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.​

Analysis of power cuts in the city in recent months

12/02/2021 - 15:45

Energy. The districts hit hardest by the 31 power cuts are Ciutat Vella (9) and Nou Barris (6).

The last two months, coinciding with the festive period and some very cold weeks, have seen 31 power cuts in the city. The worst hit districts are Ciutat Vella (with 9) and Nou Barris (6). The data was compiled after various meetings with the electricity company Endesa.

Most incidents occurred as a result of the state of the power network, particularly owing to unprotected low-voltage power lines and cabling issues. In some cases this meant the network had to be reconfigured, causing saturation problems as a result.

The vast majority of power cuts were resolved swiftly, with the exception of one in the neighbourhood of Torre Baró, where a more complex solution is required and will involve a change to cabling and the renewal of the sub-station.

A shock plan has been devised with the supply company to achieve lasting solutions through the renewal and strengthening of the network, ensuring the correct provision of the service in the city. A series of measures have been defined which are already under way or will be implemented in the coming days, starting in Ciutat Vella and Nou Barris. The specific areas of work are:

Ciutat Vella

  • C/ Salvador, C/ Sant Antoni Abad and C/ Cendra
  • C/ Cera and Riera and Rambla del Raval
  • C/ Reina Amàlia
  • C/ Hospital and Pg. Bernardí Martorell
  • C/ Riera Baixa, C/ Picalquers, C/ Carme, C/ Hospital, C/ Joaquim Costa and C/ Malnom
  • Rambla del Raval
  • C/ Ginebra, C/ Safareigs, C/ Mariners, C/ Sal, C/ Doctor Giner i Partagàs, C/ Andrea Dòria, C/ Vila Joiosa, C/ Alcanar, C/ Salamanca, C/ Proclamació, C/ La Maquinista, C/ Sant Josep and C/ Santa Lluïsa de Marillac
  • C/ Hostal d’en Sol, C/ Gignàs and C/ Groc

Nou Barris

  • C/ Aiguablava, C/ Portlligat and C/ Fosca
  • C/ Joaquim Valls and C/ Les Borges Blanques
  • C/ Castellví, C/ Lliçà, C/ Castell d’Argençola and C/ Sant Feliu de Codines
  • C/ Sant Feliu de Codines and C/ Oris
  • C/ Teide and C/ Cadí
  • Also, the complex work to change cabling and renew the sub-station.

To help people affected by these power cuts and help them lodge claims with the supply company, the Municipal Office for Consumer Information (OMIC) offers a specific service by phone on 934 027 594 (9 am to 2 pm) and by email, at consum@bcn.cat. The service has already provided support for 41 people.