Report of the HOUS mission to Barcelona, Spain

The report titled "Report of the HOUS mission to Barcelona, Spain" was prepared by the Special Committee on the Housing Crisis in the European Union, comprising various members including Irene Tinagli (S&D), who led the mission. This mission involved a delegation of 12 members from the HOUS Committee who visited Barcelona from May 26 to May 28, 2025, to investigate the pressing housing challenges faced in the European context.

The mission aimed to gather insights on various aspects of housing policy, including the policy framework, stakeholder perspectives, innovative solutions, academic research findings, and systemic challenges. Members met with key figures such as the Spanish Minister for Housing and Urban Agenda, the Catalan Minister for Territory, and the Mayor of Barcelona, allowing them to understand the local housing landscape and the legislative efforts underway.

A significant focus was on the recent shifts in Spain's housing policy, particularly the introduction of Law 12/2023, which establishes the right to housing at a national level. This law aims to regulate rent in high-pressure areas, create a national rent reference index, and provide tax incentives for long-term rentals. Additionally, regional efforts in Catalonia included the Sectoral Territorial Housing Plan, which emphasizes balanced housing supply and social cohesion.

Members engaged with various stakeholders, including social organizations like Cáritas, which advocates for housing solutions to combat social exclusion and homelessness. Cáritas outlined key actions to enhance emergency social housing and create a structural housing policy, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts among different sectors to address these issues.

Meetings with economic actors revealed a deep structural imbalance in the housing market, with a significant shortage of homes being built relative to new households formed. Stakeholders identified high land and construction costs, alongside restrictive regulations, as critical barriers to increasing housing supply. They called for a combination of public funding and private investment to alleviate pressure on the rental market.

University experts presented proposals emphasizing that housing is a fundamental human right linked to health and social cohesion. They argued for stronger local governance and better public-private partnerships to tackle housing challenges effectively. The discussions highlighted the importance of evidence-based policymaking and the need for stable funding mechanisms.

The mission underscored the complexity of the housing crisis in Europe, revealing diverse perspectives from social organizations, economic actors, and academic experts. While Barcelona has developed comprehensive housing strategies, the ongoing challenges of regulatory frameworks and the pressure from market forces remain significant hurdles. The report emphasizes the need for tailored solutions to address the unique contexts of European cities, ultimately aiming for a more equitable and sustainable housing environment.