The Spanish government has confirmed a new measure aimed at addressing the country’s housing crisis. Many property owners, fearing damage or squatting, prefer to keep their homes vacant or sell them, reducing the available rental supply. To encourage owners to put empty properties on the market, the authorities have announced, following publication in the Official State Gazette (BOE), that owners could receive up to €600 per month per vacant home, provided they meet a specific requirement.
Property owners must transfer their homes to government-controlled social rental programs. The aid is reserved for individuals at risk of exclusion or those registered in public social care programs. The rental price will be set by each autonomous community. Importantly, according to the State Housing Plan, this subsidy has no limits.
As stipulated in Article 75, “individuals or entities owning homes may receive aid equal to or less than €600 per home per month.” That means for each vacant home made available to the government, the owner can receive this amount. Additionally, the same article provides for “aid equal to or less than €12,000 per home” for works related to habitability, accessibility, or adaptation. This can cover up to 100% of the costs, including professional fees and taxes, provided they are properly documented.
This initiative aims to resolve one of the most common complaints from property owners: the lack of security when renting. By offering financial incentives and covering renovation costs, the government hopes to increase the number of rental properties and ease the housing shortage in Spain.