Urbanismo autoriza seis nuevas viviendas de precio limitado con tres cambios de uso en Palma

The Urban Planning Department of Palma’s City Council has approved three licences for reform and expansion, enabling the creation of six new limited‑price housing units through the conversion of office and commercial premises. This development is part of a broader municipal strategy to increase affordable housing supply in the Balearic capital, aligning with regional policies promoted by the Govern de les Illes Balears.

• One licence converts a single office into one limited‑price dwelling.
• A second licence transforms a commercial premises into three dwellings.
• The third licence changes the use of three separate locales to create two additional dwellings.

Since the initiative’s launch, 120 change‑of‑use applications have been recorded in Palma, potentially adding 157 limited‑price homes to the market. The city’s first phase of its municipal shock plan targets 167 affordable rental units, with 87 to be located in Camp Redó and 80 in Son Ferragut.

A second phase is under preparation, aiming to promote 807 further limited‑price rental homes on municipal land, accompanied by new public facilities. Additionally, eight strategic residential projects—Son Puigdorfila, Son Güells, Son Ximelis, Son Cladera Nord, Cas Pastors, Can Fontet, Son Toells, and Son Pardo—are expected to generate roughly 9,000 dwellings, more than half of which will carry some form of protection.

The Council has introduced measures to accelerate urban planning procedures, including the removal of mandatory appointments, improved coordination with water resources, the adoption of new technological tools, and the establishment of Urban Collaborative Entities (ECU). These steps have reduced licence processing times to between one and three months.

By repurposing existing office and commercial spaces, the programme minimises new construction footprints, conserves land, and promotes efficient use of urban infrastructure. The rapid approval timelines and coordinated administrative reforms support the timely delivery of affordable, sustainable housing for residents facing high market pressure in Palma.