Changes in Valencia’s housing policy could impact thousands of families and young professionals who have struggled for years to find affordable accommodation. City authorities have decided to revise the age criteria for priority rental access: now, not only people under 35, but also those up to 45 years old can qualify for favorable terms. This decision comes with a new requirement—a minimum of seven years of city residence, which immediately excludes recent arrivals and students who have just graduated from universities.
Authorities explain that these measures are aimed at helping those who are truly connected to Valencia and have lived here for a long time. However, critics are already calling the changes controversial, pointing out that part of the population will be left out. In a situation where demand for rental housing exceeds supply, even small rule changes can lead to unexpected consequences for the market.
Apartment splitting
One of the most talked-about initiatives is the proposal to divide larger apartments into several smaller units. The municipality expects this will increase the number of available properties without the need to develop new land. Special attention is being paid to buildings constructed in the 20th century, which often have two entrances—a main and a service entrance. According to officials, these apartments are the easiest to split into separate housing units.
At the same time, city authorities plan to reconsider the purpose of unused plots previously designated for educational institutions. If no schools or kindergartens have been built there over 35 years, these lands could be allocated for the construction of social housing. Priority will be given to young people unable to afford market-rate rentals.
Tourist apartments
Another measure sparking heated debate is the transfer of tourist apartments to residential use. According to city hall estimates, this could add around two thousand new homes for permanent residence. However, not all properties will be eligible for such transformation: meeting safety and comfort standards will be a mandatory requirement.
Authorities emphasize that these steps will help ease pressure on the rental market, which in recent years has faced a severe shortage of available housing. Nevertheless, representatives of the opposition and some experts warn that a mass transfer of tourist properties could negatively impact the hospitality sector and drive up prices for the remaining apartments.
Partnership with business
The municipality intends to increase cooperation with private developers. Some new apartments built under state support programs will be reserved for those on the waiting list for municipal housing. In this way, the city hopes to reduce wait times for families in need and young professionals.
Authorities also promise to increase housing density: previously, up to 75 apartments per hectare were allowed, but now this limit will be raised to 140. This is expected to make use of urban land more efficient and create more affordable housing without expanding the city limits.
Reaction and criticism
Despite the ambitious plans, the new measures have already sparked a wave of criticism. Opposition representatives claim that the mayor’s proposals lack real tools to lower rental prices. In their view, the absence of price regulation and weak protection against speculation could mean that affordable housing will remain out of reach for most people.
Some political forces are demanding the immediate implementation of a national rent control law, arguing that only strict regulation can stop prices from rising. Meanwhile, supporters of the reform are confident that increasing supply and flexibility in using city resources are the only ways to address the housing crisis.
Facts and figures
Over the past two and a half years, Valencia has gained 446 new municipal apartments, some purchased, some renovated, with another thousand currently under construction. According to city officials, investment in the housing sector has grown 11-fold compared to previous periods, while the amount of municipal housing has increased by 32 times.
Nevertheless, opponents insist that without price controls and strict measures against speculation, even such growth rates will not solve the problem. The question of who will benefit from the new rules remains open—and that is what concerns Valencia residents the most today.
