therefore, the Catalan government studies not only housing reform but broader fiscal and social service improvements, reflecting comprehensive governance approach.
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