Barcelona launches aid of up to €30,000 to renovate empty flats for affordable rent

Barcelona increases aid for owners who refurbish empty flats. The aim is to expand the supply of affordable rental housing. The deadline to apply for the grant ends in November 2026. Discover the requirements and benefits of this municipal plan.

Barcelona is taking a further step to combat the shortage of affordable housing and bring the city’s empty flats into use. The Consorci de l’Habitatge has increased to €30,000 the aid for those who refurbish their unoccupied flat and transfer it to the municipal Rental Housing Pool. This figure is €10,000 more than in previous calls, with the intention of attracting more owners and making access easier for families with financial difficulties.

The call is open to those who place their empty home in the municipal rental network, as well as those who participate in the Mesa d’Emergències or the Primer la Llar programme. The deadline to apply for aid runs until 30 November 2026, even allowing owners who have already started work to benefit from the programme.

The grants cover a wide range of renovations: from structural improvements to obtain the certificate of habitability, to updating water, electricity and gas installations. Refurbishments of kitchens and bathrooms are also included, provided standards similar to those for protected housing are met. In addition, measures to improve accessibility, internal mobility and energy efficiency are envisaged, such as replacing windows or balcony doors for better thermal and acoustic insulation.

The City Council does not only offer financial support. Owners who join the plan will have guaranteed collection of monthly rent and free legal advice for formalising contracts or mediating with tenants. This protection seeks to give peace of mind to those who are hesitant about putting their flat into social rental housing.

In addition, transferring an empty flat to the municipal pool entails a direct bonus of €2,000, an amount that has increased compared with the previous year. If the property is already rented out but has accumulated debts, the owner may receive compensation of up to €6,000 for unpaid rent. The plan also provides for a 95% reduction in the IBI charge throughout the tenancy period, provided that the home is declared to be of special municipal interest.

These measures form part of the Plan Vivir, a municipal strategy that seeks to expand the supply of affordable rental housing and respond to Barcelona’s housing emergency.

The Consorci de l’Habitatge de Barcelona, the driving force behind this initiative, is a key body in the management of the city’s housing policies. Its work focuses on coordinating resources and programmes to facilitate access to housing, promote the refurbishment of the housing stock and guarantee the protection of the most vulnerable groups. Through the Rental Housing Pool, the Consorci connects owners and people seeking a home, offering guarantees and advice to both landlords and tenants. Its role is fundamental in the current context of tension in Barcelona’s property market.