Solsona City Council is taking steps to address a significant housing crisis, including plans for 50 new public homes and increased aid for rental properties. The city, located in central Catalonia, has seen average rental prices increase by 47% over the last decade, according to the council.
An internal study by the City Council found over 460 empty flats in Solsona, with more than 200 in the old town. Many of these properties need renovation before they can be occupied. Officials also noted cases of landlords unwilling to rent or engaging in 'real estate mobbing' to increase rents. This lack of available properties, combined with rising prices, makes finding a rental flat in Solsona very difficult.
Addressing the housing problem requires a multi-faceted approach, as there are no single or magical solutions. The City Council's scope for action is limited by scarce resources and existing legal frameworks. The Housing Department has focused on three main areas: ensuring residential use of housing, expanding the public housing stock, and offering support to affected residents.
Regulating Residential Use and Empty Properties
The council views homes as places to live, not just market commodities. To this end, it has suspended licences for tourist flats to prevent a reduction in available housing and an increase in prices. This was one of the first measures taken. The council also penalises large property owners with empty flats by applying a 50% surcharge on their Property Tax (IBI).
Financial assistance for renovating empty homes has been offered annually, funded by the City Council's budget. The goal is to bring these properties into the municipal rental pool, which ensures fair and affordable rental prices. While the council's capacity is limited, the 'Pla de Barris' (Neighbourhood Plan) grant will significantly boost renovation efforts in the old town and surrounding areas, where nearly half of the city's empty homes are located.
Boosting Public Housing and Renovation
Solsona is one of only 20 Catalan cities selected for the 'Pla de Barris' grant, which will provide an extraordinary investment of €12.5 million for improving the old town and its surroundings. Housing renovation is the top priority, with the largest investment package of €4.5 million allocated until 2030. This plan offers three lines of aid, covering up to 70% of the investment, for property owners in the old town to improve accessibility, energy efficiency, and general habitability.
The municipal public housing stock has grown with the acquisition of two flats. The council is also promoting the construction of 50 public homes on Carrer Gaudí, under the Generalitat's 'Pla 50.000' scheme. An agreement has been reached with Sostre Cívic and Habitat3 to develop and manage these homes for 75 years under a cession of use regime. After this period, the City Council will manage the properties, maintaining control and ownership.
Community Support and Dialogue
Given the magnitude of the project, the City Council is collaborating with external organisations like Sostre Cívic and Habitat3, chosen for their proven track record across Catalonia. These entities will develop the project and manage the homes, but they are not construction companies. This means the construction process will be open to local businesses and professionals where possible.
The Local Housing Office has become a key point of contact for citizens, offering legal guidance, mediating conflicts between landlords and tenants, managing aid and benefits, and channelling citizen demands to administrations. Additionally, the Local Housing Board has been established as an open forum for professionals, political parties, entities, and the public. This board allows for expert input and helps define future housing policies in Solsona.
The City Council views housing as a basic right that must be guaranteed. It aims to implement concrete alternatives that remove housing from speculative market forces and promote public and community management. Officials believe the free market will not resolve the housing crisis and advocate for a new legal framework to curb speculation and encourage the creation of social and affordable housing. Solsona is committed to using all available tools to achieve its housing goals.
