Keys Handed Over in Raval
The Barcelona City Council handed over the keys on Tuesday 29 September 2026 to 17 newly renovated affordable rental apartments at Carrer de l’Hospital, 116, in the Raval neighbourhood. The units are allocated to residents under 35 years old, selected by lottery from the city’s Registry of Applicants for Social Housing (RSHPOB). These homes were delivered through a comprehensive renovation led by the Municipal Housing Institute of Barcelona (IMHAB), which addressed serious structural deficiencies in the original building. The project reduced the number of units from 21 to 17 residential flats and one commercial space, preserving the building’s original layout while upgrading facilities.
Rents Set Below Market Rate
The 17 apartments include four loft-style units and 13 two-bedroom homes. Monthly rent is fixed at 7.28 euros per square metre, ranging from 153.61 to 463.74 euros, with additional community fees of approximately 50 euros. This represents a significant discount compared to the average Raval rent of €16.66 per square metre as of Q1 2026, according to Generalitat de Catalunya data.
We want to support young people starting their independent lives in dignified, affordable homes right in the heart of the city.
Joan Ramon Riera, Housing Commissioner for Barcelona, congratulated the new tenants and highlighted the handover as a milestone under the municipal Pla Viure (Living Plan), aimed at improving housing quality and ensuring residents can remain in their neighbourhoods. Ivan Pera, Commissioner for the Ciutat Vella Pact, stressed the importance of securing accessible housing in central districts like Ciutat Vella, where rising costs threaten displacement. He noted this initiative strengthens efforts to make the area livable for younger generations.
Progress Toward 3,000 Homes
With this delivery, Barcelona has now handed over 2,285 public rental keys during the current term, including 99 in Ciutat Vella. The council aims to deliver 3,000 keys by the end of its mandate and reach a total public housing stock of 15,000 units by 2027. This effort includes partnerships such as the ESAL agreement with non-profit entities and a recent deal with trade unions CCOO and UGT to deliver 1,500 more publicly owned homes over the next decade using surface rights, a legal mechanism that keeps land in public ownership while enabling long-term affordable access. Residents interested in future allocations can register via the official Barcelona Register of Applicants for Officially Protected Housing (RSHPO).
Primary sources: Ayuntamiento de Barcelona, barcelona.cat, Barcelona City Council. Reported by diaricatalunya.cat, barna.news, Barcelona Rent, diaridegirona.cat, pisos.com, Diari Catalunya.
