Commercial Rent Index Proposed
On Wednesday 21st October 2026, the Barcelona City Council's Economy and Finance Committee approved a proposal by Esquerra Republicana (ERC) to advance regulation of commercial rents. The measure calls for the creation of a reference index for shop rental prices by neighbourhood and commercial area, aimed at curbing soaring costs that threaten traditional businesses.
The initiative also proposes identifying 'stressed commercial zones' where rent hikes are most acute, and promoting long-term leases to protect neighbourhood commerce and historic establishments. It passed with support from the Socialist Party (PSC) and Comuns, while Junts, PP, and Vox opposed.
Today we propose moving from study to action.
ERC councillor Jordi Coronas criticised the administration for failing to publish studies on commercial rents promised in February 2026, warning of the ongoing disappearance of long-standing local shops. He stressed the urgency of implementing safeguards.
Government councillor Raquel Gil accepted a three-month deadline to deliver the pending study, though she noted some proposed measures require further analysis before implementation.
Incentives for Businesses in Residential Flats
In the same session, a separate proposal from Junts was approved to encourage businesses currently operating from residential apartments to relocate to ground-floor commercial premises. It passed with votes from PSC, ERC, PP, and Vox, while Comuns abstained.
The plan includes direct financial aid for relocation and a 95% reduction in the property tax (IBI) for five years. Deputy Mayor for Economy Jordi Valls stated municipal services estimate around 21,000 economic activities are run from homes in Barcelona, while 5,000 ground-floor shops stand vacant as of 2024 data.
We do not intend to force anyone to do anything, but rather to offer tools and compensation.
Junts councillor Damià Calvet said the goal is to revitalise streetscapes and return housing to residential use. The proposal also requests a statistical report by the end of 2026 on home-based economic activities and prioritises access to municipal properties for self-employed individuals, micro-enterprises, and SMEs moving to commercial spaces.
Valls confirmed the council will assess whether current aid programmes are sufficient and whether legislation allows the proposed IBI discount, cautioning that the benefit must reach the business operator, not just the property owner.
Primary sources: Ajuntament de Barcelona, Barcelona City Council, ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by liniaxarxa.cat, Línia Xarxa.
