The government has extended the eviction ban for six more months, pushing the deadline to December 31. During a press conference after the Council of Ministers meeting, Nadia Calviño, the First Vice-President and Minister of Economic Affairs and Digital Transformation, explained that the extension had already been contemplated in the Housing Law. She noted that autonomous communities needed more time to implement mediation mechanisms and identify housing options that would be included in the text.
The eviction moratorium remains in place for residences that are considered habitual homes and involves coordinated actions among the judiciary and authorized social services. It covers households facing eviction when dependents are victims of violence, including women and minors. In such cases, the judge may suspend the procedure and request a report from social services to assess economic fragility and determine appropriate measures. The Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda clarified this in an official note, emphasizing the balance between protecting vulnerable families and ensuring housing stability. This policy also applies to owners who hold more than ten rental properties, allowing the court to suspend an eviction if social services can adequately evaluate the more complex financial picture of the household.
Owners whose eviction proceedings are paused may seek compensation. Previously, compensation claims had to be filed within one month after the suspension period, but the window has now been extended to January 31, 2024, giving households additional time to explore alternatives and gather the necessary documentation.
Extension of leases not renewed
The administration opted not to extend the policy that would prolong leases by six months beyond their expiry. This decision aligns with the National Plan of Response to the consequences of the war in Ukraine and aims to curb long-term rent increases driven by inflation. The measure was designed to provide more months for tenants to search the rental market for suitable housing options, while also encouraging landlords to adjust terms in a more predictable environment.
In the public discourse that followed, the government underscored that stability for renters should come from targeted protections rather than blanket extensions. Critics argued that the move could expose many households to housing market volatility, while supporters contended that a clearer, longer-term strategy would reduce speculative pressures. The debate reflected broader tensions about housing affordability, supply constraints, and the role of government in moderating market forces.
The government’s stance on lease extensions with opposition from Sumar
Nadia Calviño reiterated at the Council of Ministers press briefing that extensions are no longer necessary, given that the Housing Act already permits one-year rent extensions when tenants prove vulnerability. From the opposition, Sumar’s housing spokesperson Alejandra Jacinto expressed concern, saying the decision could leave thousands of rental households exposed to market shifts. She warned that the policy risked intensifying the cycle of displacement and affordability challenges in a market already under pressure. The exchange highlighted divergent views on how best to shield vulnerable renters while maintaining rental market vitality.
Guarantees for first-time homebuyers
The executive added a provision to the Royal Decree to support young buyers. A program involving the ICO (Instalación de Crédito Oficial) will guarantee 20% of the initial investment required to purchase a home for applicants under 35, including dependent minors. Announced earlier in the year, this guarantee is intended to reduce the upfront saving barrier that many would-be homeowners face. Typically, financial institutions provide the remaining 80% of the purchase price through mortgages, while the 20% equity requirement can be a major hurdle for new entrants into the market. The measure seeks to unlock greater access to ownership by easing the capital outlay during the transition from renting to owning. This policy is framed as part of a broader effort to stabilize housing markets and provide more predictable pathways to homeownership for younger generations and their families. (cite: Government housing policy briefing)