A renewed plan for a persistent problem
The recently prepared Local Housing Plan 2025-2030 will be presented for approval in the next plenary session of the City Council of Sitges. This initiative, as a result of the collaboration between the City Council and the Diputació de Barcelona, seeks to adapt housing policies to the current reality of the municipality, which has undergone drastic changes in recent years.
A changing scenario: the impact of pandemic
Since the beginning of the pandemic, Sitges has seen a significant increase in its population, with more than 1,000 new residents each year. This influx, combined with the excessive increase in housing prices, has created a scenario that requires a quick and effective response from local authorities.
Historical challenges in accessing housing
Historically, the prices of real estate in Sitges have surpassed the national average, forcing many families to make sacrifices to stay in the town. Many residents have chosen to move to neighboring towns like Ribes, which, despite their own price climb, offer more accessible alternatives.
The new Local Housing Plan: an integral solution
The Local Housing Plan not only addresses the need to create protected housing, but also establishes regulations for temporary rent, the management of tourist apartments and the implementation of social actions to face housing emergency situations. In addition, the Plan includes punitive measures for owners exceeding 30% of the leading rates in rentals, a strategy that the City Council is ready to implement.
A promising future for protected housing
With the implementation of this plan, the aim of the City Council is to accelerate the creation of official housing at affordable prices. Although in the past successes have been achieved in this field, the current circumstances call for a faster and faster approach.
Innovative proposals and models to follow
In this context, the proposal of Together in Sant Cugat, which limits access to officially protected housing only for those registered for more than 10 years, can offer an interesting perspective for Sitges. This initiative could inspire local policies that prioritize residents with deeper roots in the municipality.