Tanca Tanca

Housing Glossary

You will find information here on all topics relating to housing in Barcelona

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Accrued interest

The interest applied as a penalisation when the debtor does not comply with repayment obligations. The amount must be established in the contract.

Active supermortgage

This allows the client to choose their loan's benchmark index (MIBOR at three months, six months or a year) so that payment can benefit from lower interest rates sooner.

Adaptable instalment

Characteristic of UCI superloans that allow the borrower to not pay one instalment a year for the first three years if there are problems due to holidays, extraordinary expenses, etc.

Advanced cancellation fee

A commission arising from the financial risk involved in the advanced cancellation of an operation. The applied commission compensates the financial institution for its financial losses.

AEDE

Direct state aid for paying the deposit on a property.

Affordable housing

Group of social housing or dwellings from social renovation projects that are sold or rented at below-market prices.

Affordable rent

The cost of renting these dwellings is below market prices after being included in operations concerning the rented flat pool, social renovation or social housing promotions.

Amortisation

Payment made to repay a loan.

Amortisation period

The duration of the loan. The contract establishes the date of the first and last payments. The longer the period, the lower the payments are, but the higher the interest. You therefore pay more in the end. The monthly instalment should not exceed 35% of your net income.

API

Estate agent. A qualified professional who acts as an intermediary between the two interested parties to facilitate the signing of a real estate contract, which can be a rental agreement, a sales agreement or another similar contract. They usually charge a percentage of the sales price as compensation or commission.

Applicant

A citizen who makes a registration application to the Barcelona Social Housing Applicants Registry, and who represents the other members of the dwelling unit included in the application.

APR

Annual Equivalent Rate. Effective annual cost of the mortgage in terms of interest, commissions and the repayment period. To compare loans, it is not enough to just look at the lowest APR, you also have to compare the conditions, the repayment period and the distribution of instalment payments.

Arbitri municipal de plusvàlua

Former denomination of the capital gains tax on landed property.

Assessment

The value of a dwelling certified by a specialised assessment company, in accordance with the mortgage market law. This certificate not only indicates the real value of the property, it also serves as a reference for obtaining the necessary financing.

Authorisation

Document in which the owner authorises the tenant to carry out building work in the dwelling's interior.

Close glossary

Housing offices only offer face-to-face assistance by prior appointment, so check out the “Housing calls you” service here to receive the most appropriate personalised assistance. If you also need assistance in energy rights, book an appointment with an energy-advice point (PAE) by clicking here. On the other hand, if you reside in an IMHAB public dwelling you can consult our contact, management and processing channels here.​

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Housing Offices service catalogue

    • ->A woman consulting public announcements in a housing office
    • ->A young man completing procedures at a housing office
    • ->Outside of a housing office
    • ->Various users receiving advice at a housing office
    • ->A city resident making an enquiry at a housing office

    • All housing information and services within your reach

    Barcelona's network of Housing Offices is a place where the general public can go to resolve housing matters. The network has a team of professionals whose aim is to provide information, process, support and advice and mediation for anyone who needs their help. Their catalogue of services shows all their areas of expertise and what they have to offer.

    Highlights

    Related links

    Renovation grants

    • Grants for renovating buildings and/or dwellings
    • Grants for installing lifts
    • Technical advice for renovation and energy-renovation work
    • Certificates of occupancy

    Access to public and social housing

    • Information on social-housing promotions: for buying, renting, leasing and housing for special contingencies
    • Registration on the Barcelona Social Housing Applicants Registry
    • Adjudication of social housing

    Grants for renting and housing pools

    • Permanent benefits for paying rent
    • Basic Young Persons' Emancipation Income (restricted to existing ones)
    • Benefits for special emergencies: rent / mortgages and evictions
    • Barcelona rental housing pool: Attracting private housing and administration of rental contracts, aimed at people who have difficulty in accessing the private property market

    Proper use of housing

    • Information and legal advice on housing matters
    • Housing for social emergencies
    • Ofideute: a service offering advice on mortgage debts
    • Mediation for rentals: relations between the owner and tenant, problems with neighbours, harassment, etc.

    Complementary services

    Information on other housing services and benefits: Social Inclusion Housing Network