Access to decent and affordable housing has become one of the most pressing challenges in Spain. Rising purchase and rental prices, coupled with an insufficient supply of new build for sale on the Costa Blanca, have aggravated a situation that particularly affects young people, families and vulnerable groups. To solve this problem, comprehensive measures are needed to address the structural causes and promote a fairer and more accessible housing market.
One of the most effective measures to relieve pressure on the market is to introduce tax incentives for both developers and owners. Reductions in the Property Tax (IBI) or tax deductions for those who rent at affordable prices could stimulate the availability of housing on the market. Likewise, removing tax barriers to the rehabilitation of buildings could speed up the use of unoccupied or dilapidated buildings, increasing the supply of habitable housing.
The high cost of developable land is one of the main factors that make housing more expensive. A reform of the Land Law could facilitate the conversion of non-developable land into areas for affordable housing, especially on the outskirts of large cities. Furthermore, it is essential to promote urban planning policies that prioritise projects of social interest and balance urban development with sustainability.
Spain has one of the lowest percentages of social housing in Europe. Increasing public investment in this area is crucial to ensure that people with fewer resources have access to a home. Massive public housing construction programmes and public-private partnerships can be effective tools to rapidly expand supply. In addition, access criteria need to be reviewed and social housing needs to be ensured for those who really need it.
Regulating rental prices in high-demand areas can provide immediate relief for tenants. However, this measure must be combined with incentives for landlords to ensure a sufficient and balanced supply, avoiding adverse effects such as the withdrawal of housing from the market.
Collaboration between governments, developers and financial institutions is key to addressing the problem in a comprehensive manner. Offering accessible lines of credit for home purchases or the development of affordable projects can accelerate concrete solutions.
In short, the housing problem in Spain requires a multifaceted approach that combines legal reforms, tax incentives and greater investment in social housing. Only in this way will it be possible to guarantee the right to a decent home for all.
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