> ## 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. # Barcelona Moves to Ban Speculative Housing Buys - URL: https://barna.news/barcelona-moves-to-ban-speculative/ - Published: 2026-11-05T20:44:19.000Z - Updated: 2026-11-05T20:44:19.000Z - Description: City council approves measures to strengthen housing controls and prepare for a ban on speculative property purchases. - Author: Barna.News News Desk - Tags: Housing ## City Council Backs Stronger Housing Market Controls The Barcelona City Council plenary session approved a proposal on Thursday 5th November 2026 to reinforce measures against speculative housing purchases and protect the city’s residential market. The motion, put forward by Barcelona en Comú, passed with support from PSC, Barcelona en Comú, and ERC, while Junts per Barcelona, PP, and Vox opposed it. The decision urges the municipal government led by Mayor Jaume Collboni to ensure strict compliance with Royal Decree-Law 29/2026, of 6 October, which introduces urgent measures to safeguard the social function of housing and expand affordable housing supply. --- ## Strengthening Oversight of Property Acquisitions A key element of the proposal is the call for the council to strengthen control mechanisms over property acquisitions by large landlords and real estate entities. Under Article 1 of Royal Decree-Law 29/2026, restrictions apply until 31 December 2030 on purchases made by such entities when the price is less than 70% of the market value, with certain legal exceptions. Barcelona en Comú seeks active municipal oversight to enforce these limits and protect the city’s housing stock from speculative operations. The approved text requires the municipal government to submit a quarterly report detailing actions taken and results achieved in enforcing the regulations. This monitoring will assess how effectively the city implements the national rules within its local real estate market. > We must anticipate and act with courage to protect housing as a right, not a commodity. ## Pushing for Broader Local Prohibition The proposal also calls for Barcelona to begin preliminary work on modifying its urban planning framework, aiming to become the first city in Catalonia to apply a full ban on speculative housing purchases once corresponding regional legislation is approved. The city council has expressed support for the swift passage of the proposed Catalan law that would limit the accumulation of homes by investment funds and large property holders, a move seen by Barcelona en Comú as vital to improving housing access. Councilor Gemma Tarafa, speaking during the debate, stressed the need for the city to take initiative, both through its own powers and by pressing state and regional authorities for stronger action. She urged the council not to wait for final approval of the Catalan law before preparing for its implementation. While the full ban depends on future regional legislation and the extent of municipal authority, the resolution marks a firm step toward prioritising residential use over speculative investment in housing policy. --- *Sources:* [*El Periódico*](https://www.elperiodico.com/es/barcelona/20261105/barcelona-aprueba-nuevas-medidas-frenar-compra-especulativa-vivienda-136135599?ref=barna.news)*,* [*sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es*](https://sede.agenciatributaria.gob.es/Sede/en%5Fgb/iva/novedades-iva/novedades-normativa-2026.html?ref=barna.news)*.* --- ### Related on Barna.News - [Updated: Collboni: Housing Crisis Threatens Democracy](https://barna.news/collboni-housing-crisis-threatens/) - [Updated: €495m for 5,000 Public Homes in Catalonia](https://barna.news/495m-for-5-000-public-homes-in-catalonia/) - [Barcelona Approves Housing Rules to Limit Short-Term Lets](https://barna.news/barcelona-approves-housing-rules-to/) - [Company backs down on Gràcia flats purchase](https://barna.news/company-backs-down-on-gracia-flats/)