Strategies for a Sustainable Future
The Barcelona Housing Office is adopting a proactive approach to enrich the availability of affordable housing, integrating social, urban and environmental sustainability values in all its projects. This task involves the search for innovative solutions such as the construction of new buildings and the rehabilitation of existing structures.
Financing for the Rehabilitation of Housing
One of the most relevant actions is the implementation of financial support aimed at revitalizing the public housing stock. This includes the reactivation of properties that are currently empty or in poor condition, with the aim of incorporating them into the affordable housing supply. Since 2016, around 10 million euros have been allocated in aid, benefiting a total of 103 councils and allowing the entry into the market of nearly 450 new homes.
Support to Councils for the Acquisition of Housing
The Provincial Council of Barcelona has established financial support mechanisms to facilitate the purchase of homes at lower prices than the market. This is done through the right of trial and withdrawal, according to Decree Law 1/2015. With 125 grants awarded, valued at 5.3 million euros, 66 councils have been able to acquire 135 homes, thus expanding the supply of affordable housing.
Network of Local Housing Services
In order to strengthen access to housing services, the Provincial Council seeks to establish a Local Services Network that includes all the municipalities in the province. Currently, 114 municipalities have already integrated this network, which has the experience of nearly 750 professionals dedicated to housing.
Intermediation for Families in Difficulty
The Provincial Government has also launched the Housing Debt Intermediation Service (SIDH), designed to help those people or families who are having difficulties meeting their mortgage or rent payments. Through 41 points of care distributed throughout the province, the SIDH offers support and mediation with financial entities, thus serving 98% of the municipalities.
A Commitment to Inclusion
With these initiatives, the Diputació de Barcelona reaffirms its commitment to the creation of a livable and inclusive environment. The measures implemented not only seek to expand the supply of affordable housing, but also to ensure that all citizens have access to decent and sustainable housing, thus laying the foundations for a fairer society.