Pedro Sánchez, Spain's president, announced today at a housing policy event that the government is introducing a historic package of 12 measures to strengthen the right to housing. He was accompanied by Housing Minister Isabel Rodríguez. As the president stressed, the plan is to make housing the fifth pillar of the welfare state and move away from treating it as a commodity for the few.

The program, which was developed in cooperation with other coalition parties, is based on three main goals: increased housing availability, better regulation and higher forms of support.

Key actions in the new plan

One of the most significant steps is the transfer of more than 3,300 apartments and nearly 2 million square meters of housing land to the newly established Public Housing Company. The land will be used to build sheltered housing. In addition, more than 30,000 apartments from SAREB's stock will be included in the public housing stock, including 13,000 in the first half of this year. To ensure that these resources remain in the public domain, a law will be introduced giving the new company priority in the purchase of housing and land.

Pedro Sánchez also announced the creation of a new Strategic Project for Reconstruction and Economic Transformation (PERTE) in the field of housing. The project will be located in the province of Valencia and will support the reconstruction of areas affected by natural disasters, while modernizing Spain's modular and industrialized housing sector.

Rental support and tax regulations

The government will introduce a system of public guarantees to protect both owners and tenants, with a special focus on young people under 35. The plan also includes a program to renovate vacant properties, which will be converted into affordable rental housing.

The proposed changes also include a full income tax exemption for owners who rent apartments according to the Reference Price Index, regardless of whether they are located in areas with a tight housing market.

In addition, the plan calls for tax reforms that will equalize the taxation of tourist housing with other economic activities, and limit SOCIMIS tax benefits solely to the promotion of affordable rental housing. To combat illegal short-term rentals, a special fund will be created to support inspections at the regional and local levels.

Restrictions for foreign investors

In an unprecedented move, restrictions will be placed on non-EU citizens who are not residents of Spain, imposing an additional tax on them of up to 100% of the value of the property.

Long-term support

The government has also pledged to maintain and expand support programs through the new National Housing Plan, which will take effect in 2026.

Pedro Sánchez stressed that the plan responds to social needs, not speculation. “Spain needs an ambitious housing policy that will use all the state's resources to increase the housing stock and protect the interests of the majority of the population,” Sánchez concluded.

The new housing plan is a significant step toward improving the quality of life for citizens and addressing Spain's housing crisis.