In the coming weeks, Spain will launch a public consultation on the National Plan for the Renewal of Residential Buildings. This document is set to become a key element in meeting the European requirements the country has pledged to fulfill by the end of the year. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Agenda, headed by Isabel Rodríguez, has already prepared a draft to be submitted to the European Commission. Authorities are prioritizing large-scale modernization of older housing stock, promising financial support to those who are ready to upgrade their homes and offer them as residences.
At the 7th Asufin Congress 2025 in Madrid, the minister emphasized that Spain and Italy lead Europe in housing investment. Special attention is being given to building renovations, where Spain has already surpassed the targets set by Brussels. The new State Housing Plan for 2026–2030 allocates additional resources to continue these efforts. At the same time, the authorities are expecting the launch of the Social Climate Plan, which will also provide grants for housing upgrades.
Building standards reform and new incentives
In addition to updating the housing stock, the ministry is actively working on amending the Technical Construction Code. According to Rodríguez, it is now impossible to halt the process: the country has too many outdated buildings that require not only cosmetic repairs, but also improved energy efficiency. Authorities emphasize that this is not just about comfort, but also about lowering utility costs.
As part of efforts to modernize the sector, the government is betting on the industrialization of construction. A special project was recently launched with a budget of 1.3 billion euros, aimed at introducing modern technologies in housing construction. The new plan includes subsidies of up to 4,000 euros for those who use industrial methods in building new homes. In the most high-demand regions, support can reach up to 8,000 euros.
Tackling the housing shortage and rising property prices
Authorities admit that the housing market remains challenging. The rise in rental prices and shortage of affordable apartments are felt most acutely in so-called ‘high-pressure zones.’ The ministry is implementing a range of measures to boost supply and contain price growth. Among them are a new state company to create a permanent stock of affordable housing and the launch of the universal phone number 047 for advice on rentals, subsidies, and legal support.
A special role is played by the recently adopted housing law, which allows certain neighborhoods to be designated as “stress zones” and temporarily limits rent increases. According to the minister, this is a forced measure serving as a sort of “turnstile” to help stabilize the market until enough new apartments become available at affordable prices.
Industrialization of construction: a bet on the future
The Spanish government is focusing on implementing modern technologies in construction. Industrialization not only speeds up the building of new homes but also reduces their cost. Authorities are confident: without shifting to new standards, it is impossible to solve the problem of outdated housing and provide the population with quality, affordable homes.
In the coming years, there are plans to expand the subsidy program for developers who use industrial methods. This should stimulate the market and attract additional investment to the sector. Authorities believe these measures will not only help renovate old buildings but also create new jobs.
By the way, who is Isabel Rodríguez
Isabel Rodríguez is one of the most prominent figures in Spanish politics in recent years. Since 2023, she has served as the Minister of Housing and Urban Agenda. Prior to this, Rodríguez worked in Pedro Sánchez’s government as Minister for Parliamentary Relations and official government spokesperson. Born in Ciudad Real, she holds a law degree and has had a long political career. Rodríguez is known for her active stance on social policy and housing reform. Under her leadership, large-scale programs to renovate housing stock and implement new construction standards have been launched. In recent years, she has become one of the main advocates for reforms aimed at making housing more accessible to broad segments of the population.
