Developers urge unity over housing policy

Xavier Vilajoana, president of the Association of Promoters and Builders of Spain (APCE), has called for a major State pact on housing following the general elections on 29 November 2026. Speaking at the opening of the V National Housing Congress in Barcelona on Wednesday 7 October, Vilajoana urged all political parties to adopt a shared housing platform, saying, "the housing point should be practically the same in each of the political parties" contesting the election. He criticised the use of the housing crisis for political gain, describing it as "quite shameful" to exploit "people's pain" for electoral purposes. Vilajoana argued that the construction sector is not solely interested in profit but also in resolving housing access issues: "If people have fewer problems accessing housing, we companies are delighted."

Call for consultation and stability

Vilajoana warned against changing regulations mid-term, stating, "We cannot enter a game halfway through and change the rules." He cited more than 40 regulatory changes in recent years, which he said have created legal and political insecurity for developers. He called for meaningful consultation with the sector before new measures are introduced, particularly on land availability, permit processing, and reducing administrative barriers. He rejected comparisons with European cities that have different housing models, insisting that solutions must be tailored to Spain’s context and developed in collaboration with those actively building homes.

Public officials back public-private cooperation

Inés Sandoval, Director General of Housing for the Spanish government, affirmed that recent decrees aim to protect tenants while stimulating supply. She stressed the need for private sector involvement and described public and private actors as "allies" in addressing the housing deficit. Lídia Guillén, Secretary of Housing for the Generalitat, echoed the call for collaboration, advocating policies that combine increased supply with guaranteed access. She confirmed the government’s intent to "facilitate projects that move forward." Jordi Valls, fourth deputy mayor of Barcelona, also supported a joint approach: "We need a housing agreement," he said, emphasizing that only through public-private alliances can the crisis be effectively tackled.

Primary sources: revistes.eapc.gencat.cat. Reported by naciodigital.cat, democrata.es, inmodiario.com, eldiario.es.