On Friday 02 October 2026, Junts, the People's Party (PP) and Vox united in Congress to reject two urgent housing decrees proposed by the Spanish Government, basing their opposition on misleading or unfounded claims, according to reporting from laSexta and Infobae.

The Royal Decree-laws, approved by the Council of Ministers on 29 September 2026, aim to strengthen tenant protections, prevent evictions, restrict speculative purchases by investment funds, and renew tenancy agreements. Minister for Housing and Urban Agenda Isabel Rodríguez described access to housing as "the main problem facing Spaniards" and called the legislation an "ambitious piece of legislation" designed to address urgent housing challenges affecting millions.

Despite broad support from some political groups and social organisations, the decrees require convalidation by a simple majority in the Congress of Deputies. Their fate hinged on Junts, whose seven deputies ultimately voted against them.

Junts' claim on inheritances debunked

Míriam Nogueras, spokesperson for Junts in Congress, argued that the decree could allow tenants to buy rented properties before owners’ children inherit them. She stated the party was "deceived and concerned" by the wording, claiming it failed to protect families.

“This real decree does not stop vulture funds because they can keep buying. It also does not protect families, because if you wanted to leave a rented flat as an inheritance to your child, under the current wording, the tenant could have the right to buy it first,”

However, legal experts from Lexway Abogados, a firm specialising in property law, clarified that the decree does not affect inheritance rights. As reported by Infobae, a tenant only has the right of first refusal if the owner decides to sell the property, not if they intend to pass it on to a family member.

Vox and PP echo unverified concerns

Vox leader Santiago Abascal avoided directly justifying his party’s vote when questioned by laSexta. Instead, he redirected attention to evictions in Ceuta, saying: "There are 80,000 Spaniards threatened with eviction in Ceuta that no one remembers." The statement did not address the content of the decrees.

PP leader Alberto Feijóo welcomed the rejection, claiming the Government had not protected property owners. "You cannot demonize property owners," he said, arguing the decrees pit tenants against landlords. He claimed 80% of landlords own just one rental property, though data from Spain’s Tax Agency shows only 47% do, with more than half owning multiple units.

The Government countered that among PP voters, there are twice as many tenants as landlords, over ten million Spaniards face housing difficulties, compared to around 2.5 million landlords (5% of the population).

Key measures in the rejected decrees

  • Extension of the 'social shield' against evictions until 31 December 2030
  • Ban on speculative purchases by 'vulture funds'
  • Reform of tax rules for SOCIMIs (listed property investment companies) to discourage speculation
  • 10% VAT rate for tourist apartments
  • Crackdown on fraud in short-term and room rentals

The Government maintains the measures prioritise social housing needs without infringing on inheritance or legitimate property ownership. With the decrees rejected, the possibility of early elections now rests with Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez.

Primary sources: Activity of the Council of Ministers. Reported by lasexta.com, infobae.com, La Sexta Barcelona.