The debate over regulating the rental housing market has intensified once again in Catalonia. Jessica Albiach, leader of the Comuns parliamentary group, has laid out tough conditions for starting the 2026 budget negotiations. She insists that the regional authorities must not only initiate proceedings for rent cap violations, but also follow them through to actual fines. Only by doing so, she argues, can they prove that the rules governing the housing market truly work.
In recent weeks, it was revealed that around thirty administrative actions have been launched against landlords breaking rent limits in so-called ‘stressed’ areas. However, Comuns believe this is not enough: every violation must result in tangible sanctions. They say this approach should send a clear message to all market players: the law is not just on paper, but actively enforced.
The issue of speculative property purchases remains a key concern. Comuns are calling for the development and introduction of temporary restrictions on buying more than one apartment in areas with a housing shortage. They believe these measures would ease pressure on the market and reduce the number of investors treating real estate solely as a source of income. The party stresses that such restrictions should remain in place until housing affordability stabilizes.
Education and healthcare: unresolved issues
In addition to the housing issue, Comuns recall a number of other commitments that they believe remain unfulfilled. In particular, they refer to extra language classes and providing free meals in schools facing the most challenging social conditions. Issues such as long waiting times in the healthcare system and the implementation of the mental health support program also remain pressing.
The party emphasizes that they are only willing to discuss budget matters after seeing concrete steps taken in all these areas. At the same time, Comuns representatives admit that passing the budget by the beginning of next year is already impossible, placing the responsibility for this on the current Catalan government led by Salvador Illa.
Negotiation prospects and legal nuances
The issue of restricting property purchases, according to Comuns, requires time and careful legal analysis. The party believes that their proposals could be included in the accompanying budget laws if an agreement with the government is reached. They also note that Barcelonaβs legal department already sees opportunities to implement such measures, though it acknowledges certain complexities.
Overall, Comuns remain firm: without real action to control the rental market and fulfill social commitments, the party does not intend to support the governmentβs budget initiatives. In the coming months, these issues will become central to Cataloniaβs political agenda.
