The Catalan authorities (Catalunya) are once again in the spotlight after sparking debate on one of the most controversial ideas in recent years: restricting property purchases for investment purposes. This week, regional officials and members of the Comuns party have started forming a working group to analyze the potential impact of such a measure on the real estate market. The question of whether to ban purchases of apartments not intended as primary residences has triggered strong reactions from industry professionals and ordinary citizens alike.
The initiative emerged after President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, tasked the relevant ministry with exploring ways to combat speculation in the housing market. Although the government has not yet made an official statement, representatives of Comuns have already introduced a bill in parliament that seeks to limit transactions not tied to purchasing a home for personal use. In response, Minister for Territory and Housing, Sílvia Paneque, confirmed the formation of an expert group that will also include independent specialists.
Real estate market on the brink of change
The first meeting of the working group is scheduled for tomorrow and will take place at the Department of Territories. The discussion will include both government representatives and Comuns deputies, as well as invited experts. The main objective is to review the report prepared for the Área Metropolitana de Barcelona and develop recommendations for further action. Authorities plan to hold weekly sessions so that the first conclusions can be presented by spring 2026.
Supporters of the initiative insist: new approaches must be found to ensure that housing built in Catalonia is used mainly for permanent residence, not profit. Authorities emphasize that other measures are also under consideration—from expanding public housing stock to tightening rental controls and introducing a registry of major property owners. This registry, incidentally, was supposed to launch back in November, but its rollout was delayed for further legal adjustments.
Business community raises alarm
The market’s reaction was swift. Developers and real estate agencies openly voice concerns: if the restrictions take effect, this could stall renovation projects and reduce the region’s investment appeal. Some market players describe the developments as a direct encroachment on private property and warn of potential capital outflow.
At the same time, according to the latest survey by the Centre d’Estudis d’Opinió, housing availability remains the most pressing issue for residents of Catalonia. The rental market is particularly strained, with demand far outstripping supply and prices continuing to rise.
Political nuances and next steps
Interestingly, the initiative to restrict investment purchases comes not only from the government, but also from the Comuns party, which has already played a significant role in shaping the region’s housing policy. Although Comuns has only six representatives in parliament, their position is often decisive in passing key decisions. This time, the party once again found itself at the forefront of change, proposing radical measures to curb speculation.
In the coming months, a working group will analyze potential scenarios for how events may develop. Options under discussion include introducing housing purchase quotas, additional taxes for investors, and even an outright ban on certain types of transactions. Final decisions have not yet been made, but one thing is clear: Catalonia’s real estate market is in for a major shake-up.
By the way, who is Salvador Illa
Salvador Illa is a well-known figure not only in Catalonia, but beyond its borders. Before leading the Generalitat, he served as Spain’s Minister of Health and became one of the key figures in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. His management style is marked by pragmatism and a willingness to engage in dialogue, earning him the trust of both politicians and ordinary citizens. After returning to regional politics, Illa focused on reforms in the social sector, paying special attention to issues of housing and healthcare. His decisions often spark debate, but it is thanks to his initiatives that Catalonia has become a testing ground for new models of real estate regulation. However, critics point out that not all of Illa’s ideas deliver the expected results, and some of them provoke mixed reactions from both businesses and the general public.
