The Housing Act intensifies the government’s push to acquire properties from Sareb, the so-called bad bank. This morning, Aitana Mas, the first vice-president and a spokesperson for the Valencia Board of Directors, asserted that guarantees are in place. Numbers will be discussed soon, and she referenced a real estate audit that Sareb could offer to the Valencian Community as part of a broader review (Valencia regional authorities, press briefing, today).
Yet Mas has not entered the arena of concrete figures published by the parties and has shown a measured approach to the topic. It is publicly known that the Valencia Community and Catalonia hold the largest inventories, together accounting for 40.8% of the 20,768 units Sareb intends to sell since the Prime Minister’s remarks in Parliament. The aim is to transfer properties to communities and municipalities for public use. Data from the Ministry of Economy indicate that Valencia holds the most of these homes, with 4,950 units, followed by Catalonia with 3,539 (Ministry of Economy data, 2024).
Illueca: “Public-private cooperation and European funding will enable 2,200 new homes to be included in the public park”
A spokesperson for the Botànic coalition stressed that the measure will help boost the number of public housing units. Mas repeatedly stated at a press conference after Consell that housing remains a top-priority issue for political leadership, signaling caution about public estimates until clearer data emerge. She clarified that it is essential to assess which properties are ready for occupancy by families or youths, which require reform or rehabilitation, and from there to determine the necessary budget and feasibility. The government will review conditions and timelines before committing to any figures (Consell press briefing, today).
Most of the Sareb houses will require investment to be rented
A spokesperson explained that this represents a historic step in the context of the Right to Housing Act, approved by the Congressional Transportation, Mobility and Urban Agenda Commission. The act placed limits on rent increases at a time when rents were already at record highs. The topic continues to be a major concern for the public, highlighting the tension between policy aims and market realities (Public Housing Act discussions, parliamentary records, 2024).
law yes yes
Regarding yesterday’s agreement between the PSOE and PP to reform the Yes Yes Act, the Vice President for Inclusive Policies noted that any corrections must be coordinated with progressive bodies. He called the development positive, while acknowledging that if there were issues they needed fixing. In discussions in Congress, he expressed disappointment that the amendment focuses on criminal aspects and on guarantors who affect victims, suggesting a broader, more balanced approach may be required (Congressional debate records, 2024).