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.​

10/03/2021 - 16:50

A new app to monitor the property market in the city

Housing. The tool allows users to check data on sales, prices and locations.

05/03/2021 - 18:57

“The common spaces inspire us to be active in the community and not to isolate ourselves”

Housing. Awardees and neighbours visit the new housing development with services for senior citizens in Carrer Alí Bei

25/02/2021 - 16:08

First step in the urban renewal of Besòs i el Maresme

Housing. The campaign starts with an analysis of the state of housing.

18/02/2021 - 16:19

Three buildings in Horta acquired to avoid 45 families being forced out

Housing. The three buildings located in C/ Doctor Letamendi and C/ Mont-ral, in the Horta neighbourhood, have been acquired by...

12/02/2021 - 12:56

The Can Fabra building for young people wins the first prize for multi-family housing of the AIT-Awards

Housing. The jury highlighted the reinvention of the industrial space and the sustainability of the homes

11/02/2021 - 16:58

New plan to protect the historical urban identity of Vila de Gràcia

Urban planning. The measures set out criteria for conserving existing buildings, increasing protected housing, promoting sustainable...

08/02/2021 - 11:59

Everything you need to know about the Rental Price Regulation Law

Housing. Law 11/2020 aims to prevent the abusive increases that have occurred over the last few years. We explain what this law...

05/02/2021 - 17:09

Application period open for municipal plots to build affordable social housing

Housing. Cooperatives and foundations have until 28 February to put forward their projects.

03/02/2021 - 14:45

Regulatory plan for tourist accommodation updated with the new regulations on shared homes

Urban planning. Rooms can be rented for stays of 31 days or more, such as those by students or temporary workers.

28/01/2021 - 09:51

Towards a city with more affordable housing and financial assistance for the citizenry

Housing. The plenary session of the Social Housing Council evaluated the first five years of the Barcelona Right to Housing Plan.