Barcelona City Council has reactivated a grant scheme for residential communities to improve party walls across the city, with a focus on both appearance and energy efficiency. The programme was published in the Official Gazette of the Province of Barcelona.
Party walls are the blank, unfinished side walls of buildings that become visible when a neighbouring structure is lower or has been removed. In dense parts of Barcelona, including the Raval, L'Eixample and Sants, these walls can affect the streetscape and contribute to heat loss in homes.
The grants cover up to 50% of project costs, with a maximum of €70,000 per residents' community. To qualify, projects must include thermal insulation and an architectural design that improves how the building fits its surroundings. The highest aid applies to work that adds new features, such as windows or balconies, if minimum requirements are met.
If the work is limited to insulation and an exterior finish without structural changes, the grant falls to 30% of the cost, capped at €30,000. Technical rules also apply, and finishes must be suitable for a facade and blend with the urban environment. If new joinery is installed, materials such as wood or recycled aluminium are preferred.
The deadline to apply is 16 November 2026. Once a subsidy is approved, work must begin by 31 March 2027. For residential buildings, the project needs agreement from the community of owners because it affects common parts of the property.
For more Catalonia-wide local news, see our news page. The council says the scheme is intended to improve energy efficiency while also making exposed walls part of the city’s visual identity.
