New Family Support Service Launched in Catalonia
The authorities of Catalonia have announced the launch of a new agency aimed at preventing residents from losing their homes. The Residential Stability and Protection Service (SPER) will start operating in 2026, offering comprehensive support to families at risk of eviction. The initial focus will be on municipalities with the highest rates of court-ordered evictions and forced relocations.
The service plans to coordinate efforts between social workers, lawyers, and real estate experts. They will work together with local administrations, non-profit organizations, property owners, and banks. This approach is designed to identify risks early and provide assistance before cases escalate to police intervention.
Funding and Implementation Timeline
An initial €15 million has been allocated to create and develop the service. This funding will allow SPER to gradually expand across Catalonia, starting with the most vulnerable areas. Officials emphasize that the main goal is not only to respond to existing problems, but also to prevent them from arising.
The new agency is expected to become a one-stop shop for anyone at risk of losing their home. It will offer consultations, legal support, and assistance in negotiations with landlords or lending organizations. This approach aims to reduce the number of evictions and provide greater stability for families.
Restrictions on real estate speculators
Alongside the launch of the support service, the Catalan government is considering restrictions on property purchases for resale. Special attention is being given to the activities of investment funds and legal entities that buy up real estate in high-demand areas, driving up prices and pushing out local residents.
Measures under discussion include introducing a minimum ownership period before properties can be resold, as well as limits on bulk purchases in certain areas. Legal experts are already analyzing how these initiatives align with current legislation and how they could be implemented in practice.
Goals and prospects of the new initiatives
The Catalan government emphasizes that it does not intend to fully intervene in market processes. The main goal is to ensure that residents of the region can live in decent conditions and prevent speculative deals from forcing people out of their homes. The new measures are part of broader policies aimed at stabilizing the housing market and protecting the interests of citizens.
The initiative to create a support service and limit speculative property purchases was agreed upon with political groups advocating for stricter real estate controls. These measures are expected to reduce social tension and improve housing affordability for residents of Catalonia.
