Barcelona introduces 400-euro rent subsidy for residents over 55

The City Council allocates six million euros to support vulnerable families and seniors with monthly rent payments.

Generic image of house keys on a table with a building in the background.
IA

Generic image of house keys on a table with a building in the background.

Mayor Jaume Collboni has announced a new social housing initiative in Barcelona, offering up to 400 euros in monthly rent assistance for residents over 55 and single-parent families starting this February 20.

The program, backed by a six-million-euro budget agreed upon with Junts, will provide support for up to 12 months. To qualify, the rental property must be located in Barcelona and the monthly rent cannot exceed 1,100 euros.
The Barcelona City Council stated that the subsidy is intended for those spending more than 30% of their income on rent. This measure aims to protect citizens at risk of residential exclusion by covering the portion of the rent that exceeds this financial threshold.

"For those who are making speculative purchases, especially foreigners, they should know that the bargain is over."

Jaume Collboni · Mayor of Barcelona
Additionally, Collboni expressed his support for banning non-EU foreigners from purchasing property for purely speculative purposes. He suggested increasing taxes for international buyers who do not intend to live in the city, emphasizing that housing should not be treated as a short-term investment asset.