Barcelona launches a program that could change the lives of hundreds of elderly residents. City authorities have announced the introduction of a monthly payment of 400 euros for people over 55 who are at risk of losing their homes due to rising rents. This measure is aimed at curbing the wave of evictions and supporting those who are most affected by pressure on the housing market.
In recent months, the housing situation in Catalonia has become one of the most pressing issues for public discussion. Apartment and rental prices continue to climb, while demand from foreign buyers and investment funds is pushing locals out of their traditional neighborhoods. This is especially noticeable in areas like Eixample, where many buildings stand half-empty for most of the year because their owners only come during holidays.
Housing market under pressure
Barcelona’s mayor, Jaume Collboni, has harshly criticized foreign buyers, especially those not connected to the European Union. According to him, the city is losing housing for permanent residents, and apartments are turning into objects of speculation or second homes. Collboni stated that he would support a ban on property purchases by non-EU foreigners if it were legally possible.
The Catalan authorities have already received several expert opinions on how to tackle property purchases for resale or rental purposes. One option is to tighten urban planning regulations to limit the conversion of apartments into investment assets. Colboni has also proposed raising taxes for non-residents purchasing property, noting that the era of easy profits from rentals in Barcelona is coming to an end.
Elderly at risk
Elderly people have proven especially vulnerable. Although many own their homes, there are still quite a few who are forced to rent or even share accommodation. In the most difficult cases, people end up on the street. The new €400 payment is designed to help those who spend more than a third of household income on rent, as well as single parents.
City Hall emphasizes that support is intended for those genuinely at risk of losing their homes. If rental expenses exceed one third of a family’s income, help is available. Colboni noted that the city cannot afford to lose residents who have worked all their lives and now find themselves in a tough spot due to market changes.
Fighting the consequences
Barcelona authorities are not limiting themselves to just financial support. The city is discussing other measures to stop speculation and return housing to the market for permanent residents. Ideas include tightening oversight of rentals, increasing taxes for investors, and banning certain real estate transactions.
The question of how to protect vulnerable groups is also being discussed at the national level. A recent debate has erupted in Spain over the legalization of migrants, which is also linked to the pressure on the housing market. For example, the government’s decision on the emergency legalization of migrants has sparked debate about how this will affect apartment availability and social protection.
In recent years, Spain has repeatedly implemented measures to support tenants and combat rising housing prices. Some regions have introduced rent increase limits and launched subsidy programs for low-income families. However, experts note that without comprehensive legislative changes and stricter oversight of investments by large funds, the problem of housing affordability will only intensify. Other cities across the country are also discussing initiatives to curb speculation and support the most vulnerable groups.
