Casa Orsola and the Danger of Deregularization
The attempted eviction of residents of Casa Orsola, an emblematic building located in Barcelona’s Eixample, has highlighted a crucial issue that has unfortunately been overshadowed by other media topics. Barcelona City Council is considering abolishing the regulation that requires 30% of homes in renovated buildings to be allocated to affordable housing. If this decision materializes, we could face an alarming scenario: up to 62,756 families could be left in a vulnerable situation.
The Impact of Real Estate Speculation
The city of Barcelona is experiencing a worrying increase in the massive purchases of properties by both local and international investment funds. These entities acquire entire buildings with tenants, then gradually evict them and rehabilitate the properties with the aim of reselling them at exorbitant prices. This dynamic has turned housing into an inaccessible luxury product for many Barcelona residents.
The 30% Measure: A Protection Instrument
Current regulations require developers to allocate a portion of their apartments to affordable housing, a strategy that seeks to counteract the effect of real estate speculation. This measure, approved during Ada Colau’s term, was born from the commitment of social organizations to address the housing crisis. In cities such as Paris, similar regulations have been implemented and have proven effective in creating sheltered apartments.
The Pressures of the Big Landowners
Despite the benefits that the measure can bring to society, real estate employers have constantly pressed for its modification, arguing that it slows down the construction of new homes. However, data from the Barcelona Urban Research Institute refutes these claims, showing that construction has not stopped and that more apartments have been created than in previous years.
What Will Happen if the Measure is Dismantled?
The possible repeal of the 30% measure not only represents a loss of affordable housing, but would also open the door to an unprecedented wave of real estate speculation. The potential profits from these operations could exceed 2,283 million euros, a fact that, if materialized, could transform the face of Barcelona and push thousands of residents into urban exile.
The Community Response
The residents of Casa Orsola have shown strong resistance to eviction attempts, reflecting the community’s will to fight for their permanence in their neighborhoods. This situation is not only a battle for housing, but also a cry for a policy that prioritizes the well-being of citizens over the interests of investors.
An Uncertain Future
If the 30% regulation is abolished, Barcelona could face a radical change in its urban and social landscape. The community response and the political decisions taken in the coming months will be crucial in determining whether the city will remain a place where diversity and accessibility are possible or whether it will become a hunting ground for speculators.
