This is what must happen for a person to live in public housing

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.

Housing. Barcelona City Council, through the Municipal Housing and Rehabilitation Institute, continues to swiftly roll out a decisive model to promote public housing in response to the difficulties in accessing housing, especially among younger people.

The City Council, through IMHAB, is working hard to increase the number of public housing units and to ensure that people like Sílvia can live in affordable, quality housing. But what needs to happen for Sílvia to move into her new flat?

To enable people like Sílvia to access decent and affordable housing, Barcelona City Council, through the Municipal Housing and Rehabilitation Institute (IMHAB), is promoting new public housing developments based on sustainability and quality criteria. These projects are designed not only to expand the stock of social housing but also to offer a real and stable alternative to the difficulties of the private market.

The process of making these flats a reality begins long before construction work starts on the site. First, public land suitable for building must be identified and prepared. Once the plans have been defined, an architectural project is commissioned that not only meets quality standards but is also in line with current challenges: energy efficiency, sustainability and emissions reduction. Institutions such as the European Investment Bank (EIB) often take part in this process, placing their trust in and providing financial support for this model of social housing.

Once construction begins, the building process is closely monitored. The aim is to ensure that every detail complies with the technical, environmental and social criteria set out, so that each flat delivered is another step of a project designed for the public service and for people. Behind every person who has just moved into a new public flat lies a huge effort in planning, technical coordination, urban management and institutional collaboration that is essential to make it possible.

Allocation process and handover of keys

Once the construction work is complete, the usual process of allocating housing begins, which is open to people who meet a series of general requirements:

Be listed in the Register of Applicants for Social Housing in the city of Barcelona.
Be registered as a resident in Barcelona.
Be of legal age (or an emancipated minor).
Not own any property (nor any member of the household).
Demonstrate a minimum income and not exceed the maximum income, which may vary depending on the development.

The process consists of several phases and culminates in the publication of the final decision, which includes the list of people eligible to apply for one of the homes. Next, a public draw is held before a notary to determine the list of successful applicants. Finally, after the relevant documentation has been submitted, the institutional key handover ceremony takes place and the transfer of the homes to the new owners becomes effective.

A long-term commitment

This process, framed within the Pla Viure, involves a long-term effort that results in a commitment to a more robust, modern public housing stock that is adapted to the real needs of the population.

This consolidates a housing policy focused on the right to live with dignity, with the support of European financing mechanisms and a firm commitment to social and sustainable urban planning.