The Catalan authorities have announced a major initiative aimed at revitalizing small towns and villages. The focus is on restoring and converting vacant homes that have stood empty for decades. Now, these properties could become affordable housing for new residents, helping to curb population decline in rural areas.
The program plans to allocate substantial funding each year for the renovation and adaptation of old buildings. This includes not only private homes but also former municipal properties, such as teachers’ or doctors’ residences, and other long-unused structures. As a result, hundreds of families will have the opportunity to rent housing at reduced rates, while small towns get a new lease on life.
Funding and Support for Municipalities
To implement the project, the regional government (Govern de Catalunya) intends to invest millions of euros annually. Part of the funds will establish a special fund to support municipalities and private owners with renovations and paperwork. Authorities also plan to streamline bureaucracy to speed up new projects and ease the burden on local administrations.
An important part of the initiative will be the creation of a dedicated team of specialists who will support local councils and property owners at every stage—from obtaining permits to providing technical assistance during repairs. This approach aims to make the housing restoration process as transparent and efficient as possible.
New opportunities for young people and families
Special focus is placed on young people and families with children. They are offered tax benefits, reduced property transfer tax rates, and additional deductions when buying or renting a home. These measures are designed to make life in rural Catalonia more attractive and accessible for those seeking peace and new opportunities away from major cities.
Alongside the housing restoration program, authorities are continuing to develop the infrastructure: expanding the fiber-optic internet network, increasing funding for local projects, and simplifying building regulations for small towns. All of this aims to create the conditions for sustainable development and attract new residents.
Catalonia’s rural heartland: a look to the future
The region has more than six hundred municipalities with populations of less than two thousand, and almost two-thirds of them are tiny villages. For these communities, even a few dozen new families can make a real difference. Authorities are confident that a comprehensive approach will not only help preserve, but also revive Catalonia’s rural areas, making them appealing places to live and work.
