Catalan government prepares rental reform
In the coming months, Catalonia is expected to pass legislation affecting the short-term housing rental market. Regional government officials are confident that the new regulations will come into force before the start of 2026. Although opposition parties Partido Popular and Junts have appealed to the Consell de Garanties Estatutàries, the review process is ongoing, and authorities expect to complete all procedures within the next year.
Bill details and government stance
The bill proposes regulation of seasonal rentals and the renting of individual rooms. According to government representatives, the document fully complies with current legislation. Parliamentary and executive legal services support the initiative, holding that it does not violate existing norms. Authorities stress that the main goal is to ensure that the housing stock is primarily used for permanent residency.
Market response and discussion of additional measures
The introduction of new restrictions has caused concern among real estate market participants. Some experts believe that potential bans on purchasing property for investment purposes could reduce market activity and create legal uncertainty. Lawyers point out that buying real estate for income is permitted by law, and any restrictions in this area may conflict with constitutional principles.
Prospects and Political Debate
Alongside deliberations on the main bill, the Catalan parliament is also considering an initiative to restrict speculative real estate transactions. Left-wing parties, including Comuns, CUP, and ERC, have expressed willingness to work together on possible amendments. Authorities emphasize that any additional measures should be temporary and applied only to areas experiencing severe housing market strain. Whether such changes will gain enough support remains uncertain and will depend on political agreements between different parties.
Opinions from Industry Professionals
Law firms and real estate experts warn about the risks of restricting property rights. They argue that imposing strict rules could drive down investment and make the market harder to operate in. Meanwhile, supporters of the reform believe new measures are needed to protect residents and stabilize the rental market.
