Málaga authorities have surprised residents once again with a bold announcement: over the next few years, the city could see 17,000 new apartments, 10,000 of which are designated for social housing. Mayor Francisco de la Torre presented this ambitious plan at a cross-party forum, promising that construction will begin in the next term and finish by 2031. However, not everyone in Málaga greeted the news with enthusiasm—skepticism and distrust are growing louder.
The spotlight is on so-called ‘mini-apartments’—1,500 compact units ranging from 45 to 60 square meters. Their rollout has sparked intense debate: some see this as an opportunity for young families and singles, while others argue that such sizes fall short of modern comfort standards. Still, city officials insist the project is flexible, with the actual area depending on the number of rooms.
Politics and Promises
The current term, set to end in 2027, was supposed to set a record for construction pace: according to official data, more than 5,000 new apartments will be built in Málaga by then. Another nearly 5,000 units are awaiting approval, most of them in the Teatinos and Puerto de la Torre districts. Here, the administration claims, more than half of the housing will be social.
However, the opposition is not rushing to applaud. Socialist representative Daniel Pérez openly calls the city hall’s plans a ‘fantasy,’ pointing out that 8,700 apartments were promised for the current period, yet less than half have actually been delivered. According to him, residents are tired of empty promises and expect real change, not just more numbers on paper.
The Energy Challenge
However, even if the project manages to overcome political hurdles, another major challenge remains—energy. The mayor himself admitted that the city is on the verge of an energy shortage, and without significant investment in infrastructure, new neighborhoods could be left without power. ‘Málaga is at the limit of its capacity,’ de la Torre emphasized, hinting at the urgent need for solutions.
Elías Bendodo, a representative of the national leadership of the Partido Popular, also entered the debate. He sharply criticized the central government, accusing it of encouraging illegal settlements and undermining property rights. In his view, it is Madrid’s policy that prevents cities like Málaga from developing and building affordable housing.
New Neighborhoods and Developers
While politicians debate, construction companies are wasting no time. The regional Ministry of the Environment has given the green light to a project that will deliver over 500 apartments in the Colinas del Limonar area. Here, on the Tassara and Morales plots, 102 and 430 apartments will be built, respectively. However, not a single one will be classified as social housing—all units are intended for free-market sale.
The main player here is Culmia, which owns a significant portion of the new plots. In addition to residential buildings, the project includes commercial, educational, and sports facilities, as well as areas for public use. City officials emphasize that this integrated approach will create not just bedroom communities, but fully-fledged modern neighborhoods.
Doubts and expectations
Despite the ambitious plans, many residents of Málaga can’t shake a sense of déjà vu. In recent years, the city has often been the stage for bold promises, but the actual number of homes built has rarely matched the figures presented. Against this backdrop, the skepticism of the opposition seems entirely justified.
Still, for thousands of families dreaming of a home of their own, even a glimmer of hope for new apartments is reason enough for optimism. The real question is whether authorities and developers can overcome bureaucratic and infrastructure hurdles and reach an understanding with energy providers. For now, Málaga continues to balance between ambition and reality, with its residents closely watching every development.
In case you didn’t know, Francisco de la Torre has served as mayor of Málaga since 2000 and is regarded as one of Spain’s most experienced municipal leaders. During his tenure, the city has become one of the most attractive places to live and invest in southern Spain. However, housing affordability and infrastructure remain pressing issues for local residents.
