Requirements for purchasing a price-controlled home

Want to access affordable housing? The shortage of available homes and high prices mean that many people struggle to buy a house. Affordable housing aims to provide homes for individuals with limited financial resources. In this article, we explain the requirements to buy a price-capped property.

What types of public housing are available in Barcelona?

Both the national government and autonomous communities regulate public housing. In Barcelona, the following types can be found: – Special regime housing. – General regime housing. – Agreed price housing. – Officially protected agreed housing. The Government of Catalonia determines the housing classification and sets the maximum sale price depending on the housing regime.

Requirements to access affordable housing in Barcelona

In general, the requirements to buy public housing in Barcelona are: – Be of legal age or legally emancipated as a minor. – Have household income within the established limits. Each housing type has specific income thresholds, usually calculated based on the IPREM (Public Indicator of Multiple Effects Income) or the IRSC (Catalan Sufficient Income Indicator). Income from all household members is considered. The income is assessed via the personal income tax return of each household member. If someone did not file a tax return, a certificate of imputed income from the Tax Agency is required. – Reside and be registered in Barcelona continuously for the period specified in the relevant call. Both residence and registration must be in place before the registration period begins. Foreign applicants must have a valid residence permit. If the applicant lives with their family, only their registration is required. – Not own any other real estate. The applicant must not own, in full ownership, any other dwelling or property. A housing need is considered to exist even if the applicant has a dwelling, in the following cases: – If it is outside urban planning and under a final demolition order. – If it has been declared unsafe or in ruins and must be demolished. – If it fails to meet the legal minimum habitability standards. – In cases of legal separation or divorce where the home was awarded to the other spouse. – In cases where the applicant had to leave due to reported domestic violence. – If the property lacks accessibility or has architectural barriers. – If it is overcrowded beyond the legal occupancy limit. – If the applicant is undergoing a foreclosure process that may result in losing their home. – If the applicant can justify a need to relocate due to work, physical dependency, or harassment. A housing need is **not** considered to exist if the applicant or any member of the household has: – The right of usufruct. – The right of use. – The right of habitation. – Surface rights. – Bare ownership. – Full ownership.

• Not be in any of the exclusion situations. These include:

– Voluntarily rejecting an awarded affordable home without justified cause. In this case, re-registration is not allowed for 5 years. – Registration revoked due to breach of legal conditions. – Having previously been awarded an affordable home under a purchase scheme. If it was under a rental scheme, registration for other options is still allowed. – Subsequently failing to meet the registration requirements. – Not being legally incapacitated to enter into contracts under Catalan civil law.

What documents must be provided?

Applicants must provide the following documents to prove eligibility: – Copy of ID or foreigner identification card. – Copy of residence permit if the applicant is a foreign national. – Disability certificate, if applicable. – Documents showing income, such as personal income tax returns. – Family book or another document proving cohabitation. – Copy of divorce or separation judgment and settlement agreement, if any. – Documents justifying housing need, such as a land registry certificate. – Original and copy of the deed of sale of the current home, if applicable. – If declared unsafe, a copy of the municipal certificate. – A filed complaint in cases of domestic violence. – If there is a foreclosure, provide the legal claim or court ruling. – Applications can be submitted online through the Consorci de l’Habitatge de Barcelona website.

Can a price-capped home be sold?

This is a common question among applicants. The answer depends on the conditions established in the initial classification. Typically, these homes remain protected for a period ranging from 10 to 30 years after construction or purchase. During this time, a sale is allowed only under certain conditions: – The sale price cannot exceed the cap set by the relevant public authority. – Authorisation must be requested from the competent authority, which has the right of first refusal and repurchase. – The new buyer must also meet the income and usage requirements (i.e., using the property as a primary residence). Once the protection period has legally expired, the home may be sold at market price without restrictions. So, if you’re considering buying a price-capped home, make sure you meet all the requirements before registering as an applicant.