> ## Content Index > Fetch the complete content index at: https://barna.news/llms.txt > Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further. # Affordable Housing Firms Defend Cutting Amenities - URL: https://barna.news/affordable-housing-firms-defend-cutting/ - Published: 2026-10-10T09:02:00.000Z - Updated: 2026-10-10T09:05:29.000Z - Description: Developers argue removing pools and concierges keeps rents low without creating ghettos. - Author: Barna.News - Tags: Housing, Trending Now ## Cost vs. Community: The Social Housing Debate At the V National Housing Congress in Barcelona, leading affordable housing developers defended scaling back luxury amenities in new builds to maintain low rents. With construction and maintenance costs rising, firms say cutting extras like pools and concierge services is essential for economic sustainability. Rosa María Gallego, CEO of Q Living Real Estate, stressed that affordable housing must balance quality with cost. "Everything comes down to cost," she said, noting that Spanish social housing already impresses foreign investors with its design and build quality. ## Hidden Costs of Shared Facilities Gallego highlighted that while a swimming pool costs around €40,000 to build, annual maintenance adds approximately €18,000 in ongoing expenses. A concierge service could add €30,000 yearly. These costs are passed on to tenants, undermining affordability. "When we build affordable rental housing with a pool, with a garage, with a concierge, with coworking. the rent and expenses skyrocket," Gallego argued. She rejected criticism that skipping such features creates "ghettos", stating that the priority is solving housing access for 80% of the population. > What kind of housing should we build? The kind that the tenant can afford. ## Quality Without the Premium Other developers echoed the need for efficiency. Culmia’s Francisco Javier Pérez noted rising interest rates and land costs have pushed break-even rental prices from €6–8 per square metre to €11\. Despite state subsidies under the 2026–2030 Housing Plan, he warned public investment and tender capacity remain insufficient. Culmia incorporates coworking spaces and centralised air conditioning through industrialised construction to cut long-term costs. Lagoom Living’s Javier Braza called for a national housing pact, urging policymakers to prioritise land development and set aside ideology. "We are not doing well. We have been calling for a State pact for years. Let's set aside ideologies." Braza said, pointing to unused public land as a key opportunity. --- ## Affordable Rent as a Stepping Stone Gallego framed affordable housing as a temporary springboard, helping lower-income tenants save for home ownership. Most tenants leave before completing their seven-year lease, she noted, underscoring the need for stability over luxury. Developers agreed that attracting long-term investment requires predictable, secure returns, not high profits. To expand supply, they urged more public-private collaboration and faster approval processes. --- *Reported by metropoliabierta.elespanol.com, Metrópoli Abierta - Urban Life.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [AMB to Deliver 6,000 Social Homes by 2030](https://barna.news/amb-to-deliver-6-000-social-homes-by/) - [76% Back State Role in Housing Access](https://barna.news/76-back-state-role-in-housing-access/) - [60% of Barcelona Renters Leave Early by Choice](https://barna.news/60-of-barcelona-renters-leave-early-by/) - [Housing Concern Hits Record High in Barcelona](https://barna.news/housing-concern-hits-record-high-in/)