Barcelona en Comú (BComú) has accused Mayor Jaume Collboni’s administration of cutting investment in affordable housing, warning that the reduction threatens progress made under previous city governments.
Speaking at Barcelona City Hall on Monday 19th October 2026, BComú councillor Carol Recio stated that funding for protected housing construction has dropped from €83 million in 2024 to €35 million in the 2025 budget proposal. She also claimed purchases through pre-emption and redemption rights have fallen by 83%.
Recio argued that the city’s housing policy is now reactive rather than proactive. “Collboni only engages in politics when the media are watching,” she said, referencing the recent acquisition of buildings at Llenguadoc 74 and Espalter 7 in the Ciutat Vella district.
City Council’s 2025 Housing Strategy
The 2025 budget proposal, published by the Barcelona City Council, allocates €200 million for housing overall, including €60 million managed by the Municipal Institute of Housing and Renovation (IMHAB). This sum is intended for expanding public housing stock through various mechanisms, including construction and acquisition.
A new by-law on the right of first refusal, approved by the full council, allows the city to prioritise the purchase of buildings with more than ten homes, empty flats, or those housing vulnerable residents or people with disabilities. It also permits the city to transfer its right of first refusal to residents, non-profit organisations, or housing cooperatives under specific conditions.
According to the city council’s official website, over 1,600 homes have been acquired since the start of the policy, with more than 315 purchased using the right of first refusal.
Many residents' lives depend on this.
Collaboration to Build 1,700 Social Homes
In January 2024, the city council signed a collaboration agreement with the Catalan government to build at least 1,700 officially protected homes on municipally owned land. The Catalan Land Institute (INCASOL) will invest €221 million over 75-year leases on 27 plots, with the first 637 homes expected within five years. At least 30% of these homes will be reserved for young people.
Colau Praised as Housing Candidate
Recio reaffirmed support for Ada Colau as the best candidate to lead on housing, calling her “the best mayor of Barcelona” for her ability to empathise with residents. She cited that under Colau’s leadership, nine out of ten evictions were prevented.
“Now she is the best candidate to talk about housing and, above all, to find solutions,” Recio said.
Primary sources: Barcelona City Council, barcelona.cat, ajuntament.barcelona.cat. Reported by betevé.
