Transfer of Housing Stock: New Prospects for the Region
In October 2025, a protocol was signed in Barcelona granting Catalunya access to managing 13,000 apartments and more than 300 land plots. These properties were previously held by Sareb and will now come under the control of regional authorities on a long-term lease basis. The agreement was formalized at an official ceremony attended by Spain’s Minister of Housing and the head of the government of Catalunya.
Transfer Terms and Property Details
Under the terms of the agreement, the region will have the right to use the apartments and land plots for four years, with the possibility of extending for another four years. All properties are designated for social housing under public management. The portfolio includes both occupied and vacant apartments, as well as those requiring renovation and upgrades.
The majority of the properties are located outside Barcelona: the city itself has fewer than 800 apartments, accounting for about 6% of the total. The remaining properties are distributed among municipalities with populations above 5,000 or in fast-growing areas where the population has increased by more than 5% over the past decade.
Technical Parameters and Housing Requirements
The transferred apartments range up to 85 square meters, while some properties reach up to 150 square meters, provided their value does not exceed the established limit. All buildings must comply with current construction standards, have no major structural defects, and provide the necessary living conditions.
Impact on the market and future plans
The total market value of the assets being transferred is estimated at nearly 6 billion euros. The Catalan authorities expect that expanding the public housing stock will help stabilize the rental market and improve housing affordability for the population. Authorities in Spain note that a similar management model could be implemented in other regions of the country.
Under the agreement, regional authorities plan to strengthen oversight of rentals, address violations in the tourism sector, and maintain ongoing dialogue with municipalities. These measures are expected to create a sustainable affordable housing system and mitigate the negative consequences of past economic crises.
