Badalona residents will face a 2.9% increase in property tax in 2027, following a decision by the city council's governing Popular Party (PP) executive. The measure was approved during an extraordinary plenary session on Monday 26th October 2026, which also introduced changes to other taxes, administrative fees, and regulated parking zones.
The Councillor for Finance, Eva Guillén, defended the rise as necessary to keep pace with rising municipal service costs, noting that the increase remains below the local government's projected 3.5% inflation rate for the end of 2026. The municipal administration has held an absolute majority, enabling the passage of the fiscal ordinance modifications despite opposition resistance.
Over the current legislative term, the cumulative property tax increase reaches 11%, according to the city government. Mayor Xavier García Albiol argued that this remains below the approximately 13% rise in the national consumer price index (CPI), suggesting municipal revenues have lost purchasing power.
Opposition criticises surplus while taxes rise
Opposition groups have strongly criticised the tax increases, highlighting the city’s significant treasury surplus. The PSC questioned the justification for raising taxes when unspent funds remain, with spokesperson Christian Carneado arguing revenues have not translated into improved public services.
ERC’s Àlex Montornès stated that approved tax changes amount to an additional €456 per household annually, contrasting this with a reported €80 million surplus in 2025. He described the situation as fiscally unjustifiable.
Rosa Trenado of Comuns and Dolors Sabater of Guanyem both called for targeted fiscal measures, including incentives for social rent and penalties for vacant properties. They argued taxation policy should address housing affordability rather than general revenue collection.
"The ordinary revenues finance day-to-day services, while the surplus is legally earmarked for investment,"
Guillén responded, rejecting direct linkage between surplus funds and tax levels.
Changes to construction tax and parking zones
The plenary also approved revisions to the Tax on Constructions, Installations, and Works (ICIO), incorporating recommendations from the College of Architects. Administrative fees for document issuance and procedures were updated, though some exemptions, such as those for victims of terrorism or gender-based violence, were removed. The council said the changes align with updated state regulations.
A new green residential parking zone will launch first in the Artigues neighbourhood, part of a broader scheme including 95 green spaces, 39 blue zones, and seven loading areas. Residents will pay €0.90 per week, capped at €46.80 annually. The opposition abstained on this measure, generating less conflict than the tax changes.
The 2027 fiscal framework is now set, marking another year of rising taxes in Badalona and deepening political division over budget priorities.
Sources: La Ciutat, Ajuntament de badalona.
